Employee Relations Director

Proofpoint - Sunnyvale, CA

Full-time - Senior

Sunnyvale, CA

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Employee Relations Director at Proofpoint will play a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience by developing and implementing processes and policies that foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This position is responsible for managing and resolving complex employee relations issues, conducting thorough investigations into workplace complaints, and providing expert guidance and support to both employees and management within the assigned region. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with a strong understanding of employment laws and regulations. In this role, the Employee Relations Director will lead the development and implementation of employee relations strategies, policies, and programs aimed at enhancing employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction. This includes overseeing the resolution of complex employee relations issues such as investigations, disciplinary actions, grievances, and conflict resolution. The Director will also provide expert consultation to HR business partners, managers, and leaders, ensuring the fair and consistent application of company policies and employment laws. Collaboration is key in this role, as the Employee Relations Director will work closely with legal counsel and compliance teams to ensure that HR practices and policies comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, the Director will conduct training and development programs for managers and HR professionals on effective employee relations practices, conflict resolution techniques, and workplace harassment prevention. By implementing proactive measures and developing metrics to monitor employee relations trends, the Director will identify areas of concern and implement strategies to improve employee relations outcomes. The Employee Relations Director will also partner with HR leadership and cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and best practices in employee relations processes and policies, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in fostering a positive workplace environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement employee relations strategies, policies, and programs to support a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Lead and oversee the resolution of complex employee relations issues, including investigations, disciplinary actions, grievances, and conflict resolution.
• Provide expert guidance and consultation to HR business partners, managers, and leaders on employee relations matters, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies and employment laws.
• Collaborate with legal counsel and compliance teams to ensure HR practices and policies comply with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Conduct training and development programs for managers and HR professionals on effective employee relations practices, conflict resolution techniques, and workplace harassment prevention.
• Coordinate and facilitate investigations training and other ER learning and development activities to the HR Business Partner team.
• Implement proactive measures to enhance employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction through effective employee relations initiatives and programs.
• Develop metrics and analytics to monitor employee relations trends, identify areas of concern, and implement strategies to address issues and improve employee relations outcomes.
• Partner with HR leadership and cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and best practices in employee relations processes and policies.
• Work with the global HR Business Partner team to ensure the appropriate processes are in place to manage employee relations issues with respect to local practice and laws.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in employee relations, labor relations, or HR leadership roles.
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices related to employee relations and labor relations.
• Experience working with global HR teams.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact and diplomacy.
• Proven track record of successfully leading employee relations initiatives and programs in a large, complex organization.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights to drive employee relations strategies.

Benefits

• Flexible time off
• Robust well-being program providing for 4 global wellbeing days per year
• 3-week work from anywhere option