Employee Relations Specialist

IDEXX Laboratories - Westbrook, ME

Full-time

Westbrook, ME

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Employee Relations Specialist at IDEXX Distributions, Inc. plays a crucial role in fostering a positive employee relations environment by collaborating closely with the Employee Relations Manager and Senior HR Business Partners (HRBPs). This position is designed to proactively build professional relationships with frontline leaders and employees, assisting with various initiatives aimed at enhancing business performance and aligning with the company's HR strategy. The specialist will educate employees about available People Services and guide frontline leaders to strengthen their leadership capabilities while addressing day-to-day employee relations concerns in compliance with relevant regulations. In this role, the Employee Relations Specialist will administer programs that ensure the consistent and equitable application of HR policies and procedures. They will identify employee relations issues, recommend appropriate actions, and provide coaching to managers and HRBPs on performance improvement plans, corrective actions, and employee terminations. The specialist will also investigate claims of harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence, advising on appropriate actions and documenting findings in final reports. Monitoring the performance management process is another key responsibility, where the specialist will work with managers and employees to address performance and discipline issues. They will provide HR training and guidance, ensuring that managers and employees understand the HR services available to them. Compliance with state, federal, and country employment laws is paramount, and the specialist will maintain up-to-date knowledge of these regulations to incorporate them into their work. Additionally, the Employee Relations Specialist will partner with the Leave team to manage ADA accommodation processes and implement various HR programs, including compensation planning and new learning initiatives. They will identify opportunities for HR to add business value and guide local organizational change through effective relationship management. Leading local engagement action planning will also be part of their responsibilities, ensuring alignment between employee engagement and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Administer programs to foster a positive employee relations environment through consistent application of HR policies and procedures.
• Identify employee relations issues and recommend appropriate actions to address and resolve those issues.
• Advise and coach managers and HRBPs on performance improvement plans, corrective actions, employee terminations, and minimizing the risk of adverse action.
• Investigate claims of harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, and other issues, determining appropriate action and documenting findings in final reports.
• Monitor the performance management process and work with managers and employees concerning performance and discipline issues.
• Coach managers on organizational development, employee development, talent acquisition, employee relations, talent analytics, compensation, and benefits.
• Provide HR training and guidance to managers and employees, answering questions and providing advice as needed.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and country employment laws, maintaining knowledge of relevant regulations and best practices.
• Partner with the Leave team on ADA accommodation processes.
• Implement HR programs and processes, identifying new opportunities for HR to add business value.
• Guide local organizational change through relationship management and knowledge of internal processes and HR practices.
• Lead local engagement action planning with management and employees to foster engagement and align with business direction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Experienced Employee Relations professional with demonstrated skills for coaching and development of front-line leaders.
• Local expertise with knowledge of applicable business, laws, and regulations.
• Strong commitment to customer service with relationship-building skills.
• Ability to think big picture and see beyond tactical details.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to analyze data and make appropriate recommendations.
• Resourceful with the ability to utilize available resources to address customer needs effectively.