Strategic Employee Relations & Engagement Lead

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Deferred compensation

Retirement plan

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Administration is seeking an experienced Employee Relations and Engagement Manager to lead key employee relations, performance management, leave administration, compliance, and engagement initiatives for the agency. This onsite role is based in Columbia, SC and requires strong judgment, effective communication, and the ability to advise leaders through sensitive matters.

The ideal candidate will manage Leave and Extended Leave programs, ensure policy consistency,

Qualifications

• Minimum of several years of HR experience with employee relations.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Knowledge of federal and state HR laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Advise managers on employee relations issues, investigations, and policy interpretation.
• Oversee exit interviews, grievances, and representation in mediations and hearings.
• Coordinate with HR Director and Legal Counsel on high‑risk issues.
• Manage unemployment claims and appear before the Appeal Tribunal as needed.
• Ensure compliance with drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Oversee performance management in SuccessFactors and maintain EPMS records in SCEIS.

Skills

Employee relations

Policy interpretation

Investigations

Disciplinary actions

Communication skills

Leave administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

The South Carolina Department of Administration is seeking an experienced Employee Relations and Engagement Manager to lead key employee relations, performance management, leave administration, compliance, and engagement initiatives for the agency. This onsite role is based in Columbia, SC and requires strong judgment, effective communication, and the ability to advise leaders through sensitive matters.

The ideal candidate will manage Leave and Extended Leave programs, ensure policy consistency,