Senior HR Employee Relations Specialist

Senior HR Employee Relations SpecialistAt Affinity Plus every employee understands how their work affects our members experience and we strive to provide an experience that can't be found anywhere else. Great service starts with great employees and that is why we focus on providing not only the best place our members will ever bank but the best place our employees will ever work. Between our one of a kind culture, incredible benefits, and work/life balance; we believe you will feel the Affinity Plus difference.Position Summary The Senior HR Employee Relations Specialist provides comprehensive, full cycle Human Resources support to the organization, serving as a trusted advisor and consultant to leaders and employees. This role partners closely with management to address employee relations matters, support performance management, ensure compliance, and promote a positive, engaging workplace culture. The Senior HR Employee Relations Specialist delivers high touch HR services across multiple functional areas—including employee relations, employment, benefits administration, payroll support, compliance, and HR programs—while helping to create an environment that attracts, develops, retains, and engages talent.Duties & ResponsibilitiesHR Partnership & Employee RelationsPartner with leaders and employees on employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, conflict resolution, performance management and corrective actions.Partner with leaders to provide guidance, identify risk, address root causes of employee relations issues, and implement corrective performance strategies.Act as a trusted advisor, helping leaders navigate complex, sensitive situations while balancing business needs, fairness, and compliance.Conduct thorough and objective workplace investigations, gather information, summarize findings, inform appropriate HR staff and provide guidance and recommendations to leadership.Support resolution of employee concerns and complaints with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.Respond to unemployment claims and represent the organization at hearings.HR OperationsProvide HR generalist support across multiple functional areas, including employment activities, employee records administration, and performance management programs.Complete and process personnel transactions accurately and maintain associated records in HR systems.Partner with leadership regarding policy interpretation and ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and practices across the organization.Support employee safety initiatives and compliance with related policies and procedures.Compliance, Audits, & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.Conduct scheduled internal audits and participate in external audits related to HR programs and compliance.Projects, Programs & Continuous ImprovementParticipate in and lead HR projects, program development initiatives, and the rollout of new or revised HR policies and programs.Analyze internal and external data to benchmark HR practices and recommend improvements aligned with market trends and organizational needs.Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to equal employment opportunity, labor relations, human resources, and stays current with evolving industry employee relations trends and challengesOther duties as assignedMinimum Qualifications and Skills Required Knowledge5+ years of proven and successful employee relations/workplace investigations experience.2+ years of well-rounded HR or equivalent experienceAdvanced knowledge of human resource laws, regulations, principles, and best practices.Broad cross functional knowledge of department's role and how it connects to Affinity Plus's operations, functions and services.Qualifications and SkillsDecision Making/Problem Solving/AdvisingDemonstrated ability to independently solve complex problems by analyzing data, identifying root causes, evaluating alternative options, and implementing effective solutions.Proven ability to analyze complex situations, recommend tailored solutions, and influence decision-making.Ability to anticipate operational risks and recommend and/or implement changes to mitigate impactCollaboration/Building RelationshipsStrong track record of establishing trusted partnerships across functions.Collaborates within team and cross-functionally to achieve shared goals.AccountabilityAbility to take accountability of responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes.CommunicationAbility to listen effectively, probe and investigate complex, sensitive inquiries and conversations with discretion, composure, and compassion.Proven ability to communicate clearly, effectively, professionally; adapting communication style based on audience.LearningAbility to take ownership of personal and professional growth; sets development goals, seeks stretch assignments, and applies new skills to enhance impact.AdaptabilityDemonstrated adaptability and willingness to take on new responsibilities.Demonstrated ability to show resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or changes.Project ManagementAbility to plan, organize, and execute moderately complex initiatives from conception to completionTechnology ExperienceIntermediate computer and technology skills and knowledge, with the ability to navigate between multiple systems with ease.Knowledge and use of HRIS databases and reporting.Other SkillsTime Management skills and the ability to prioritize workload based on department and member needs.Ability to complete tasks with accuracy and thoroughness.Demonstrated reliability, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.PreferredA Bachelor's Degree in a Human Resources related field.Experience working in a multi-site environment.Work EnvironmentThis role is: Virtual First - Requires reliable internet access and home office setupPhysical RequirementsSitting 90-95% and standing 5-10%.Working at a computer 98% of the day.Repetitive movements, including but not limited to typing, mousing, phones, etc.May require to lift, carry, push or pull up to 30 pounds.Bending, twisting, kneeling, stooping, or crouching on occasion.Requires onsite presence based on coordination of work with other employees and/or departments. May require travel to attend on-site meetings/events for collaboration, connection, project work, All-Employee Day, etc.Travel requirementsFlexibility to travel throughout our branches in greater MinnesotaSome overnight travel may be requiredRequired Work ScheduleStandard Monday through Friday business hours with a willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed. Consistent and reliable attendance is a required essential function of this role to meet the needs of the department/team and organization.LocationThis position will be based out of our St. Paul, MN corporate office. This role does not have any set office days or cadence for being onsite, however as the need arises based on the nature of the work, collaboration and team meetings, in-person work will be required. Employees should live within a reasonable commuting distance to St. Paul, MN.CompensationThis position has a starting pay range of $80,000 — $95,000 annuallyIn alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, we are providing a good-faith estimate of the pay range for this position. This range reflects what we anticipate offering a successful candidate based on factors such as the role's responsibilities, required qualifications, and relevant experience. The actual pay may vary depending on the selected candidate's skills, experience, and other qualifications.Total RewardsAffinity Plus offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that goes beyond base pay. In partnership with the State of MN Employer Group, Affinity Plus provides low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance coverage options. Additionally, Affinity Plus frontloads all sick time hours and a portion of vacation hours for all new employees, offers a variety of paid leave options, a monthly wellness benefit, and immediate 401K matching up to 5%. Our Total Rewards philosophy is designed to support your well-being and growth while