Employee Relations Manager

Position Summary The Employee Relations Manager serves as the organization's primary employee relations subject matter expert, partnering with HR Business Partners, leaders and employees to foster a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace. This role is responsible for managing complex employee relations matters, conducting workplace investigations, advising on performance management and corrective actions, mitigating employment-related risk, and ensuring consistent application of company policies and employment practices. The Employee Relations Manager leverages data, trends, and deep knowledge of employment law to proactively address workplace issues, support business objectives, and promote a positive employee experience while minimizing organizational risk. This role is brand-new and follows a hybrid schedule, with onsite work typically required on Tuesdays and Thursdays at our Mentor, Ohio office. What you will do as Employee Relations Manager - Serve as the primary Employee Relations advisor to senior leaders, managers, HR Business Partners, and employees, providing guidance on workplace concerns, policy interpretation, performance management, corrective action, and employee relations best practices. - Conduct and lead workplace investigations involving employee complaints, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, ethics violations, and other complex employee relations matters; document findings and provide recommendations for resolution. - Partner with managers to address performance concerns through coaching, counseling, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and separation processes, including preparation of all required documentation. - Facilitate the resolution of workplace conflicts and employee concerns through mediation, problem-solving, and effective communication strategies while ensuring fair and consistent treatment of employees. - Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, regulatory, and compliance risks associated with employment decisions, workplace issues, and employee relations matters. - Partner closely with Labor & Employment Legal counsel on complex investigations, termination decisions, policy interpretation, and other high-risk employee relations matters to ensure compliance and reduce organizational risk. - Ensure consistent administration and application of company policies, procedures, and employment practices across assigned business groups. - Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and employee relations best practices, providing guidance and recommendations to leaders as appropriate. - Support and advise leaders throughout the performance management cycle, including review of performance evaluations and calibration of performance practices to ensure consistency and compliance. - Monitor, analyze, and interpret employee relations case trends and workforce data to identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and proactively reduce future employee relations issues. - Lead and support employee relations initiatives, projects, and process improvements that enhance compliance, strengthen workplace practices, improve consistency, and promote operational excellence. - Maintain thorough, accurate, and legally compliant documentation related to investigations, employee complaints, disciplinary actions, and performance management activities. The Experience, Skills & Abilities Needed Required: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field. 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience with a significant focus on Employee Relations. Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations and managing sensitive employment matters. Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local e