Sr. Employee Relations Specialist

Job Title: Sr. Employee Relations Specialist

Initial Assignment Length: 9 months (likely to extend to 12 months)

Shift/Schedule Details: Standard business hours; potential for overtime

Location Specifics: Hybrid - 3 days onsite in Kankakee, IL (flexible days)

Notes:

Must be able to handle 25-40 cases/week, including sensitive issues

Customer service skills - Emphasized as critical

Must be able to triage cases based on urgency (e.g., weapon at work vs. performance issue)

specifically uses ServiceNow and NAVEX EthicsPoint for ER cases

Employee Relations can take a high emotional toll; candidate must be able to practice self-care and resilience

Ramp-up involves robust 1-month internal training, even for experienced hires

Strong peer support system available via Teams and shared resources

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Employee Relations Specialist to manage moderately complex employee relations (ER) cases. This role involves conducting investigations, advising leadership, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in employee relations, labor relations, conflict resolution, and will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Strong preference will be given to candidates with union experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Employee & Labor Relations

Conduct confidential investigations into misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.

Manage Compliance Hotline/Speak Up cases through resolution and document outcomes.

Facilitate terminations, including drafting letters, conducting meetings, and maintaining documentation.

Provide guidance to managers on employee relations best practices and fair treatment.

Influence and coach leaders through sensitive employee situations.

Partner with legal counsel and HR Business Partners to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.

Interpret and apply company policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Support unionized environments by resolving grievances and participating in arbitrations.

Build positive relationships with employees, union representatives, and Works Councils.

Medical Accommodations

Manage the medical accommodation process in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Facilitate interactive discussions with HR and medical experts.

Advocate for employees while balancing business needs and values.

Document accommodation decisions in the appropriate systems.

Corrective Action & Performance Management

Educate leaders on corrective action processes and SMART objectives.

Advise on performance issues and support development of performance improvement plans.

Promote a culture of high performance and engagement.

Maintain accurate records of employee actions and outcomes.

Training & Program Development

Collaborate with the Learning department to develop and deliver ER-related training.

Participate in the creation and implementation of ER programs and initiatives.

Special Projects & Administration

Lead or contribute to special HR/ER projects, ensuring timely and effective delivery.

Maintain accurate case management documentation for compliance and reporting.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Ability to make decisions which have a significant impact on the department's creditability, operations and services

10% overnight travel may be required

Fast paced environment with frequent interruptions

Some overtime hours may be required

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in human resources, Organizational Psychology, Business, or related field.

5-7 years of experience in employee relations, with a strong focus on investigations.

In-depth knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements.

Experience using HRIS and case management systems.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information.

Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.

Must be local to Kankakee, IL and able to work onsite 3 days/week.

Preferred:

Experience in unionized environments and labor relations.

SHRM certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP).

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Experience supporting multiple locations and working in a global, matrixed organization.

Experience supporting unionized environments and large non-exempt populations (strongly preferred).

Applicant Notices & Disclaimers

For information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location-specific applicant notices, click here

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's starting pay is: $48.00/hr.