Employee Relations Manager

About the position

The Arrow Financial Corporation Family of Companies is seeking dynamic, authentic individuals to join our amazing team! Currently, we are looking for an experienced Employee Relations Manager. Do you have the skill, courage, and empathy to guide people through their most complex workplace moments? Are you someone who understands that every challenge is an opportunity for connection, growth, and learning? In this role, you'll navigate sensitive situations with care and confidence, balancing business needs with a deep commitment to the employee experience. You'll be a trusted advisor, a thoughtful listener, and a champion for learning and development - helping people and leaders move forward with clarity and respect. If you thrive in complexity, lead with empathy, and believe that employee relations is about building trust and fostering growth - we'd love to meet you. The Employee Relations Manager will serve as a trusted advisor to the Human Resources Business Partners (HRBP) and managers, fostering a positive work environment while ensuring compliance with company policies and employment laws. This role will manage the HRBP team with primary responsibility for consulting on employee relations matters, conducting investigations, providing guidance on workplace issues, and supporting the overall employee experience in alignment with the company's values and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coach and counsel HRBP team to meet department goals and achieve performance standards; encourage continuous improvement for career development.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for HRBPs on employee relations concerns, providing guidance and support.
• Investigate workplace issues, including employee complaints, misconduct, and policy violations, ensuring fair and consistent resolutions.
• Mediate disputes and facilitate conversations between employees and management to promote a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Partner with HRBPs to develop action plans that address performance and behavioral concerns while maintaining legal compliance.
• Interpret and apply company policies, procedures, and employment laws to ensure fair and consistent treatment of employees.
• Stay current with federal, state, and local labor laws affecting the financial industry and provide recommendations for policy updates as needed.
• Collaborate with the HR team to maintain and update the employee guidelines and other key policy documents.
• Manage our background screening review and process.
• Manage the unemployment claims process, including reviewing claims, gathering necessary documentation, responding to state agencies and representing the company in appeals or hearings as needed.
• Support HRBPs in addressing performance concerns by providing coaching, feedback, and performance improvement plan guidance.
• Assist in developing proactive strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Provide training and resources on best practices in performance management and workplace culture.
• Track and analyze employee relations trends, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Generate reports on employee relations cases, turnover, and other key HR metrics to drive data-informed decision-making.
• Partner with HR management team to develop initiatives that enhance employee morale and workplace culture.
• Analyze and monitor employee exit survey data to identify trends, assess reasons for turnover, and provide insights to improve retention strategies and workplace culture.
• Assist with employee engagement surveys and action planning to address key concerns.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of employee relations experience.
• 3+ years of managerial experience.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, etc.) and HR best practices.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated experience inspiring and guiding teams to achieve objectives.
• Proficiency conducting workplace investigations and managing conflict resolution.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, writing and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidence and composure in the face of challenges and setbacks and to handle conflict assertively, seeking mutually beneficial resolutions while maintaining positive relationships.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems ADP Preferred and Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice-to-haves

• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation including potential bonus and incentives as well as paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance and Flexible Spending Plan.
• Multiple retirement plans including: 401(k), Pension, and Employee Stock Ownership.
• Education and Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program for our employees and their immediate family members.