Employee Relations Manager

JOB OVERVIEW:

The role of the Employee Relations Manager is to resolve employee issues and problems by upholding company values and culture, reducing company liability and ultimately improving the employee experience.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages early resolution of all employment related concerns and/or issues by facilitating the Open Door Process
• Advises Operations VPs, Directors of Operations, and Operations Management on recommendations for corrective actions, documentation, performance development, investigations, and restaurant processes by maintaining fairness and consistency and building ownership and accountability in support of company standards and values
• Utilizes strategic thinking skills to ensure recommendations and advice, take into account all business ramifications
• Partners with Employment Law team to bring investigations to resolution Effectively analyzes, organizes, and communicates large amounts of data as necessary for issue analysis and risk assessment. Uses issues analysis and risk assessments to recommend and advise business partners on Human Resources issues
• Supports the employee experience by providing initiative-taking insight through monitoring and evaluating call trends, division, and restaurant issues
• Acts as liaison with operations and/or RSC departments in response to crisis situations (i.e., EAP, Total Rewards, Corporate Security, Total Quality, Public Relations, etc.)
• Demonstrates ownership of actions and decisions; follows appropriate issues through to completion and professionally challenges and escalates when necessary
• Displays strategic leadership and ownership of assigned projects or assignments
• Researches, interprets, advises, and ensures adherence to state, federal, and local employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, Title VII, ADEA, and INS guidelines
• Coaches Managers and employees on the DRP, including facilitating open door discussions and partnering with the DRP team on proceedings
• Investigates and prepares documentation relating to DRP, administrative charges and attorney demand letters, etc.
• Conducts restaurant visits as required and/or on short notice to investigate specific concerns and/or to ensure company standards and values are being upheld
• Represents the company at select mediations as needed
• Provides coaching to restaurant management teams in preparation and handling of government agency investigations, as necessary.
• Designs and facilitates operations management presentations, training and resources as needed to further develop and enhance Employee Relations skills of operations leaders
• Demonstrates through words and actions: team orientation, flexibility, and a desire to positively contribute to the success of the Employee Relations team
• Ensures accuracy and consistency in all administrative duties such as call notes, imaging, coordination of termination package details, and accurate and timely processing of all paperwork associated with providing high-quality brand support

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Demonstrated strategic leadership experience on highly visible business initiatives
• Exceptional communication/listening and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict through negotiating fair, consistent resolutions without compromising company values
• Demonstrated ability to interact and manage at all levels of the organization
• Strong knowledge of employment related law and/or labor relations practices
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and programs for multiple locations, preferably in a service environment
• Experience conducting investigations into sensitive issues

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Undergraduate degree in HR, business, or related field and/or 2-4 years HR/ER, Labor Relations experience and/or restaurant management experience

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to professionally manage sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Proficiency in Microsoft operating systems and ability to adapt quickly to changing technology
• Strong analytical ability, common sense, and patience
• Ability to enter a high volume of notes quickly and accurately in an online Employee Relations system
• Strong organization, time management skills and ability to multi-task
• Effective presentation and training skills
• Strong team orientation
• Availability to support escalations during all restaurant business hours
• Ability and willingness to travel, often on short notice (required)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities strongly preferred
• Restaurant Operations experience in a leadership role
• Master's degree
• HR Certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Frequently moves about the support center for meetings and to access work material
• Constantly operates a computer, phone, and other office equipment
• Constantly converse with team members and managers by phone and exchange accurate information