Employee Relations Specialist

Talascend - Lake Forest, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Lake Forest, IL

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Employee Relations Specialist will play a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace environment within the manufacturing sector. This long-term contract position is based in Lake Forest, Illinois, and is designed for individuals who are adept at navigating complex employee relations issues. The specialist will be responsible for conducting thorough workplace investigations and performance improvement consultations, ensuring that corrective action documents, including Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), are reviewed meticulously. This role requires a proactive approach to resolving team member issues, utilizing company policies and guidelines to mitigate risks while enhancing the overall team member experience. In addition to investigations, the Employee Relations Specialist will provide essential coaching and guidance to managers, focusing on team effectiveness and employee performance. This includes assisting in the creation of development and improvement plans tailored to individual and team needs. The specialist will work closely with leaders to build their capabilities in managing high-performing teams, emphasizing the importance of regular documentation and quality conversations regarding performance management. The role demands strong consultative relationship-building skills, as the specialist will interact with all levels of HR and business management. Establishing credibility and developing effective working relationships quickly is essential. The specialist will also be responsible for creating an open dialogue and partnerships to fully understand the implications of various situations and the associated risks. By fostering sustained communication, the specialist will provide value-added coaching and feedback, promoting development and growth for team members at all levels. Familiarity with tools such as ServiceNow or SuccessFactors is considered a plus, enhancing the specialist's ability to manage employee relations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct workplace investigations and performance improvement consultations.
• Review Corrective Action documents, including Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Consult with counsel and teach business partners effective ways of resolving team member issues.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers regarding team effectiveness and employee performance.
• Assist with the creation of appropriate development and improvement plans for employees.
• Ensure leaders build capability to drive high-performing teams by managing performance proactively.
• Increase regular documentation and quality conversations regarding performance management.
• Demonstrate consultative relationship-building and interpersonal skills with HR and business management.
• Establish credibility and develop working relationships quickly.
• Create open and multi-way dialogue to understand and embrace all implications of situations at hand.
• Proactively share value-added coaching and feedback for team members at all levels.

Requirements

• Previous experience in employee relations or a related field.
• Strong understanding of workplace investigations and performance management processes.
• Excellent coaching and guidance skills for managers and team members.
• Ability to build consultative relationships with HR and business management.
• Proficient in creating development and improvement plans for employees.
• Experience with ServiceNow or SuccessFactors is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with HR policies and guidelines.
• Experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of risk mitigation strategies in employee relations.

Benefits

• Long-term contract opportunity.
• Potential for professional development and growth within the role.