Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist The Employee Relations Specialist plays a key role in fostering a positive, respectful, and high‑performing workplace by helping leaders and employees navigate complex and sensitive people matters. This role identifies employee relations trends, assesses risk, and partners with HR and other stakeholders to address workplace concerns in a fair, consistent, and well‑documented manner. The specialist leads and supports investigations involving concerns such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, bullying, hostile work environment, performance and conduct issues, financial misconduct, information security incidents, and inappropriate management practices, while providing guidance on policy interpretation, conflict resolution, corrective action, and other employee relations matters. What You’ll Do: Lead complex employee relations investigations and support timely, fair, and well‑documented resolutions while minimizing legal, reputational, and operational risk to the firm. Conduct intake, assess facts, determine investigation approach, document findings, and prepare clear recommendations and case summaries for key stakeholders. Advise managers, HR partners, and leaders on employee relations matters including performance management, corrective action, policy interpretation, workplace conflict, and conduct concerns. Assess employee relations matters to identify key issues, determine risk exposure, and ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and employment practices. Apply sound judgment and ensure appropriate consultation and escalation. Facilitate debriefs and provide clear guidance to stakeholders at all levels on sensitive employee relations matters, recommended actions, and investigation outcomes. Draft, review, and support communications related to complaints, disputes, corrective actions, and other sensitive employment matters. Analyze employee relations data and trends, identify themes, and recommend process, policy, or improvement initiatives. Develop and deliver training and coaching for leaders and HR partners on employee relations best practices, investigations, documentation, and effective issue resolution. Manage and evolve global compliance training for employee relations and workplace conduct topics, including harassment prevention, POSH, bystander intervention, and California workplace violence prevention training; own the training strategy and annual calendar, coordinate regional legal and regulatory requirements, partner on vendor and content management, and oversee completion tracking, reporting, and audit readiness. What You’ll Bring: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree, JD, or relevant HR certification preferred. Approximately 5–8 years of relevant employee relations, HR, workplace investigations, or related experience, ideally in a multinational, matrixed, or professional services environment. Significant experience managing sensitive and complex employee relations matters, with strong documentation, investigative, and recommendation‑writing skills. Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and workplace investigation practices, including equal employment opportunity, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation considerations. Deep understanding of HR policy, employee relations principles, and workplace practices, with the ability to apply them consistently and pragmatically. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, handling sensitive matters clearly, objectively, and professionally. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail and quality. Proven ability to build trusted relationships with HR business partners and cross‑functional stakeholders. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, identifying trends and recommending practical solutions. Experience managing or supporting global compliance training programs related to workplace conduct and employee relations. Fluency in English. Client‑first mentality, intense work ethic, and collaborative spirit. How You’ll Grow: Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways. Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities. Internal mobility paths that empower growth via career curves, individual contribution, and role expansions. Perks & Benefits: ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package supporting health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. For details on total rewards in the United States, visit ZS US office locations | ZS. Hybrid Working Model: Employees work a flexible and connected model, combining work from home and on‑site presence at clients or ZS offices for the majority of the week. Travel: Travel is required for client‑facing roles. Employees should be prepared to travel as needed to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth. ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Zs Associates