Employee Relations Specialist

The Employee Relations Specialist role is entrusted to handle workplace concerns and action plans providing intervention as necessary. This role will work extensively with People Leaders to identify opportunities to proactively and preventatively address common Employee Relations (ER) issues and will provide guidance and coaching to leaders of all levels to address team member conduct and performance areas. Responsible to stay attuned to organizational and operational changes across the Company to identify potential ER risks to address proactively. At its heart, the focus of this position is about positive team member experiences and retention. It focuses on both individual and collective relationships in the workplace with an increasing emphasis on the connection between People Leaders and their team members to form mutual respect, trust, and appreciation. This is a full-time onsite position working at our Medford, Park Falls, and Ladysmith manufacturing sites. Must live within commuting distance to Ladysmith, Park Falls, and Medford. Flexible on main location but must be willing to work out of each location at least once a week. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday -Friday. What Pella has to Offer: Medical, dental, and vision Health savings and flex spending plans Company paid short/long term insurance ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Act as a consultant for managers on issues related to team member performance, conflict resolution, and problem solving related to the management of team members. Follow a fair and objective process appropriate for team member concerns including fact-finding and ensuring adherence to employee relations policies and practices. Conduct investigations per Company process. Provide specialist level support, thought partnership, guidance, and coaching to all levels of People Leaders. Follow expected documentation techniques and ensure maintenance of accurate, confidential records regarding all reported matters and fact-finding documentation. Maintain the highest level of integrity and confidentiality when managing employee relations issues and managing reported matters. Stay attuned to organizational and operational changes across the company to identify potential employee relations risks and raise awareness with manager. Provide guidance and assistance with the development and delivery of appropriate performance feedback or action plans including corrective/disciplinary actions and performance improvement plans. Responds to and represents the Company as needed for unemployment claims. Depending on work location, may fulfill other HR responsibilities onsite. Review and process religious accommodation requests. Provide guidance to local leadership on workplace threats and emergencies (violence, reasonable suspicion testing, conflicts, substance abuse, etc.). CRITICAL COMPETENCIES or SKILL SETS Ability to read and interpret documents such as policies, safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write performance or disciplinary documents and correspondence. Ability to navigate ER issues, consult with appropriate parties, and arrive at decisions or resolutions that are legal, fair, and appropriate for the Company’s culture. Excellent analytical abilities are a requirement of this position. Must have ability to solve practical problems without close supervision. Must be able to determine appropriate resolution in dealing with employee concerns and questions and set appropriate boundaries. Must possess good thought processes, problem-solving skills, and investigative theory. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Human Resources, Business or related field and at least one year of related experience; or at least 3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have demonstrated knowledge of employment law and HR practices. Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and comfortable with HRIS systems. CERTIFICATIONS PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred but not needed. About Us As the #1 most-preferred national window and door brand by homeowners across the country, Pella Corporation leads the industry in innovation and design. Founded in 1925, today the Pella Family of Brands encompasses a robust product offering sold and installed through various channels. We are a growing, privately owned company with 20 manufacturing locations and over 10,000 team members in the U.S. and Canada. Pella is consistently recognized as a great place to work by Newsweek, Forbes and Glassdoor, having most recently been named to America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek in 2024, as well as Forbes’ 2024 Best Employers for Women and Best-In-State Employer in Iowa. We have also received numerous accolades for innovation and design, including Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024 and Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2022 and 2023. At Pella, our team cares deeply, learns continuously and achieves results that go beyond. We encourage creative thinking that seeks out and includes diverse perspectives. And we empower you to do the work you’re most proud of — that’s why we offer individualized talent development plans, cross-functional experiences and opportunities for career advancement through personal and professional development. With talent just like you, we are imagining, building and fighting for a brighter future for generations to come. 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