Senior Employee Relations Specialist

The Colleague Relations Specialist plays a key role in conducting HR-related duties in collaboration with the Head of Colleague Relations and business leadership to support optimal culture and engagement of the organization. This position must possess considerable skill in the following functional areas: employee relations, performance management, and policy administration.

You will

Collaborate with Managers, HR, and the HR team to promote and support the corporate culture of the organization, while collaborating closely with leaders and colleagues to cultivate positive work relationships.

Promote high employee morale and foster strong employee engagement, belonging, recognition, and celebration of employee accomplishments.

Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the regulations and obligations pertaining to colleague management, with a focus on mitigating legal risks and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including EEO and anti-discrimination laws.

Strengthen diversity initiatives by fostering inclusive spaces and creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to be heard, valued, and appreciated in their work environments.

Support employee relations efforts in partnership with management, HR, and leadership.

Provide guidance and counsel to both leaders and colleagues on matters pertaining to employee relations.

Collaborate with leadership, HR, Compliance and Employment Legal to address complex employee relations issues, including conducting comprehensive, objective, and effective investigations.

Work with leadership during staff disciplinary actions and termination processes.

Review exit interviews and analyzes data to identify trends and make suggestions on areas for improvement.

Regularly collaborates with leadership to develop and maintain job descriptions, ensuring expectations are clearly defined and effectively communicated.

Assist in developing, implementing, and updating HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with labor laws, employment regulations and company policies.

Ensure consistency in the interpretation and application of HR policies across the organization.

Support the performance management process, including goal setting, performance evaluations, and documenting performance related information.

Maintain and updates records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

You have

• A passion for employee relations and you realize the importance of providing outstanding colleague experience.
• An undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent professional experience required.
• 5+ years’ experience in employee relations, or a related role required.
• HR certification (PHR or SHRM-CP) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations and resolving complex employee relations issues.
• Possess an elevated level of integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive information with discretion.
• Solid understanding of performance management processes and techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in HRIS systems, MS Office, and other HR-related software.

Location /Travel

Hybrid role –in office 2 days a week, WFH – 3 days a week. Preferred location – Bethlehem, PA or Holmdel, NJ.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you will have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Salary Range

$82,660.00 - $135,805.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues.

Health Care

Choice of [high deductible/copay] medical plans* with prescription drugs, including coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits

Dental plan

Vision plan

Health care accounts – flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts

Critical illness insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Company-paid Life and Disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage

Accident insurance

Retirement and Financial

401(k) retirement plan with a company match, plus an annual age/service-based Company contribution and an annual profit-sharing contribution, if applicable

Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative

Time Off and Remote Work

Flexible work arrangements (part in-person/part remote)

Unlimited paid time off for most roles plus time off for volunteering, jury duty, voting, and bereavement.

Personal holidays for colleagues to use in recognition of religious, cultural, or civic days.

Paid parental leave and paid family and medical leave policies.

Emotional Well-being and Work-Life

Emotional well-being, mental health, and work/life resources powered by Spring Health

Wellness programs, including fitness programs and equipment reimbursement.

Child, adult, and elder back-up care support through Bright Horizons

Adoption assistance

College planning

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan assistance

Commuter benefits in select metropolitan areas

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)

Employee Resource Groups that advocate for inclusion and diversity

J.E.D.I. certification and training programs

Matching gifts/volunteering

Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

About Guardian

Guardian has been helping people protect their futures and secure their lives for 160 years. Every day, we serve approximately 29 million people through a range of insurance and financial products. We help people and their families pursue financial security and well-being in life, health, and wealth. We help companies take care of their employees. And we help people recover and thrive after unexpected loss.

From our founding in 1860, when a community of immigrants joined together to insure and protect their businesses and families, doing the right thing for our policyholders and customers has guided everything we do. Our dedication to customers has helped us remain one of the most highly rated in client satisfaction and financial strength. And as one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we know what matters most: putting the needs of our customers first. Because everyone deserves a Guardian. Learn more about Guardian at www.GuardianLife.com.

© Copyright 2021 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY