Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

About Our Company

At Lids Sports Group, we don't just sell hats - we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan-driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

Our stores feature officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional teams, alongside top brands like Champion, Nike, New Era, Lululemon Athletica, and Mitchell & Ness. We're also the industry leader in on-demand customization, offering in-store embroidery that turns everyday gear into one-of-a-kind statements.

From specialty concept stores for the NBA and NHL to iconic clubhouse destinations for the Yankees and Dodgers, we create immersive retail experiences that celebrate the teams fans love. Through collaborations with brands like Marvel, Peanuts, and The Walt Disney Company, Lids continues to redefine how fans represent their teams - in style.

General Position Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a vital role within the Lids Human Resources Department and is responsible for timely responses and resolutions of internal investigations covering a variety of employee matters. This position primarily supports our retail locations throughout the US. As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will be a key partner to our District Sales Managers, as well as other corporate and field partners, for issues needing HR guidance.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts prompt, thorough, and detailed investigations into employee concerns and recommends appropriate actions based on findings through the AllVoices Case Management System.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on company policies, procedures, and practices, providing interpretation and advisement on policy and disciplinary matters.
• Coaches, counsels and guides managers on performance and misconduct matters, ensuring consistent application of disciplinary action.
• Manages and tracks employee documentation related to progressive steps of discipline.
• Ensures the timely and accurate processing of employee lifecycle changes (e.g., hires, transfers, promotions, separations), using the company's HR Information System (HRIS).
• Stays abreast of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance in all employee relations practices and communicate relevant changes to stakeholders.
• Provides timely responses to employees and managers on employee relations matters, policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations through the HR ticketing system.
• Participates in the development of Employee Relations team and HR department projects and goals, ensuring alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
• Assists in monitoring employee relations case and investigation trends to develop proactive solutions.
• Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to drive continuous improvement in departmental efficiency, effectiveness, and employee relations practices.
• Collaborates with management and HR leadership by providing information that leads to proactive solutions or action plans that impact policies, processes and procedures.
• Supports the delivery of Talent Development programs such as New Hire Orientation and compliance training.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Required Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications or related discipline required.
• Minimum of 1 year of direct employee relations experience, including conducting investigations, providing policy interpretation, coaching managers, and supporting disciplinary and performance management processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally in a clear, audible, and grammatically correct manner primarily over the phone and through email.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with remote business partners; ability to work closely with people of diverse cultures or backgrounds.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage one's time and complete multiple projects/tasks simultaneously.
• Meticulous organizational skills necessary to document detailed information, prioritize workload, meet deadlines and goals, and provide timely resolutions.
• Experience in multi-state and Canadian employment laws and practices a plus.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan
• 100% employer-paid benefits, including short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Generous employee discount and exclusive perks
• Ongoing career development, including discounted secondary education courses
• A collaborative, innovative, and team-oriented work environment
• Early Wage Access options
• Bonus eligibility depending on position level

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Ability to operate a computer and work with digital systems for extended periods
• Ability to communicate verbally and visually with internal teams and stakeholders
• Ability to work in an office or remote environment with frequent task deadlines
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. For inquiries related to reasonable accommodations, please contact HR@lids.com.

Work Environment

• On-site office work environment
• Standard business hours from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; flexibility may be provided upon request

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Employment Requirements

Candidates must possess the experience, skills, physical abilities, and qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential duties of the role and must be able to meet all applicable employment standards. Being legally authorized to work in the United States is a precondition of employment for this position. Current or future employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Applicants

In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to, or describes you ("Personal Information"). The categories of Personal Information we collect include your name, email address, mailing address, other contact information, employment history, and educational history. We collect and use this information for human resources and business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating candidates for employment or future contract opportunities, and maintaining recruiting and hiring records. Additional information collected may include government-issued identification numbers, work authorization, emergency contact information, and other employment-related information.

Need Accessibility Assistance?

Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application may email hr@lids.com. A member of our Talent team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. This email address is only for individuals seeking reasonable accommodation when applying for a career at Lids.