Employee Relations Senior Specialist - WSS (Hybrid)

Employee Relations Senior Specialist

Overview Great brands reflect culture. The best ones help shape it. At Foot Locker, we're rooted in sport, powered by style, and driven by the communities that move both. As part of the DICK'S Sporting Goods family, you're backed by the resources, reach, and career opportunities of a world-class sports company. That unleashes Foot Locker to keep pushing forward with the agility and edge that define the brand. We're looking for great people who want to influence culture and the generation that is shaping what's next. Whether you're building strategy, shaping innovations, or creating unforgettable customer moments, you'll contribute to decisions and experiences that define our brands' impact in the communities we serve. Come change the game with us.

The Employee Relations Senior Specialist is responsible for providing Employee Relations (ER) and Human Resources (HR) support to the assigned area of the business, including WSS Stores and the Distribution Center (DC) by acting as a subject matter expert and strategic business partner. This role provides guidance on policies and procedures, conducts high risk ER investigations, supports HR operational needs across retail and supply chain environments, and collaborates with cross functional partners to enhance overall employee satisfaction, engagement, and compliance. The Senior Specialist ensures consistent communication and alignment with Employee Relations Managers, HR Business Partners, Field Leaders, and WSS Store/DC leadership teams. This role reports to the Head of HR for WSS.

Responsibilities

• Employee Relations & Investigations
• Act as a trusted advisor to business leadership and HR Business Partners on employee relations issues across WSS Stores and the Distribution Center.
• Anticipate obstacles and influence leaders on recommended actions to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• Conduct timely, complex, and sensitive high-risk investigations, including determining investigation strategies, summarizing findings, recommending resolutions, and tracking cases through the Navex/EthicsPoint system.
• Create well written, thorough investigation documents, including talking points, action plans, and recommendations.
• Interpret HR policies and practices, providing guidance to HRBPs and WSS leadership on proper application and compliance.
• Assist Legal with ER case information needed for litigations and agency claims.
• Analyze ER data to identify themes, trends, and root causes; provide insights, training, and recommendations to Store and DC leadership.
• HR Support for WSS Stores & Distribution Center
• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for WSS Store and DC leaders on matters related to employee relations, HR compliance, performance management, and workplace standards.
• Partner with Store and DC leadership to ensure consistent execution of HR policies, procedures, and labor compliance across all locations.
• Support HR operational processes for WSS—including onboarding, corrective action, attendance management, accommodations, and leave related escalations—ensuring alignment with company standards and legal requirements.
• Provide coaching and capability building for Store Managers, District Managers, and DC Supervisors on HR best practices, documentation, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Monitor HR related trends within WSS Stores and the DC (e.g., turnover, corrective actions, safety related ER issues) and collaborate with leadership to develop proactive solutions.
• Partner with Safety, Loss Prevention, and Operations teams to address workplace concerns, reinforce compliance, and support a positive and safe working environment.
• Support change management initiatives, organizational updates, and HR programs specific to WSS retail and distribution operations.
• Strategic Partnership & Program Development
• Collaborate closely with the Employee Relations Manager and business partners to assess organizational effectiveness and develop integrated action plans that increase engagement, performance, retention, and development.
• Work with the ER Manager to identify evolving ER challenges and assist in creating new ER strategies across Foot Locker and WSS to mitigate risk and support organizational change.
• Help design programs and processes that ensure fairness, positive employee relations, and an environment where all teammates can do their best work.
• Perform other ER and HR duties as needed, including special projects.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant ER experience preferred; experience supporting retail and/or distribution environments is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and HR experience.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize; strong organization, time management, and follow up skills with a sense of urgency.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, provincial, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to make sound ethical decisions with a high level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in analyzing ER metrics and using data to inform decision making.
• Ability to assess sensitive and complex ER issues in a confidential, objective, and systematic manner.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including retail and distribution leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce high quality, accurate work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Experience with UKG. Kronos, or HR case management systems, is a plus.
• SHRM or HRCI certification is a plus.

At Foot Locker, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity in all that we do. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, during interviews and assessments. To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please review the following guidelines: Cameras must be on for all virtual interviews. AI tools are strictly prohibited during interviews or assessments. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a transparent and equitable hiring experience.

Benefits

• The annual base salary range is [$95k - $110k] / year. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the Foot Locker, Inc. total compensation package, which includes the following.
• Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Individual and Family Plans
• Self-Development & Recognition Programs
• Advancement Opportunities
• 401k Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions
• 30%-50% Employee Discount - Friend & Family Events
• Community Engagement Opportunities

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

ABOUT WSS: WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion and casual footwear for the entire family. Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top name brands like Nike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers. WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.