Strategic Employee Relations Manager

State of North Carolina - Department of Transportation; North Carolina; On-site; USD 71,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

State of North Carolina - Department of Transportation is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead the ER Section, guiding a team to ensure fair handling of disciplinary actions, grievances, and employee assistance resources across the agency.

You will interpret HR policies, influence workplace culture, and coordinate investigations to maintain integrity and consistency in a large state organization. This role shapes policy and supports managers and staff statewide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field with at least 5 years of HR experience, including 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience interpreting state and federal HR laws, regulations, and policies.
• Strong communication and decision-making in sensitive HR matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Employee Relations Unit, setting standards and priorities for the ER Section.
• Oversee disciplinary actions and ensure they are proportionate, compliant, and legally defensible.
• Chair and facilitate the PDC Review Committee with cross-functional representation.
• Administer the employee grievance process in partnership with the Mediation & Hearings Coordinator.
• Lead the Employee Assistance Program services and promote EAP resources.
• Shape and adjust ER policies to reflect legal and organizational changes.
• Oversee workplace violence investigations and coordinate related actions.

Skills

Employee relations

HR policy

Investigation practices

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR

5+ years HR experience

Tools

HRIS

Job description

State of North Carolina - Department of Transportation is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead the ER Section, guiding a team to ensure fair handling of disciplinary actions, grievances, and employee assistance resources across the agency.

You will interpret HR policies, influence workplace culture, and coordinate investigations to maintain integrity and consistency in a large state organization. This role shapes policy and supports managers and staff statewide.