The Director of Employee Relations is responsible for developing and leading the organization’s employee relations strategy, policies, and programs. This role ensures a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace by overseeing conflict resolution, workplace investigations, disciplinary processes, and employee engagement initiatives. Acting as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, the Director fosters a positive work culture, mitigates risk, and ensures alignment between employee relations practices and organizational values.
Workplace Conflict Resolution: Develop procedures to resolve employee complaints, grievances, and conflicts effectively.
Policy Development & Compliance: Design and implement employee relations policies in accordance with local labor laws and global best practices.
Internal Investigations: Lead or oversee thorough, fair, and confidential investigations related to misconduct or policy violations.
Employee Engagement: Partner with HR and leadership to promote a healthy work environment, employee satisfaction, and retention.
Manager Coaching & Support: Provide HR advisory to leaders on handling performance, disciplinary, and behavioral issues.
Risk Management: Mitigate legal and reputational risk through proactive issue resolution and documentation.
Reporting & Analytics: Use data insights to monitor ER trends and support HR strategy development.
Design and lead employee relations strategy and frameworks that align with organizational culture and legal requirements.
Oversee the consistent handling of employee relations matters including grievances, complaints, investigations, and conflict resolution.
Create, review, and update employee relations policies, handbooks, and procedures in line with evolving labor legislation.
Ensure compliance with local and international labor laws, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
Develop and deliver training for managers and employees on employee relations best practices, performance management, and conduct expectations.
Act as a liaison between employees, managers, legal counsel, and HR to address workplace issues sensitively and effectively.
Analyze ER trends, generate reports, and make strategic recommendations to leadership to enhance workplace climate.
Ensure documentation of all ER cases is accurate, complete, and compliant with data privacy regulations.
Lead initiatives that promote fairness, inclusion, and consistent treatment of employees across departments and regions.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a related field (Master’s or JD preferred).
10+ years of HR experience, with at least 5 years specifically in employee relations or HR compliance leadership roles.
Proven experience leading complex workplace investigations and advising senior leaders on sensitive employee matters.
Strong understanding of labor laws, employee rights, and workplace regulatory frameworks (local and international).
Experience working in matrixed or multi-national organizations is a strong advantage.