Sr Employee Relations & Compliance Program Manager

Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets say that success comes from focusing on people, not profits?
Our “people helping people” philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving our deep commitment to serving our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where your work makes a real difference.
While we’re proud of our history, we’re even more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be part of BECU.

You bring more than your expertise to your role, and that matters here. Your story, perspectives, and lived experiences help shape belonging at BECU and deepen how we connect with and support our employees, our members, and our communities.

PAY RANGE

The Target Pay Range for this position is $141,800.00-$173,300.00 annually. The full Pay Range is $110,100.00 - $204,900.00 annually. At BECU, compensation decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, and education or training. Should an offer for employment be made, we will consider individual qualifications. In addition to your salary, compensation incentives are available for the hired applicant. Incentives are performance based and targets vary by role.

BENEFITS – because people helping people starts with supporting you

• 401(k) Company Match (up to 3%)

• 4% annual contribution to your 401(k) by BECU

• Medical, Dental and Vision (family contributions as well)

• PTO Program + Exchange Program

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• BECU Cares volunteer time off + donation match

IMPACT YOU’LL MAKE:

We’re seeking a seasoned Employee Relations partner who thrives at the intersection of people, risk, and business strategy. As the Sr. Employee Relations & Compliance Program Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how BECU supports its people and protects its culture. You’ll guide leaders through complex employee relations matters, helping create fair, consistent, and thoughtful outcomes. Your expertise will strengthen compliance programs, reduce risk, and foster a workplace built on trust, accountability, and respect.

In this role as a dedicated Employee Relations expert, your voice matters—your insights will influence policies, improve processes, and proactively address challenges before they escalate. You’ll partner across teams to build solutions that not only support the business but also elevate the employee experience. Simply put, the impact you make will help define how BECU shows up for its people every day.

To join our dynamic team in this role, we require candidates to be residents of WA, OR, ID, CA, or AZ. If you’re located in Washington state and within a reasonable driving distance to our Tukwila Headquarters (TFC), we encourage you come into the office on Tuesdays & Wednesdays each week.  For those candidates that live outside the commutable distance to TFC and in any of our approved remote work locations, this role will be primarily remote. Remote or onsite, we are committed to ensuring you are fully engaged and included in our collaborative environment. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead Complex Employee Relations Cases: You’ll manage high-risk and sensitive employee relations matters, guiding investigations and resolutions with care, objectivity, and sound judgment.
• Advise and Support Leaders: You’ll partner with leaders to navigate employee concerns, corrective actions, separations, and workplace challenges, helping them make confident, informed decisions.
• Drive Fair & Consistent Practices: You’ll ensure the corrective action process is applied consistently and equitably, collaborating with leaders, employees, and Legal to uphold standards.
• Serve as a Trusted Expert: You’ll be the go-to resource for employee relations guidance, helping teams work through complex escalations and decisions.
• Design & Improve Programs: You’ll lead the evolution of employee relations and HR compliance programs, continuously refining policies, frameworks, and processes to meet organizational needs.
• Strengthen Compliance: You’ll design and manage compliance programs that align with federal, state, and local regulations—ensuring BECU stays ahead of risk.
• Manage External Responses: You’ll oversee responses to agencies and third parties (e.g., EEOC, FLSA, FMLA), including drafting clear, effective communications.
• Partner with Legal: You’ll collaborate closely with internal and external counsel to support employment-related matters such as audits, hearings, and litigation.
• Coordinate Case Strategy: You’ll act as a liaison with Legal, ensuring documentation, research, and case strategies are complete and aligned.
• Consult on Employment Law: You’ll guide PBPs and leaders on key regulations such as ADA, wage and hour laws, and leave management.
• Monitor Regulatory Changes: You’ll stay ahead of evolving laws and trends, recommending updates that keep BECU compliant and competitive.
• Ensure Audit Readiness: You’ll oversee records management and documentation, maintaining accuracy and readiness for audits or reviews.
• Identify Risks & Trends: You’ll analyze patterns in employee relations and compliance to proactively address issues and strengthen organizational health.
• Enhance Processes & Tools: You’ll continuously improve workflows and tools, making ER and compliance processes more efficient and effective.
• Collaborate Across Teams: You’ll work cross-functionally with PBPs, leadership, and stakeholders to align practices and drive consistency.
• Support Additional Needs: You’ll contribute wherever needed, taking on additional responsibilities that support team and organizational success.

This isn’t just about ticking off tasks on a list. It's about making a significant, positive change in BECU’s journey, where your contributions are valued, and your growth is continually fostered.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

• Opportunity to influence organizational culture and decision-making
• A role that combines high-impact problem solving with meaningful employee advocacy
• Exposure to complex, high-visibility cases that sharpen your expertise
• Collaboration with leaders and cross-functional partners across the organization
• The chance to build and evolve programs that shape the future of HR at BECU
• The ability to drive fairness, equity, and consistency in employee experiences
• A balance of strategy and hands-on execution, keeping your work dynamic and engaging

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Human Resource Management, or equivalent work or educational experience. 
• Minimum of seven years of experience in human resources
• Minimum of four years of experience in employee relations.
• Experience conducting and/or leading the execution of complex employee relations issues.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree.
• Strong expertise in ADA, accommodations, and interactive process management, including practical application and risk assessment
• Sound judgment and discretion; able to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately. 
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws and regulations benefit/payroll laws (EEO, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, leaves of absence)
• Demonstrated consultative, problem-solving, decision-making and credibility assessment skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, influence and make decisions while keeping partners and leaders informed.
• Ability to communicate directly and diplomatically with all levels of employees.
• Experience with document review and policies/procedures development and execution.
• Experience collecting and synthesizing data and information from disparate sources.
• Excellent verbal and written skills to effectively communicate in the English language.
• Excellent conceptual, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to develop presentations and present ideas at both the “big picture” and detail level.

JOIN THE JOURNEY:

Ready to make an indelible impact? Eager to be a part of a collaborative and innovative team where your ideas and contributions don’t just fill a role, but fuel the growth and success of BECU? This is more than a job – it’s a chance to elevate your career, skills, and future, all while contributing to the robust technological landscape of BECU.

Embrace the opportunity to grow with us. Apply now, bring your expertise to the table, and let’s achieve excellence together at BECU. Your journey of influence, innovation, and impactful contribution starts now. #BECU #YourGrowth #BECUJourney

EEO Statement:

BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.