HR Generalist - Employee Relations

Job Summary:
The HR Generalist - Employee Relations will serve as a key partner in fostering a fair and compliant workplace environment. This role is primarily focused on employee relations and workplace investigations, acting as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders on sensitive matters. This individual will lead and support employee relations case management, conduct thorough and unbiased investigations, and provide guidance on performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution. This role will also provide day-to-day human resources support across key functional areas and support onboarding, training, and HR compliance, ensuring consistent and fair application of HR practices.

Duties/Responsibilities:
•    Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns, including complaints, conflicts, and workplace issues.
•    Conduct timely, thorough, and impartial investigations into employee complaints (e.g., harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and policy violations).
•    Gather and analyze evidence, conduct interviews, document findings, and make fact-based recommendations.
•    Ensure investigations are handled in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.
•    Partner with leadership to determine appropriate corrective actions and ensure consistent application of discipline.
•    Maintain accurate, confidential case documentation and track trends in employee relations issues.
•    Coach managers on performance management, progressive discipline, conflict resolution, and employee engagement strategies.
•    Provide guidance on handling difficult conversations, terminations, and workplace conflict.
•    Support leaders in navigating complex employee situations while minimizing risk.
•    Interpret and apply HR policies consistently across the organization.
•    Support policy development, updates, and communication to ensure clarity and compliance.
•    Stay current on employment law changes and advise on impacts to HR practices.
•    Assist with onboarding, employee training, and engagement initiatives.
•    Maintain HRIS data integrity and generate reports related to employee relations metrics.
•    Identify trends in ER cases and recommend proactive solutions (training, policy updates, culture initiatives).
•    Contribute to building a positive employee experience and strengthening organizational culture.
•    Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
•    Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
•    Minimum 3+ years of HR employee relations and investigations experience.
•    Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations end-to-end.
•    Strong knowledge of California employment law.
•    SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred but not required.

Required Skills/Abilities: 
•    Proven ability to handle sensitive, high-risk employee relations matters confidentially with discretion and sound judgment.
•    Strong investigative skills, including interviewing, documentation, and analysis.
•    Ability to remain neutral, objective, and detail-oriented in complex situations.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels.
•    Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
•    High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
•    Proactive problem solver with attention to detail and a commitment to follow-through.
•    Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
•    Proficient in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ADP and Greenhouse preferred.

Physical Requirements: 
•    Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
•    Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds at times.