Sr. Employee Relations Partner

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; Wood Dale (IL); Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Partner to enhance employee engagement and retention across multiple sites. This largely remote role involves providing expert guidance to managers, overseeing compliance with employment laws, and leading investigations into employee relations issues. The ideal candidate will possess extensive HR experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive work environment. Join a dynamic team dedicated to implementing effective people solutions and driving organizational success.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years in HR Generalist or Employee Relations roles.
• 2 years of leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex work-related issues through advice and recommendations.
• Conduct in-depth investigations of allegations regarding performance or misconduct.

Skills

HR Generalist Experience

Employee Relations Expertise

Leadership Skills

Employment Law Knowledge

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

HRIS

Reporting Tools

Case Management Systems

Job description

The Senior Employee Relations Partner serves as a key team member of the Employee Relations Center of Excellence. The Senior Employee Relations Partner supports the company by ensuring that managers are well equipped to implement people solutions that will resolve employee relations matters, build a positive employee relations climate, and enable compliance with relevant employment legislation. The Senior Employee Relations Partner plays a vital role in overseeing employee engagement and retention initiatives for the company.

The Senior Employee Relations Partner works in both a leadership and team capacity to support multiple sites and lines of businesses across a specific geographic region within Quest Diagnostics and its subsidiaries. The Senior Employee Relations Partner also mentors Employee Relations Partners within the Center of Excellence. The role involves collaboration with HR Centers of Excellence, Business Leadership, Management, and Legal teams to address employee relations issues, develop HR policies, and promote a positive work environment.

This is a largely remote role but requires occasional investigations at Quest site(s) within range.

• Partner with employees and managers to resolve complex, non-routine work-related issues through advice and recommendations. Identify negative trends through repetitive issues.
• Provide high-quality decisions and consistent counseling to managers and employees. Analyze employee issues and recommend appropriate employment actions to foster productivity, performance, and risk mitigation.

Performance Management Guidance and Support

• Administer coaching and disciplinary processes, including performance improvement plans and disciplinary steps.
• Assist in preparing disciplinary documentation, ensuring legal soundness, and follow-up for improvement or ongoing communication.
• Participate in disciplinary or termination proceedings as needed.
• Develop knowledge of assigned sites and lines of business, providing feedback on trends and recommendations to management.
• Coordinate and participate in Reduction in Force activities and the company's Appeal/Peer Review processes.

Company Internal Investigation Process

• Conduct in-depth investigations of non-routine allegations regarding performance, misconduct, or policy violations. Document findings and create action plans.
• Support HR Service Center teams in routine investigations.

Legal Support

• Serve as a primary contact for employment law compliance and risk mitigation.
• Monitor legislative changes and recommend policy updates.
• Support employment litigation processes, including EEOC and mediations.

Policy Review and Development

• Guide the development of policies, processes, and tools for the Employee Relations Center and HR teams.

Employee Engagement and Retention

• Monitor retention and turnover metrics to support employee relations strategies.
• Use engagement tools like surveys and focus groups to address employee issues proactively.

Leadership / Mentorship of Employee Relations Consultants

• Provide guidance, training, and share expertise with Employee Relations team members.

Qualifications

• Required: 7-10 years in HR Generalist or Employee Relations roles in similar organizations.
• Preferred: 2 years of leadership experience through mentorship, supervision, or project management.
• Physical and Mental Requirements: Ability to sit/stand long periods, work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge: Employment law, HR systems (HRIS, reporting, case management).
• Skills: Excellent communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Required)

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other protected status.