Employee Relations Manager

The Employee Relations Manager is integral in crafting and implementing sophisticated employee relations frameworks and managing HR strategies within Varsity Brands. This role collaborates closely with the broader Human Resources team, Legal, and various business partners to manage complex employee relations matters and investigations in a fast-paced environment. With a focus on equitable resolutions, the Employee Relations Manage supports a high-performance culture and is proactive, service-excellence driven, and agile in embracing innovative approaches to employee relations. 

This role will initially function as an individual contributor with potential future opportunities to lead a team of employee relations practitioners.

What you will do:

• Manage and lead end-to-end employee relations matters including complex investigations, creating investigation memos, executive updates, disciplinary documentation, and utilizing a centralized case management system 
• Develop and implement strategic HR policies and processes, ensuring alignment with Varsity Brands’ values and compliance with legal standards 
• Serve as a lead investigator for sensitive and complex employee relations issues, ensuring outcomes align with the company’s DE&I priorities and culture 
• Drive organizational change through evidence-based recommendations, initiating projects to enhance HR functionalities and employee satisfaction 
• Collaborate effectively across functions to support the goals of the Varsity Brands and ensure a consistent employee relations experience 
• Utilize data and metrics to drive improvements in HR policies and processes, maintaining high standards and adapting to new regulations and best practices 
• Update and manage the Varsity Brands employee handbook and standardized compliance processes like performance improvement plans and corrective actions 
• Provide high-quality support in employee relations such as performance coaching, managing separations, and advising on complex HR matters 
• Engage and align key stakeholders including HR Business Partners, reviewing existing policies and processes, and updating them to reflect competitive practices and improve the employee experience 

What you bring:

• Discretion and Privacy: Upholds the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information 
• Inspirational Leadership: Proficient in leading teams with a motivational approach that fosters growth and maximizes potential 
• HR Acumen: Extensive knowledge in HR principles including talent management, employee engagement, and performance optimization 
• Relationship Building: Strong ability to build trusted relationships across various business units 
• Communication and Influence: Exceptional communication skills (including presentation skills), both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences 
• Critical Thinking: Advanced problem-solving skills to handle complex scenarios and devise effective solutions 

What you need:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in HR, Business, Law, or related field preferred 

• Professional HR Certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred 

• Minimum 5 years of employee relations, performance management, employment separations, and investigations experience; global experience preferred 

• Minimum 3 years of HR leadership experience leading a team of HR professionals 
• High proficiency of U.S. employment laws including Title VII, ADEA, ADA; comprehensive experience in handling state agencies across multiple jurisdictions, including California employment laws 
• Proven track record of developing and implementing employee relations frameworks from the ground up; experience with business process modeling/mapping and documentation management 
• Experience consulting enterprise business partners as it relates to employee relations initiatives; experience with maintaining an effective level of business literacy 
• Confident and proactive, with a focus on superb employee care and empathy 
• Strong coaching and facilitation skills, with a proven track record of developing talent and enhancing team performance across various regions and skill levels 
• Demonstrated expertise in investigating complex matters and effectively managing risks 
• Strong initiative and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment 
• Demonstrated expertise in managing group separation programs, ensuring compliance and sensitivity in execution 
• Prior experience with Workday Help or similar case management system 
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: MS OneNote, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Word, MS Teams, MS SharePoint, and MS Outlook 

Travel 

• Some business travel may be required