Associate Relations Manager

We understand that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and that’s why we’re inspired to make A Better World for Pets. Antech is comprised of a diverse team of individuals who are committed to each other’s growth and development. Our culture is centered on our guiding philosophy, The Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Today Antech is driving the future of pet health as part of Mars Science & Diagnostics, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care. The Target Pay Range for this position is $99,000 - $124,000 annually. At SDx/Antech, pay decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, education, training and budget. The Associate Relations Manager serves as a subject matter expert responsible for delivering consistent, proactive, and risk-informed Associate Relations support across the organization. This role partners with business leaders, P&O Business Partners, Legal, and Centers of Excellence to resolve workplace matters, strengthen leadership capability, and support a positive Associate experience. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and P&O partners regarding Associate relations matters, workplace concerns, policy interpretation, and employment practices. Provide guidance and recommendations on Associate situations while balancing Associate experience, day-to-day business objectives, compliance requirements, and organizational risk. Coach leaders on effective performance management practices, documentation expectations, corrective action decisions, and Associate communication. Support organizational change initiatives, restructures, workforce transitions, and other business initiatives by providing Associate relations expertise and risk assessment. Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Total Rewards, Leave Administration, Talent Acquisition, and other stakeholders to ensure aligned Associate solutions. Investigations & Workplace Concerns Independently lead complex, sensitive, and high-risk workplace investigations from inception to completion. These may involve allegations such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, workplace conduct, leadership concerns, and other Associate matters. Conduct interviews and investigations, assess credibility, analyze information, prepare findings, and recommend appropriate actions. Ensure investigations are conducted objectively, consistently, timely, and in accordance with company standards and applicable laws. Identify root causes and recommend proactive solutions to address workplace trends and prevent recurrence. Performance Management & Corrective Action Governance Own Associate Relations consultation related to performance concerns, disciplinary action, performance improvement plans, and separations. Review corrective action recommendations to ensure consistency, fairness, documentation quality, and risk mitigation. Partner with leaders to strengthen accountability while maintaining alignment with organizational values and employment practices. Develop tools, resources, and training to improve leader effectiveness in managing Associate performance. Data Analytics, Insights & Risk Mitigation Utilize data to advise interventions related to culture, leadership effectiveness, retention, and Associate experience. Translate Associate relations data into actionable insights and recommendations for leaders. Support development of dashboards, quarterly business reviews, and workforce risk reporting. Identify themes related to culture, leadership effectiveness, Associate experience, and retention. Policy Governance & Compliance Support implementation, and governance of Associate Relations policies, procedures, and resources. Ensure consistent application of policies across multiple locations and jurisdictions. Maintain knowledge of federal, state, provincial, and local employment laws and evolving workplace trends. Support compliance initiatives, audits, and process improvements. Leader Capability & Training Develop and deliver training for leaders and P&O partners related to: Investigations, Performance management, Corrective action, Respectful workplace expectations, Associate concerns, Documentation practices, Build manager capability to proactively address workplace issues and improve Associate experience. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and progressive HR experience considered. 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience preferred. 5+ years specialized experience in Associate Relations, Employee Relations, workplace investigations, or related field. Demonstrated experience independently advising leaders on Associate matters, workplace investigations, performance management, corrective actions, accommodations, and organizational risk. Experience supporting multi-site, multi-state organizations required. Experience utilizing data and workforce insights to identify trends and develop proactive solutions preferred. HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred. Advanced knowledge of Associate Relations practices, workplace investigations, employment laws, and risk mitigation. Decision Quality. Stakeholders' Management/Interpersonal Savvy. Experience utilizing case management systems and analytics tools. Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and consultation skills. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Travel: Up to 15%. Working Conditions The Associate is regularly required to apply manual dexterity, including hand/wrist flexibility, for computer keyboarding. The Associate frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Associate is frequently required to hear and speak to use the telephone, make presentations, and communicate with people in an office or virtual environment. The Associate is occasionally required to sit and stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch. The Associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. The Associate will primarily work in a typical office environment or a remote home office. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The Associate will be required to use a computer, spreadsheets, database management, email, video conferencing, and the Internet. The Associate is frequently required to use a calculator; fax, copy machine, and phone system. The Associate must occasionally use media equipment such as an overhead projector, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams. Environment where pets are present. Benefits Antech offers an industry competitive benefits package and continues to invest in and evolve benefits programs that meet the health, wellness and financial needs of our associates. Paid Time Off & Holidays Medical, Dental, Vision (Multiple Plans Available) Basic Life (Company Paid) & Supplemental Life Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid) Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts Paid Parental Leave 401(k) with company match Tuition/Continuing Education Reimbursement Life Assistance Program Pet Care Discounts Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer—Veterans and Disabled. For a complete EEO statement, please see our career page at Antech Careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr Antech Diagnostics