Director Employee Relations

$127,600 - $162,275/Yr

Herman Miller - New York, NY

Full-time - Senior

New York, NY

Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Director, Employee Relations at MillerKnoll is a pivotal role responsible for developing and leading the global employee relations function. This position is tasked with creating a comprehensive global strategy that encompasses both short and mid-term planning, while overseeing the execution and consultation for various employee relations matters. These include fostering positive employee relations, conducting investigations, resolving complaints, managing performance, and overseeing organizational restructuring and reductions. The Director will provide expert guidance, training, and consultation that aligns with MillerKnoll's values, business needs, policies, and legal requirements, serving as a crucial liaison with legal counsel on employee relations and employment-related litigation. In this role, the Director will create and implement an evolving global employee relations experience, applying their expertise in employee and labor relations to identify trends and challenges, predict and mitigate risks, and develop solution-focused strategies, programs, and procedures. They will independently design and lead large-scale, company-wide projects aimed at improving the employee experience. Additionally, the Director will build and execute a roadmap of programming, training, and communications targeted at HR Business Partners (HRBPs), business leaders, and employees, ensuring that they are informed about current and changing topics that enhance HR and leadership capabilities. The Director will also serve as an expert resource for Human Resources and business leaders on employee relations issues, ensuring that consistent and fair processes are employed in matters such as performance management and harassment complaints. They will conduct timely consultations and provide resources related to investigations, critically review proposed job eliminations and terminations, and lead the governance and implementation of new employee relations policies and procedures. Furthermore, the Director will support the company's response to employment-related inquiries and complaints, collaborating with internal and external legal groups as necessary. This role champions MillerKnoll's culture and advocates for the best possible outcomes during complex situations, working independently with minimal supervision and overcoming internal and external barriers to drive resolutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead MillerKnoll's global employee relations function.
• Create a global strategy for employee relations, including short and mid-term planning.
• Oversee execution and consultation for employee relations matters such as investigations and complaint resolution.
• Provide expert training and consultation to HR and business leaders.
• Serve as a liaison with legal counsel on employee relations matters.
• Identify trends and challenges in employee relations and develop solution-focused strategies.
• Design and lead large-scale projects to improve employee experience.
• Build and execute training and communication programs for HRBPs and business leaders.
• Consult on performance management and harassment complaints to ensure fair processes.
• Review proposed job eliminations and terminations, providing consultation and documentation.
• Govern and implement new employee relations policies and procedures.
• Support the company's response to employment-related inquiries and complaints.
• Collaborate with other departments on union-related activities.
• Advocate for MillerKnoll's culture and ensure positive outcomes in complex situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in human resources with leadership over managing policies and procedures.
• 7+ years of experience in project leadership managing multiple projects.
• Experience in a global HR environment with exposure to global employee relations issues.
• HR experience in hourly employee relations, retail, and/or union environment desired.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law and global employee relations.
• Demonstrated ability to build a culture focused on positive employee experiences and engagement.
• Strong critical thinking skills to assess data and identify risks and gaps.
• Expertise in investigation techniques and handling confidential information.
• Experience in creating and governing performance-related assessment tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in a union environment.
• Familiarity with international labor laws and regulations.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Day Care Savings Account
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off including vacation and parental leave
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short/Long Term Disability
• Special perks reserved for associates.