Employee Relations Manager

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, psychology, or a closely related field; and
• Five (5) years of professional-level Human Resources experience specializing in Employee Relations; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• One (1) year of experience in an HR management role with direct reports

• SHRM-CP/SCP
• PHR
• Conflict Resolution and/or Mediation Training

The Employee Relations Manager will spearhead the establishment of a new Employee Relations section within the HR department, responsible for ensuring the effective management of employee relations within Gwinnett County.

This role encompasses strategic planning, team leadership, and direct involvement including but not limited to the following:

• Policy Development and Implementation
• Employee Grievances and Investigations
• ADA Reasonable Accommodations
• Conflict Resolution
• Performance Management
• Progressive Disciplinary Action
• Legal Compliance

The Manager will lead and oversee a team of two Employee Relations specialists and act as an advisor on complex ER cases ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, and policies and procedures. Through collaboration with other divisions of HR and organizational stakeholders, this position plays a pivotal role in promoting positive organizational culture and maintaining a productive work environment.

Essential Duties

• Strategically lead the day-to-day operations of the Employee Relations team to include but not limited to investigations, ADA Reasonable Accommodation requests, performance management, and progressive discipline. Monitor the quality of work and case outcomes within the Employee Relations Team identifying areas for process improvement and implementing changes.
• Guide the Employee Relations team in handling complex employee issues and conflicts, stepping in to mediate disputes as needed.
• Directly supervise the Employee Relations team, including recruitment, training, mentorship, setting goals, coaching and feedback, performance evaluations, and professional development to ensure a skilled and effective team.
• Mediate conflicts between employees and their management to resolve communication issues.
• Serve as a key advisor in the Operations division of Human Resources, offering expert recommendations based on trends, case studies, and best practices identified through employee relations work.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with HR colleagues and other departmental stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to Employee Relations and HR initiatives.
• Lead and participate in strategic HR projects and initiatives that impact employee relations, contributing to the overall improvement of HR services and the employee experience.

Public Speaking Duties

In addition to managerial responsibilities, the Employee Retention Manager is expected to possess strong public speaking skills, as this role will frequently require presenting at meetings and leading training sessions. The Manager will be responsible for developing and delivering presentations that communicate Employee Relations policies, strategies, and best practices to diverse audiences including HR staff, management, and broader employee groups.