Employee Relations Manager

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY

The Employee Relations Manager is a hands-on and highly collaborative analytical and data-driven Human Resources professional who will support the business through developing and overseeing employee relations programs, policies, and procedures to ensure a positive, productive, and compliant work environment. This role serves as a primary point of contact for conflict resolution, liaison with the Westlake Legal department on Employee Relations matters, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, and guidance to both employees and management in alignment with Westlake's values and HR policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement employee relations strategies and programs that foster positive relationships and a productive work environment and culture.
• In collaboration with the Westlake legal department, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, staying updated with changes and advising management on employee relations matters.
• Implement and standardize processes, monitor internal and external employment trends, and optimize efficiency while proactively identifying improvement areas.
• Monitor turnover reasons, exit interview data and engagement scores to proactively identify issues and make recommendations as appropriate.
• Lead and influence employees across the organization, either directly or indirectly.
• Stay up to date with industry best practices and employment laws, ensuring compliance and promoting a positive work culture.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the Human Resources organization for compliance and regulatory matters including drug and alcohol testing, I-9 compliance including E-Verify, immigration-related employment laws, OSHA, workers' compensation, Fair Credit Reporting, laws impacting criminal background inquiries, background check adjudication, EEO and reporting requirements, employee records and privacy obligations, leave and accommodation laws, separation and termination laws, and labor law and union-related compliance.
• Guide HR team members on matters involving policies, procedures, and employment practices. Serve as a subject matter expert on employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary action, performance improvement plans, ADA/FMLA leave administration, return to work/fit for duty protocols and policy interpretation.
• Manage and oversee HR-related policies and practices, governance, and serve as focal point for ongoing policy review processes. Draft internal policies that are consistent with applicable employment laws and assist with the integration of HR policies and practices following acquisitions as appropriate.
• Serve as the focal point for the administration of HR related cases within the EthicsPoint hotline tool in partnership with the legal department as appropriate. Oversee timely and highly complex investigations and review the overall accuracy and completeness of department investigations and field investigations as appropriate.
• Coordinate responses with HR Leadership, the legal department and outside legal representatives if applicable on employment related complaints filed with state and federal agencies.
• Provide coaching and training to managers and HR on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, corrective actions, and performance accountability issues.
• Develop and deliver employee relations training programs to enhance understanding and awareness for HR and managers.
• Partner with HR leadership team in developing and implanting a periodic HR audit plan for the evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the department's policies, procedures, and practices. Provide a road map for necessary changes and monitor closure of corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee relations documentation and records.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master's or relevant certifications preferred).
• Eight+ years of progressive HR experience, with a focus on employee relations. Experience with HR business partnering, immigration programs, acquisitions and divestitures, and centers of expertise or shared services preferred.
• Prior leadership experience, preferably in a matrix working environment, with direct and indirect reporting relationships and demonstrated and effective influencing skills.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in compliance and regulatory matters.
• Strong background in union avoidance, awareness, and labor relations preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technology including HRIS systems and AI.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Strong analytical skills, knowledge of reporting and record keeping requirements and practices.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with employees at all levels.
• Self-directed and motivated
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems. Experience with Workday preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, this position must make general decisions requiring judgement and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working in an office. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.