Employee Relations Consultant

Job Summary

• Serves as an advisor and thought partner in Employee Relations and coordinates the facilitation of solutions in support of HR and business unit initiatives.
• Relationship-based/consultative role which actively partners with senior HR leaders, HR Business Partners, and/or client-facing HR Teams regarding ER issues of a moderate to high complexity.
• Leads/conducts objective, professional and timely investigations, related to complex or sensitive matters including, improper employee conduct, sexual or other harassment, discrimination, policy violations, unfair treatment, disciplinary decisions and other employee issues in accordance with Corporate guidelines and industry standards.
• Acts as subject matter expert in employee relations, employment laws and practices, and workforce change/management; researches, analyzes, and resolves complex issues.
• Supports the ER strategy by helping to identify and execute plans that contribute to the achievement of critical Corporate objectives and drive the right business outcomes.
• Interfaces and works closely with business leaders and legal counsel to bring about the best solutions for the organization and employees with a strong emphasis on risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Provides guidance to HR client groups/peers in the interpretation of policies and procedures and ensures compliance with local laws and guidelines.
• Participates in and periodically leads special projects of and uses knowledge and expertise to provide insights and solutions to critical people and workplace related issues.
• Drive continuous improvements by proactively sharing best practices and critical information to create more efficiency with ER work across Farmers HR.

Essential Job Functions

• Leads/conducts complex or sensitive investigations based on expertise, knowledge, and experience.
• In addition to internal investigations, this would include investigating and preparing responses to external agency charges (i.e., EEOC, DOL, State Agencies, etc.) attorney demand letters and other legal related matters, and complaints reported via the DIAL for Ethics Hotline.
• As a relationship-based/consultative role, develops and maintains effective, professional relationships with HR Business Partners, Business Based HR Teams and business colleagues.
• Acts as a trusted advisor and thought partner and provides guidance and business-focused resolutions to HR peers and colleagues on complex employee issues and workplace concerns.
• Serves as the subject matter expert on a broad range of employee relations issues.
• Supports the due diligence responsibilities and handles the employee relations aspects associated with proposed changes that impact the organization.
• Provides support and works closely with HR Business Partners and client-facing HR Teams on all reductions in force, reorganizations, and redeployment initiatives.
• Supports HR governance and compliance and may lead the review, and development of new workplace policies/programs that help drive the business, and recommends changes and/or updates to keep us current and ensures best in class processes.
• Provides guidance to HR clients or business leaders in the interpretation of policies and procedures and ensures compliance with local laws and guidelines.
• Identifies and develops ER process improvements, common platforms, tools/standards, and key ER training initiatives in support of Human Resources and organizational objectives/initiatives.

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Labor Relations or related field preferred.
• Human Resource certification and designations preferred.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years of Human Resources /Employee Relations experience with increasing responsibility.

Special Skill Requirement

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• Demonstrated ability to be highly engaged and collaborative, effectively interacting and teaming with all levels of employees, management, and HR staff in order to accomplish a shared goal.
• Strong problem diagnosis and critical thinking skills, including the ability to apply logical reasoning, exercise independent judgment, and make sound business decisions relative to difficult or ambiguous situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced deadline driven environment, handling multiple concurrent investigations, assignments and differing customer needs while delivering timely, high quality services and results.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision in a service-oriented and consultative culture.
• Strong capability to build credibility and foster trusting relationships with HR Business Partners, Business Based HR Teams and business leaders.
• Ability to deliver services with a realistic/pragmatic approach based on sound judgment - balancing the needs of the business with the values, ER policies and laws under which we operate (knows how to operate in the gray).
• Strong communicator (both verbal and written), presenter, influencer, conflict manager and negotiator, with history of success interacting with all internal and external business partners at all levels of management.
• Ability to effectively influence and guide others through complex, difficult and sensitive issues.
• Ability to analyze ER data and develop analytics to identify and assess root causes, trends/patterns, and risks, offering insights to address HR and business problems.
• Strong business acumen, with a broad understanding of how the business units within the organization operate.
• Understanding of Farmers policies, practices, and procedures, Code of Business Ethics, etc. desired.