Director, Employee Relations Specialist

Fitch Group • Chicago, IL

27d • $150,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a leading, global financial information services provider, Fitch Group delivers vital credit and risk insights, robust data, and dynamic tools to champion more efficient, transparent financial markets. With over 100 years of experience and colleagues in over 30 countries, Fitch Group’s culture of credibility, independence, and transparency is embedded throughout its structure, which includes Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, and Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of insights, data and analytics. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

Fitch Group is currently seeking an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist, based in either our New York or Chicago office, (with the possibility of limited travel for investigations, training, and stakeholder meetings).

Requirements

• 10–15+ years’ experience managing ER/HR investigations within regulated, matrixed environments, with substantial complex-case portfolio experience including exposure to employment litigation.
• Deep understanding of ER case types, employment law, case law trends, settlement frameworks and restructuring/redundancy processes. Strong grasp of privilege, confidentiality, and data privacy standards.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in HR, employment law, or industrial relations.
• Sound risk judgment; sharp assessment of legal, regulatory, reputational, and cultural risk.
• High professional standards, particularly impartiality and confidentiality. Credible, composed, authoritative and resilient under pressure.
• Decisive yet fair. Balances empathy with evidence-led decisions; explains rationales clearly.
• Influential communicator. Clear, concise, and respectful written and verbal communication; adept at sensitive messaging.
• Continuous improver. Curious, data-driven, and practical; identifies themes and suggests intervention measures.
• Culturally intelligent. Inclusive approach, respectful of local customs and diverse perspectives.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience of identifying and delivering ER operating model improvements and delivering associated education and training programs.
• Global mindset with experience of cross-border case portfolio across the US, UK, EU, and APAC; able to apply principled frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, adapting to local law and cultural norms as appropriate.
• Experience of presenting to and influencing senior HR leadership including presenting in senior governance forums.
• Formal training or certifications in interviewing/investigation frameworks, mediation, or negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Autonomous, end-to-end management of ER matters (predominantly complex, high-risk cases) delivering timely, defensible outcomes that protect Fitch’s people and credibility, and mitigate legal and regulatory risk.
• Conduct advanced investigations (planning, interviewing, evidence assessment) and prepare clear outcome rationales, ensuring robust documentation standards and privilege considerations.
• Design, review and maintain ER centre of excellence (COE) operating model and governance components (triage and escalation protocols, standard operating procedures, service level agreements, precedent document libraries).
• Design, review, and maintain HR policies and handbooks reflecting applicable legal and regulatory provisions, strengthening policy governance and consistency across jurisdictions.
• Interpret legal documents including statute and legislation, legal commentary etc., translating legal requirements into document provisions.
• Analyze ER data and MI to identify risks, trends and root causes, translating insights into training, toolkits and other education/awareness interventions that reduce future risk, build manager/HR generalist capability and elevate HR service delivery across the organization.
• Advise and coach HR generalists, managers and senior leaders in respect of ER case management strategy and direction, employment law provisions and ER case management applicability.
• Partner with internal/external legal counsel and local advisors to navigate legal requirements and regulatory environments e.g., FCA/PRA, ESMA, SEC etc. as it relates to ER case management, ensuring compliant outcomes globally.
• Operate and maintain ER case management systems, including performing data quality assurance, interrogating data, producing analytics and MI.

Benefits

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning, financial wellness and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that prioritize a healthy body & mind
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-first policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days and support for community engagement initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees