Sr. Employee Relations Partner – Columbia, SC (Hybrid)
The Sr. Employee Relations Partner serves as a strategic advisor and lead investigator for complex and high-risk employee relations matters. This role applies deep expertise and sound judgment to resolve sensitive issues, ensure consistent and defensible outcomes, and strengthen organizational practices. The position also identifies systemic risks, enhances ER frameworks, and builds leader capability to proactively manage workplace concerns.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead end-to-end resolution of complex, high-impact employee relations cases.
- Investigate and synthesize information to assess risk and determine fair, defensible outcomes.
- Apply company policies, governance standards, and employment laws consistently.
- Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
- Partner with leaders to navigate sensitive employee situations and balance business needs with risk.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and point of escalation for HR and ER partners.
- Influence decision-making through clear options, risk analysis, and recommendations.
- Coach leaders to strengthen employee relations capability and practices
- Identify trends and emerging risks to drive proactive, organization-wide solutions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to improve ER programs, policies, and a compliant workplace environment.
What You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, or related field required, master’s preferred
- 4–6 years of experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, or related HR roles
- Proven ability to independently manage complex, sensitive, or high-risk cases
- Strong critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations
- Demonstrated expertise in investigations, conflict resolution, and risk assessment
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across all organizational levels
- High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling confidential matters
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank provides financing, as well as technology and other value-added services, to association partners so they can lend to rural residents and agricultural operations of all sizes. We take pride in investing in our employees, our partners and our community.
Find out more on AgFirst.com, and follow us on LinkedIn!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
- Master's degree
- 4-6 years of experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, or related HR roles
- Proven ability to independently manage complex, sensitive, or high-risk cases
- Demonstrated expertise in investigations, conflict resolution, and risk assessment
- Strong critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across all organizational levels
- High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism handling confidential matters
