Associate Relations Manager

Job Summary The Associate Relations Manager serves as a subject matter expert responsible for delivering consistent, proactive, and risk‑informed Associate Relations support across the organization. Target Pay Range: $99,000 – $124,000 annually. Responsibilities Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and P&O partners regarding Associate relations matters, workplace concerns, policy interpretation, and employment practices. Provide guidance and recommendations on Associate situations while balancing Associate experience, day‑to‑day business objectives, compliance requirements, and organizational risk. Coach leaders on effective performance management practices, documentation expectations, corrective action decisions, and Associate communication. Support organizational change initiatives, restructures, workforce transitions, and other business initiatives by providing Associate relations expertise and risk assessment. Partner cross‑functionally with Legal, Compliance, Total Rewards, Leave Administration, Talent Acquisition, and other stakeholders to ensure aligned Associate solutions. Independently lead complex, sensitive, and high‑risk workplace investigations from inception to completion, including allegations such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, workplace conduct, and leadership concerns. Conduct interviews, assess credibility, analyze information, prepare findings, and recommend appropriate actions, ensuring investigations are conducted objectively, consistently, and timely. Identify root causes and recommend proactive solutions to address workplace trends and prevent recurrence. Own Associate Relations consultation related to performance concerns, disciplinary action, performance improvement plans, and separations. Review corrective action recommendations to ensure consistency, fairness, documentation quality, and risk mitigation. Partner with leaders to strengthen accountability while maintaining alignment with organizational values and employment practices. Develop tools, resources, and training to improve leader effectiveness in managing Associate performance. Utilize data to advise interventions related to culture, leadership effectiveness, retention, and Associate experience. Translate Associate relations data into actionable insights and recommendations for leaders. Support development of dashboards, quarterly business reviews, and workforce risk reporting. Identify themes related to culture, leadership effectiveness, Associate experience, and retention. Support implementation, governance, and compliance of Associate Relations policies, procedures, and resources. Maintain knowledge of federal, state, provincial, and local employment laws and evolving workplace trends. Support compliance initiatives, audits, and process improvements. Develop and deliver training for leaders and P&O partners on investigations, performance management, corrective action, respectful workplace expectations, Associate concerns, and documentation practices. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (preferred). Equivalent combination of education and progressive HR experience considered. 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience (preferred). 5+ years specialized experience in Associate Relations, Employee Relations, workplace investigations, or related field. Demonstrated experience independently advising leaders on Associate matters, workplace investigations, performance management, corrective actions, accommodations, and organizational risk. Experience supporting multi‑site, multi‑state organizations required. Experience utilizing data and workforce insights to identify trends and develop proactive solutions preferred. HR certification (SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred. Advanced knowledge of Associate Relations practices, workplace investigations, employment laws, and risk mitigation. Decision quality, stakeholder management, interpersonal savvy, case‑management system and analytics tool proficiency. Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and consultation skills. Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced and evolving environment. Travel & Working Conditions Travel: Up to 15%. The role requires manual dexterity, including hand/wrist flexibility, computer keyboarding, sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting up to 15 pounds, and occasional stooping or kneeling. Primary work setting: office environment or remote home office. Work involves use of computer, spreadsheets, database management, email, video conferencing, phone, and occasionally media equipment such as a projector and PowerPoint. Environment where pets may be present. Benefits Paid Time Off & Holidays Medical, Dental, Vision (multiple plans) Basic Life and Supplemental Life (company‑paid) Short and Long‑Term Disability (company‑paid) Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts (paid) Paid Parental Leave 401(k) with company match Tuition/Continuing Education Reimbursement Life Assistance Program Pet Care Discounts EEO Statement Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities – Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement, please see our Career page at Antech Careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vicar Operating, Inc. dba VCA