Lead Employee Relations Partner

At Owens & Minor, we are a critical part of the healthcare process. As a Fortune 500 company with 350+ facilities across the US and 22,000 teammates in over 90 countries, we provide integrated technologies, products and services across the full continuum of care. Customers—and their patients—are at the heart of what we do.

Our mission is to empower our customers to advance healthcare, and our success starts with our teammates. 

Owens & Minor teammate benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, available on first working day

• 401(k), eligibility after one year of service

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tuition reimbursement

The Lead Employee Relations Partner is responsible for delivering expert guidance and support on high-risk employee relations matters across the organization. This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for complex employee relations issues, ensuring alignment with organizational values, compliance with employment laws, and consistent application of policies and procedures. The Lead Employee Relations Partner will collaborate with HR Business Partners, Legal, Operations, and other stakeholders to foster a positive and productive work environment. This position also plays a key role in developing and enhancing employee relations strategies, tools, and training programs.

• Lead complex employee relations efforts, including investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management; partnering with Legal where necessary.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Legal to co-develop risk mitigation protocols, ensure consistent interpretation of policies, and manage high-risk cases with legal implications.

• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and HRBPs on employee relations best practices and policy interpretation.

• Design and pilot new approaches to performance management and corrective action that are equitable, scalable, and legally sound. Champion continuous improvement through feedback loops and benchmarking.

• Own the development of ER reporting initiatives and analytics tools to identify trends in performance management and discipline. Analyze trends and use insights to inform policy changes and training needs.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

• Provide guidance and escalation support to ER Partners. Ensure consistency in case handling and documentation across the team.

• Contribute to the development of a positive employee experience through fair and consistent practices.

• Lead the ongoing review, update, and maintenance of the employee handbook, ensuring alignment with current employment laws, organizational policies, and HR best practices; collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and HR stakeholders to ensure clarity, consistency, and accessibility.

• Manage day-to-day execution of involuntary separation cases, ensuring timely and compliant handling of all steps in the process.

• Partner with HRBPs to support the selection process for impacted employees, providing ER perspective on risk and fairness.

• Review and validate termination packets for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

• Coach and support managers in preparing for and conducting termination conversations, including scripting and delivery best practices.

• Identify and escalate complex or sensitive cases to the Sr. Manager of ER for further review and guidance.

• Maintain detailed documentation of all separation cases, ensuring audit readiness and data integrity.

• Contribute to the development of ER team resources, including training materials and process guides.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

• PHR or SPHR certification preferred.

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with a focus on employee relations.

• Experience conducting investigations and managing complex employee relations cases.

• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.

• Experience working in a matrixed or agile environment is a plus.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Pushes for transparency and cultural integrity

• Advocates for equity, inclusion, and fairness

• Communicates neutrally and coaches with credibility

• Navigates ambiguity and evolving org structures with clarity

• Brings cultural fluency across global and distributed teams

• Familiarity with tiered ER COE models and scalable service delivery

• Connects ER work to broader business and leadership priorities

• Leads adoption of new models and ways of working

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems (e.g., Workday).

• Comfortable with AI and emerging ER technologies

If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply. This position will accept applications on an ongoing basis.

Owens & Minor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, religion, disability, age, status as a veteran, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state or local law.