Employee Relations & Compliance Specialist - Human Resources (Des Plaines)

Schedule: Standard Business Hours: 8AM - 5PM

Compensation :

Compensation Range: $95,000 - $115,000 annual salary (exempt)

Incentive eligible: No

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Employee Relations and Compliance, the Specialist will be responsible for supporting all

aspects of employee relations at both the corporate and field level, ensuring CJLA compliance with relevant laws and

regulations, and promoting a positive and inclusive work environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background

in HR with extensive knowledge of employment law and state regulations.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

Employee Relations Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, conflicts, policy violations, and performance issues.
• Conduct thorough, objective, and confidential investigations into employee complaints or allegations, ensuring timely resolution.
• Provide guidance and coaching to HR Business Partners, managers and employees on performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.

Policy Interpretation & Enforcement

• Interpret and apply company policies, procedures, and practices fairly and consistently.
• Support the review, development, and updating of employee handbooks, policies, and procedures to ensure alignment with legal requirements and company values.

Compliance Monitoring

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO).
• Monitor workplace practices to ensure compliance with company policies and legal standards.
• Assist with HR Compliance audits and continuous compliance (e.g., local site audits, I-9 audits, leave and workplace accommodation audits)

Investigation & Documentation

• Investigate and respond to employee complaints, concerns, and allegations of misconduct and/or policy violations, ensuring thorough and impartial investigations with appropriate resolution and follow-up.
• Document all employee relations cases and investigations in a clear, concise, and legally sound manner.
• Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential records of cases and outcomes.

Reporting & Risk Mitigation

• Prepare reports and analytics related to ER trends, compliance issues, and risk areas for HR and leadership.
• Recommend proactive strategies to minimize legal exposure and foster a fair, respectful work environment.

Training & Education

• Assist in the development and delivery of training programs related to HR compliance, respectful workplace behavior, anti-harassment, and other employee relations topics.
• Educate managers and employees on company policies and legal compliance obligations.
• Monitor trends and developments in employment law and regulatory requirements, and recommend updates and revisions to policies, procedures, and practices to ensure alignment with current best practices and legal standards.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR Business Partners, Legal, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent and equitable employee relations practices.
• Provide support on organizational changes, restructuring efforts, and workforce planning from a compliance perspective.

Perform other related job duties as assigned or required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in HR, with a focus on employee relations, compliance, and employment law.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, with demonstrated experience interpreting and applying legal requirements in a corporate setting.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards in all employee relations and compliance matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundamental knowledge of FMCSA and DOT employment law
• Fundamental knowledge of California employment law

Physical Requirements

This is largely a sedentary role requiring the physical ability to:

• Sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk while working on a computer
• Use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, mouse, and telephone
• Speak and hear clearly in person, virtually, and over the phone
• Occasionally stand, walk, reach, stoop, or lift up to 10 pounds

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as

computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and printers.

The work environment is typically quiet to moderate in noise level and is climate controlled.

Location/Remote Eligibility

This is a hybrid role based out of our Corporate headquarters in Des Plaines, IL. Regular, on-site presence is required 4

days per week or as otherwise directed by the company. This is not a virtual/remote role.

Given the nature of this role and our dispersed field operations, this position requires occasional domestic travel to other

CJ facilities within the United States and may include up to 40% travel.

Schedule

Flexible hours may be required to support deadlines or cross-functional collaboration.