Employee Relations Specialist

Summary The Employee Relations Specialist supports Hibbett by assisting with employee relations matters and helping promote a positive, respectful, and compliant workplace. This entry‑level role is ideal for someone early in their HR career who is eager to develop skills in employee relations, investigations, and conflict resolution under the guidance of senior HR leaders. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Serve as an initial point of contact for employee questions and concerns, escalating and routing issues as appropriate. Assist in handling employee relations cases, including documentation and follow‑up. In partnership with HRBPs, support workplace investigations by gathering information, scheduling interviews, maintaining records, and all needed additional logistics. Provide guidance to managers and employees on company policies, performance expectations, and conflict resolution. Partner with managers and HR team members to support performance and people management to ensure consistency across locations. Maintain accurate and confidential employee relations records, case files, and reports. Track employee relations cases and prepare basic reports and summaries. Review, process, and approve proposed terminations, demotions, and job changes to ensure documentation, accuracy, consistency, and compliance with company policy and employment law. Process Form I-9s, background checks, and related employment verifications, ensuring timely completion and accurate approval of associated transactions in Workday. Assist with policy updates, communication, and training related to employee relations topics. Support compliance with labor laws, wage‑and‑hour requirements, and workplace safety standards. Respond to employee inquiries regarding workplace concerns, policies, and procedures. Responds quickly to urgent store‑level issues to minimize disruption to operations and employee impact. Participate in HR projects, audits, and initiatives that support a positive and compliant work environment. Protect the company's assets and financial information by ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of internal control procedures and informing management and/or appropriate officials of potential fraud risk. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered. 0 to 2 years of HR or employee relations experience, preferably in retail or multi‑location environments. Strong understanding of labor laws and HR compliance requirements. Experience handling sensitive employee matters with professionalism and confidentiality. Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills. Ability to exercise sound judgment under pressure and to appropriately elevate issues to meet business and compliance needs. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Workday (or similar HRIS systems) for employee transactions, approvals, and documentation tracking. Required Skills/Abilities Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Mathematical skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of generally accepted Human Capital financial principles including but not limited to HR analytics. Reasoning ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to type, handle or feel; and talk or hear. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Occasionally, travel will be necessary for this position to fulfill the requirements of the job. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hibbett