The Manager, Employee Relations partners closely with HRBPs, managers, Legal, and Compliance to investigate concerns, document findings, recommend outcomes, and support risk-aware decisions that strengthen employee experience and business outcomes. Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on employee relations (ER) for Kraft Heinz’s (WHQ) North America workforce. This role will lead employee relations processes like investigations and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP). A component will include analyzing ER data and finding opportunities to evolve operations or policies and sharing those themes with key stakeholders. This role will ensure compliance with company standards and applicable laws.
Location Instructions:
Chicago, AON Center or Manufacturing Facility
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Own the ER case lifecycle from intake through closure, including triage, investigation planning, interviews, documentation, and outcome recommendations
- Operationalize the ER service line. Create and evolve SOPs when applicable. Establish operational KPIs and metrics.
- Conduct thorough, objective investigations (e.g., policy violations, workplace conduct, retaliation concerns, harassment/discrimination complaints, attendance/leave-related concerns, performance conduct matters)
- Partner with HRBPs and leaders on corrective action guidance, coaching, and communications (verbal and written)
- Collaborate with E&C and Legal: Escalate urgent or high-risk concerns immediately and document key decisions.
- Support the Performance Improvement Process: Ensure compliance, execution, and process diligence for employee PIPs. Coach and support managers through the process, including how to give structured feedback to employees.
- Maintain training and competency: Complete ongoing training in evidence-handling, interview techniques, and confidentiality.
- Analyze and share employee relations data and operational metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process and procedural improvements
Expected Experience & Required Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of HR experience managing employee relations cases (e.g. performance management, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, etc.).
- Strong interviewing, documentation, and judgment skills with a calm and professional presence.
- Proven experience handling complex situations.
- Exceptional investigative and analytical skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism under pressure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
- High emotional intelligence and ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion.
- Proficiency in evidence-handling, interview techniques, and case documentation.
Location Instructions:
Chicago, AON Center or Manufacturing Facility
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Chicago/Aon CenterKraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of HR experience managing employee relations cases.
- Strong interviewing, documentation, and judgment skills.
- Proven experience handling complex situations.
- Exceptional investigative and analytical skills.
- Ability to maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
- High emotional intelligence and ability to handle sensitive situations.
- Proficiency in evidence-handling, interview techniques, and case documentation.
What We Do
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years.
