Senior Employee Relations Strategist

Agnello & Rogers; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Consultant to act as a trusted advisor to managers, HR partners, and employees on a broad range of relations matters. The role leads complex investigations, guides policy interpretation, and collaborates across Legal, Compliance and Risk to mitigate risk and foster a positive employee experience.

The consultant will analyze trends, advise on performance and disciplinary actions, and contribute to ER best practices while mentoring junior team

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 Employee Relations.
• Experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on sensitive matters.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Experience partnering with Legal and Compliance teams on employment-related matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation and disciplinary actions.
• Lead and manage complex workplace investigations, including coordination with Legal as needed.
• Conduct thorough fact-finding, risk assessments, and investigations while maintaining confidentiality.
• Provide coaching to managers and HR partners on performance concerns and conflict resolution.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and HR to ensure consistent policy application and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze employee relations data and case trends to identify proactive interventions.
• Recommend enhancements to policies and processes based on findings and best practices.
• Support organizational change initiatives by advising leaders on ER implications and risk mitigation.
• Participate in cross-functional HR projects focused on employee experience and process improvement.
• Mentor junior ER team members and contribute to ER practice development.

Skills

Workplace investigations

Employment law knowledge

Legal collaboration

Leadership and coaching

Employee relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/BA or related

Master's degree preferred

7+ years HR experience (ER focus)

Job description

Northern Trust is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Consultant to act as a trusted advisor to managers, HR partners, and employees on a broad range of relations matters. The role leads complex investigations, guides policy interpretation, and collaborates across Legal, Compliance and Risk to mitigate risk and foster a positive employee experience.

The consultant will analyze trends, advise on performance and disciplinary actions, and contribute to ER best practices while mentoring junior team