Employee Relations Manager

Department: Human Resources Reports to: City Administrator Classification: Exempt Grade 10 Effective Date: October 2026 SUMMARY Under the general supervision of the City Administrator, the Employee Relations Manager oversees the City's employee relations and human resources functions, including personnel policies, recruitment, compensation, benefits, leave, workers' compensation, workplace safety, training, performance management, and regulatory compliance. The position serves as the City's principal professional resource for human resources matters, advises the City Administrator and department leadership, and directly supervises the Employee Relations Coordinator to ensure effective and consistent administration of City personnel policies and practices. EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITY Personnel Administration and Employee Relations Administers and interprets City personnel policies, procedures, and employment practices.Advises management on employee relations, performance, discipline, grievances, and other personnel matters.Receives and resolves employee concerns and conducts or coordinates investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and other workplace matters.Documents findings, recommends corrective actions and policy improvements, and monitors changes in employment laws and regulations. Recruitment, Compensation and Performance Management Oversees recruitment, selection, background checks, onboarding, and retention initiatives in coordination with department heads.Administers and reviews job classifications, descriptions, salary structures, internal pay equity, and compensation practices; recommends changes to the City Administrator.Oversees employee performance evaluations and advises supervisors on performance standards, documentation, and employee development.Supports workforce planning, succession planning, staffing assessments, and improvements to hiring and retention practices. Benefits and Leave Administration Oversees employee benefits, health insurance, retirement, enrollment, benefit changes, and coordination with providers, carriers, administrators, and consultants.Administers applicable leave programs, including FMLA, military, workers' compensation, disability-related, and other authorized leave.Coordinates ADA accommodation requests and the interactive process, consulting with department leadership and legal counsel as appropriate. Workers' Compensation and Workplace Safety Administers workers' compensation claims, records, return-to-work procedures, and communications with insurance providers.Coordinates workplace safety programs, the Safety Committee, safety training, and applicable occupational health and infectious disease exposure prevention measures.Oversees the City's Drug and Alcohol Program in accordance with applicable laws and City policy.Reviews injury and claims trends and recommends measures to reduce workplace risks and related costs. Training and Professional Development Coordinates employee orientation, supervisory training, personnel policy education, workplace safety training, and other professional development.Identifies training needs and promotes consistent application of City policies and employment practices. Regulatory Compliance and Records Monitors compliance with applicable federal and Tennessee employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO requirements, Title VI, and OSHA/TOSHA.Oversees confidential personnel, medical, investigation, and employment records; required reporting; record retention; and human resources information systems.Prepares and analyzes workforce reports on staffing, vacancies, turnover, compensation, recruitment, workers' compensation, and related trends.Coordinates employment-related legal matters with the City Attorney and other professionals as needed. Department Administration Supervises the Employee Relations Coordinator and other assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, and providing direction and training.Establishes departmental priorities, delegates responsibilities, and maintains accountability for department operations.Assists with budget preparation and expenditure monitoring and oversees relationships with HR vendors, benefit providers, insurers, and consultants.Coordinates employee wellness and engagement initiatives and prepares reports, correspondence, and recommendations for the City Administrator.Maintains professional knowledge of human resources practices, employment law, and public-sector personnel administration.Performs other related duties as assigned by the City Administrator. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of human resources principles, public-sector personnel administration, City policies, and applicable federal and Tennessee employment laws.Knowledge of employee relations, recruitment, retention, compensation, classification, benefits, leave, performance management, investigations, workers' compensation, and workplace safety.Ability to interpret and consistently administer policies and regulations; conduct fair, thorough investigations; analyze personnel matters; and make sound, objective recommendations.Ability to supervise and develop employees, coordinate training, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and respond effectively to sensitive personnel matters.Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain impartiality and confidentiality, communicate effectively, prepare reports and correspondence, and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, legal counsel, agencies, and the public.Proficiency in computer applications, HR information systems, payroll-related systems, and other relevant software. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources, employee relations, personnel administration, or a closely related field required.Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience directing, coordinating, or reviewing the work of others.Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying employment laws and personnel policies, with experience in disciplinary procedures, benefits, recruitment, compensation, workers' compensation, and related HR functions.Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Management, or a related field preferred.Experience in municipal government or another public-sector organization preferred.Certification Requirement: A nationally recognized HR certification, such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, IPMA-CP, IPMA-SCP, or equivalent, is required at appointment or must be obtained within twelve (12) months of appointment.An equivalent combination of education and professional training may substitute for the preferred degree requirement but does not waive the minimum five (5) years of required professional experience. ADA REQUIREMENTS Physical Requirements: Work is generally sedentary and office-based, requiring extended sitting and computer use. Duties may include occasional standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, and lifting or carrying items weighing approximately five to ten pounds and occasionally up to forty pounds. Sensory Requirements: Ability to review written and electronic documents and perceive sounds necessary for effective communication. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified as organizational needs require.