Sr. Specialist, Employee Relations

Location : Hershey, PA

Department : HR / Employee Relations

Summary of Role :

The Senior Specialist, Employee Relations is a key member of the Employee Relations team, responsible for leading investigations, coaching managers, and ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures across the organization. This role supports Hershey's corporate, retail, manufacturing and commercial teams by managing complex employee relations matters, promoting a positive workplace culture, and mitigating risk through proactive consultation and data-driven insights.

Role Responsibilities :

• Lead investigations into alleged policy violations, including misconduct, discrimination, and compliance issues, from intake through resolution.
• Coach and advise managers on performance management, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and employee transitions.
• Ensure consistent and compliant application of HR policies and procedures, partnering with HRBPs, Legal, and Centers of Excellence (COEs).
• Monitor and analyze ER trends and case data to identify systemic issues and recommend proactive solutions.
• Support workplace accommodations and organizational change processes, ensuring alignment with legal standards and business needs.
• Contribute to internal projects and continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing ER processes, technologies, and service delivery.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities :

1. Employee Relations Expertise

• Proven experience conducting high-volume and complex investigations.
• Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and policy interpretation.
• Experience managing accommodations and performance-related transitions.
• Skilled in coaching leaders through sensitive ER matters.

2. Business Partnership & Influence

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with HRBPs, Legal, and business leaders.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills across all levels of the organization.
• Experience supporting diverse business areas including retail, commercial, and logistics.
• Ability to drive consistency and fairness in ER practices.

3. Data & Risk Management

• Proficiency in ER case management systems (e.g., Workday, ServiceNow).
• Ability to analyze ER data, identify trends, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Experience with compliance monitoring and risk assessment.
• Skilled in documentation and reporting for legal and operational review.

4. Training & Capability Building

• Experience developing and delivering ER training to HR and business leaders.
• Ability to mentor junior ER team members and build organizational ER capability.
• Skilled in simplifying complex ER topics into practical guidance.
• Experience embedding ER best practices into HR and business processes.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :

• Education -
  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Master's degree in HR or related field - preferred.
  • Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) - preferred.
• Experience -
  • At least 3-5 years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations and compliance.

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The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

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Nearest Major Market: Harrisburg

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