Associate Manager, Employee Relations

The Walt Disney Company • Burbank, CA

4d

About The Position

At Disney, we are storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, interactive experiences, products, and media networks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join our Disney Employee Relations team. The Employee Relations team plays a vital role in shaping a positive and consistent employee experience across The Walt Disney Company. We partner with employees and leaders during pivotal moments in the employment lifecycle, fostering a workplace that reflects Disney’s values of equity, inclusion, and respect. Reporting to a Senior Manager, Employee Relations, the Associate Manager, Employee Relations supports a wide range of ER functions across multiple business segments, including Disney Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology, ESPN, and International. This role is responsible for managing employee relations matters in alignment with company policies and best practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Human Resources, or at least 2 years of experience in either Employee Relations or employment law practice.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and empathy.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to make sound, data-informed decisions.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on building trusted relationships across teams.
• A passion for fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.
• High attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience in facilitation, presentation, and documentation.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization, influencing key stakeholders and driving alignment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and complex employee matters with objectivity, discretion, and a high degree of confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR regulations, including Title VII, ADA, and FMLA.
• Proficiency in conducting investigations, assessing credibility, and providing consultative guidance.
• Familiarity with international labor practices
• Juris Doctor (JD) with a focus on Employment Law is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducting timely and thorough internal investigations into employee concerns and policy violations, independently or in collaboration with ER leadership, HR Business Partners, and/or other partners.
• Documenting investigative findings and maintaining accurate case records.
• Supporting organizational changes such as workforce reductions, reorganizations, and restructures by partnering with HRBPs and business leaders.
• Collaborating with cross-functional partners including Legal, Labor Relations, Security, and Global Security Investigations to address employee matters and develop proactive ER strategies.
• Assisting in the interactive process for employee accommodations, providing coaching and follow-up support.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of ER-related training programs.
• Analyzing ER data to identify trends and recommend actionable solutions.
• Assisting with case management and case tracking and assignments as needed.
• Providing guidance on performance management, including drafting written warnings, performance improvement plans, and coaching materials.
• Supporting background check adjudication reviews in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as required to support team and organizational goals

Benefits

• A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees