Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Illinois Defense Counsel; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Consultant to provide expert guidance to managers, HR partners, and employees on complex workplace matters. The role leads investigations, mitigates risk, and partners with Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to ensure fair employment practices and a positive employee experience.

Hybrid work model with responsibilities spanning policy interpretation, performance management, disciplinary actions, and organizational change initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant Employee Relations.
• Experience in Financial Services industry, preferably a GSIB.
• Experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME and trusted advisor on employee relations, policy interpretation, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
• Lead and manage complex workplace investigations with confidentiality and timely resolution.
• Conduct fact-finding, risk assessments, and investigations with cross-functional partners.
• Provide coaching to managers and HR on performance concerns, corrective actions, and conflict resolution.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and HR to ensure policy consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze ER data and trends to identify proactive intervention opportunities.
• Recommend policy/process improvements based on investigation findings and best practices.
• Support organizational change initiatives by advising leaders on ER implications.
• Participate in cross-functional HR projects focused on ER, risk, and process improvement.
• Mentor junior ER team members and contribute to ER best practices.

Skills

Investigation

Consultation

Communication

Coaching

Risk assessment

Conflict resolution

Influencing

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world's most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

The Senior Employee Relations Consultant serves as a trusted advisor to managers, Human Resources partners, and employees on a broad range of employee relations matters. This role provides expert consultation on workplace concerns, employee misconduct, performance management, policy interpretation, investigations, disciplinary actions, and employment terminations. The consultant partners closely with HR, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to mitigate risk, ensure fair and consistent employment practices, and foster a positive employee experience.

The role is responsible for leading complex and sensitive workplace investigations, identifying emerging employee relations trends, and contributing to the development and enhancement of policies, processes, and programs that support organizational effectiveness and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, workplace behavior concerns, disciplinary actions, leave and accommodation issues, and involuntary separations.
• Lead and manage complex workplace investigations, including allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and policy violations. Partner with Legal as appropriate, including matters requiring attorney-client privilege.
• Conduct thorough fact-finding, documentation, risk assessments, and investigations while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring timely resolution.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and HR partners regarding employee performance concerns, corrective action, and conflict resolution strategies.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and HR stakeholders to ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Analyze employee relations data, case trends, and organizational risks to identify opportunities for proactive intervention and continuous improvement.
• Recommend enhancements to policies, procedures, and employee relations practices based on investigation findings, and industry best practices.
• Support organizational change initiatives by advising leaders on employee relations implications and risk mitigation strategies.
• Participate in cross-functional HR projects and initiatives focused on employee experience, risk management, compliance, and process improvement.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior Employee Relations team members and contribute to the development of ER best practices across the function.
• Lead or participate in strategic projects and process improvements that enhance the effectiveness and scalability of employee relations programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience in Employee Relations.
• Experience working in the Financial Services industry, preferably a GSIB.
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on sensitive employee matters.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, wage and hour, anti-harassment, and related employment legislation.
• Experience partnering with Legal and Compliance teams on employment-related matters.

Key Skills

• Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional consultation, coaching, and influencing skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with leaders and employees at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy.
• Sound judgment and ability to assess organizational, legal, and reputational risk.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to identify trends and translate insights into proactive solutions and recommendations.

Working Model

Hybrid

We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home.

Salary Range

$95,600 - 162,400 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust's history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail] , or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.