Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

Meritage Hospitality Group is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to join the team!

The Employee Relations Specialist supports day-to-day employee relations activity, helping employees and managers navigate workplace concerns fairly and consistently. This role owns non-Title VII employee relations casework and also investigates Title VII cases on an overflow basis, stepping in when the Field HR Manager's caseload peaks to keep resolution times on track.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties:

• Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions and concerns, escalating complex issues to the Field HR Manager.
• Own investigation and resolution of non-Title VII ER cases, including attendance, conduct, policy, and interpersonal matters.
• Supports Risk Team and partners with Operations on investigations related to theft, cash and other Risk related cases.
• Investigate Title VII cases on an overflow basis when case volume exceeds the Employee Relations Manager's capacity, ensuring timely and consistent handling.
• Supports Field HR Manager and Legal Team on EEOC and EEOC-like cases.
• Document and track employee relations cases, ensuring accurate and timely records.
• Support managers with guidance on policy application, attendance, and performance issues.
• Evaluate workforce trends and recommend policy updates and/or trainings based on Employee Relations cases.
• Help coordinate and deliver employee relations training and policy communications.
• Monitor open cases and follow up to ensure timely resolution and closure.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.

What We Expect From You

The team at Meritage is made up of dedicated, hard-working individuals who exemplify the core values of Meritage. The team has high expectations for themselves and anyone who desires to join them. They also have a lot of fun together and truly enjoy working with one another. It is a team where excellence is expected and accomplishments are celebrated. To join this team, you'll need to demonstrate the same high standards. You'll also need the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 1-3 years of HR or employee relations experience preferably in QSR or a similar field.
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices; familiarity with Title VII/EEO basics preferred.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP or PHR) a plus, not required.

What You Can Expect From Us

As a member of Meritage, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Competitive base salary and bonus plans
• Health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and HSA options
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• 401k
• Meal discounts at all Meritage affiliated restaurants
• Plus various additional perks and benefits

Who We Are

Meritage Hospitality Group, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, is one of the nation's premier restaurant operators with more than 300 restaurants operating in 15 states. We are one of the largest Wendy's franchisees and just opened our first Bojangles restaurant. In addition to quick service, we have developed West Michigan casual dining concepts The Blue Porch and Morning Belle. Each of our concepts deliver a distinct dining experience for our guests and a work environment rich with opportunity for our approximately 9,000 team members.

At Meritage, we are Inspired by Opportunity and Achieve Success Through Service. We live by our five Core Values – Uncommon Hospitality, Run It Like You Own It, Collective Genius, The Sky is the Limit, and We Love What We Do.

Now is the time to join!

Full compensation range: $60k-$78k

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Inclusion is at the heart of our business.