Key Responsibility Overview

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for proactively managing workplace relations to support a safe, compliant, and high-performing manufacturing workforce. This role demonstrates effectiveness through timely case resolution, consistent policy application, credible investigations, and practical coaching that improves leader capability and employee engagement. Success is evident when employee concerns are addressed fairly, risks are mitigated early, and managers demonstrate improved confidence and consistency in handling people-related issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Independently manages ER cases from intake to resolution
• Handles issues such as:
• Attendance and performance concerns
• Policy violations
• Interpersonal conflict
• Workplace behavior complaints
• Applies progressive discipline consistently and appropriately
• Documents cases thoroughly and accurately
• Recognizes patterns or trends and flags systemic issues

1. Investigations & Fact Finding

• Conducts workplace investigations (non - complex to moderately complex)
• Interviews employees, witnesses, and leaders
• Collects and evaluates evidence objectively
• Maintains confidentiality and neutrality
• Prepares written investigation summaries and findings
• Escalates legal risk matters appropriately

1. Policy Interpretation & Application

• Interprets HR policies, handbooks, and procedures
• Applies policies consistently across employee populations
• Advises leaders on appropriate corrective actions
• Ensures compliance with internal standards and employment laws
• Identify gaps or inconsistencies in policy application

1. Manager & Employee Coaching  
   Coaches’ managers on:

• Performance management
• Documentation best practices
• Difficult conversations
• Conflict resolution
• Guides employees through ER processes and expectations
• Uses sound judgment and emotional intelligence in sensitive situations

1. Employment Law & Compliance Knowledge

Working knowledge of:

• FLSA (wage and hour basics)
• ADA and reasonable accommodations
• FMLA (general understanding)
• Title VII / EEO principles
• Retaliation and harassment prevention
• State employment laws (as applicable)
  

1. Communication & Professional Judgment

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to de-escalate tense or emotional situations
• Exercises sound judgment and discretion
• Communicates clearly with employees at all levels
• Maintains professionalism under pressure

1. Data, Documentation & Systems

• Maintains accurate ER case documentation
• Uses HRIS and case management systems effectively
• Tracks trends and recurring issues
• Prepares summaries or reports for HR leadership