Employee Relations Specialist

4300 West Cypress Street Suite 600 Tampa, FL 33607 Title: Employee Relations Specialist Location: Tampa, FL – Hybrid Employment Type: Full Time About the Company At Checkers & Rally's were redefining what fast food can look like. From Day one, our mission has been simple: deliver bold, crave-worthy food at an unbeatable value, without slowing down. That’s why we’ve built a brand known for iconic menu items, fast service, and experiences that keep guests coming back again and again. From the Big Buford to our award winning Famous Seasoned Fries, our menu Eats Different! But what really sets us apart? Our people. We believe in creating opportunities. Whether you're starting out or building your career, we provide the training, support, and real pathways to help you grow, lead, and succeed. About the Role The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration and execution of employee relations programs and practices within a dynamic QSR corporate environment. This role serves as a frontline resource for employees and managers navigating workplace concerns, conducting or supporting investigations, administering corrective action processes, and ensuring consistent and compliant application of HR policies across the organization. Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Human Resources, the Employee Relations Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace by responding to employee relations matters with professionalism, objectivity, and a strong command of applicable employment law. This individual operates with a service-oriented mindset and a disciplined approach to documentation, confidentiality, and stakeholder communication—building trust with employees and managers at all levels while proactively contributing to a positive and high-performing workplace culture. What You’ll Do (Core Impact Areas) Employee Relations Case Management Workplace Investigations and Documentation Employee and Manager Advisory Support Policy Administration & Compliance HR Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support ER Reporting, Analytics, and Continuous Improvements What You Bring (Must-haves) Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive Human Resources experience with demonstrated focus on employee relations, workplace investigations, or HR compliance in a corporate environment. Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, and NLRA, and their practical application in the investigation, documentation, and resolution of workplace matters. Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, well-organized, legally defensible investigation reports, corrective action documents, and policy interpretations Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity What Sets You Apart (Nice to haves) PHR, SHRM-CP, or other HR certification preferred or actively in progress; coursework or certification in employment law, workplace investigations, or labor relations a plus Experience in a QSR, retail, hospitality, or high-volume, multi-location corporate environment strongly preferred Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., SuccessFactors, Workday, UKG, ADP) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ER case management tools preferred Core Competencies Integrity and Trust - Is widely trusted and seen as a direct, truthful individual. Keeps confidences, admits mistakes, and doesn’t misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. Non-negotiable in an ER role that routinely handles confidential complaints, sensitive investigations, disciplinary actions, and employment decisions where objectivity, discretion, and honest communication are the foundation of every interaction. Listening - Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out; can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees. Critical for conducting credible investigations, building trust with employees bringing forward concerns, and ensuring all parties feel genuinely heard before conclusions are drawn or recommendations are made. Interpersonal Savvy - Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. Builds rapport and constructive relationships across all organizational levels. Applies interpersonal awareness and emotional intelligence to navigate highly charged employee situations, deliver difficult messages with empathy, and maintain productive relationships with both the employees and managers involved in ER matters. Problem Solving - Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at the first answer. Applied here: applies structured, evidence-based thinking to investigate complex workplace situations, weigh conflicting accounts, identify root causes, and arrive at fair, defensible resolutions that hold up under legal and management scrutiny. Process Management - Good at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done; understands how to separate and combine tasks into efficient workflows; can simplify complex processes. Essential for managing a portfolio of concurrent ER cases, maintaining audit-ready documentation, ensuring consistent investigation methodology, and driving ER workflow improvements that increase quality and reduce resolution cycle time. Written Communications - Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect. Critical in an ER role where the quality of investigation reports, corrective action documents, policy interpretations, and case summaries directly impacts legal defensibility, management confidence, and the integrity of the company’s ER record. Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,000 Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits available Competitive PTO Policy with Paid Holidays Off 401k w/ a company match CARE Program Employee Discount at restaurants Why Join Us Growth opportunities Strong team culture Focus on results and accountability Top 10 Cruise Prize Location: Tampa, FL – Hybrid Travel Expectations: Occasional travel to company locations for on-site ER support, multi-site investigations, or HR team meetings; valid driver’s license may be required. Ability to sit for extended periods (4–6 hours/day) in a hybrid corporate or home office setting while managing ER cases, conducting virtual interviews, or preparing investigation documentation. Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout a corporate facility during in-office days, employee meetings, or multi-department coordination activities. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and via virtual platforms throughout the workday, including during sensitive or emotionally charged employee conversations. Visual acuity sufficient to review legal documents, HR records, reports, and digital platforms with or without corrective lenses. Occasional lifting or carrying of materials up to 20 lbs. related to HR documentation, printed materials, or event support. Company Values We’re Fearless – We take bold risks and push past limits with a “can-do” spirit, tackling challenges creatively and fearlessly. We go beyond expectations and make every move count. Fearless isn’t just a mindset; it’s how we win. We’re Family – We’re a family, built on trust and respect, holding each other accountable and lifting each other up at every turn. Standing together, we create an environment where everyone thrives-franchisees, teams, communities, and guests-no exceptions. We’re Fast – Speed is in our DNA-we think, move, an adapt quickly. Whether it’s serving our guests, supporting our family, making bold decisions, or seizing new opportunities, we stay agile, so we are always ready to meet the moment. We’re Fan Fanatics – Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, inspiring us to deliver the crave-worthy experiences they deserve. We don’t just serve them; we’re fanatics about them, making sure every craveable bite, every moment, is worth coming back for. We Make Things Fun – At Checkers & Rally’s, fun is the main ingredient. We bring joy to everything-fueling creativity, connection, and unforgettable experiences in our RSC, in our kitchens, with our Guests, and in our communities. We’re Focused on 4-Wall Sales & Profitability – Sales and Profitability are key to our continued growth and innovative spirit. We’re here to build sustainable success that benefits our restaurants, franchisees, and teams. Checkers & Rally’s is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Checkers & Rally’s