Employee Relations Specialist

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary resource for employee relations matters across the enterprise for all employees.
• Serve as the Human Resources subject matter expert for employee relations, workplace investigations, corrective action, performance improvement documentation, and employment risk management while partnering with Human Resources Business Partners to provide consistent guidance and support to leaders.
• Serves as a key partner to UFG's Legal Department in managing complex employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, ethics hotline reports, and concerns related to policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and employee complaints.
• Prepare investigation summaries, findings, recommendations, and supporting documentation while maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and reporting while ensuring compliance with company record retention practices.
• Applies sound judgment in collaboration with Legal to interpret employment laws, company policies, and HR procedures, driving consistent, fair, and legally compliant outcomes.
• Build trusted partnerships with leaders, Human Resources Business Partners, and cross-functional stakeholders while balancing employee advocacy with business needs.
• Consult with leaders and Human Resources Business Partners regarding workplace concerns, employee conduct, policy interpretation, and complex employment matters.
• Monitor employee relations trends and recommend proactive strategies to improve leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and workplace culture.
• Assist with organizational restructures, workforce transitions, and reduction-in-force activities by providing employee relations expertise and risk assessment.
• Support unemployment claims, administrative agency responses, and employment-related documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve Human Resources policies, procedures, manager resources, and employee relations practices.
• Develop and facilitate manager training on employee relations topics, including workplace investigations, performance documentation, corrective action, policy application, and leadership best practices.