Director, HR (Employee Relations & Leave Management)

The Wonderful Company•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$160,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, HR (Employee Relations & Leave Management) serves as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization, driving a positive, high-performing workplace culture while ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant employment practices. This role leads complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, accommodations and leave management, and provides strategic guidance on sensitive people issues. Partnering closely with HR Business Partners, Legal, and business leaders, the Director develops proactive employee relations strategies, mitigates organizational risk, enhances leadership capability, and fosters an environment where employees can thrive and perform at their best.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience managing complex workplace investigations, accommodations, leaves of absence, and employment-related matters.
Demonstrated expertise in ADA, FMLA, CFRA, workers' compensation, and other federal and California employment laws and regulations.
Proven ability to independently manage sensitive and high-risk workplace matters while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance requirements, and HR best practices, with the ability to assess risk and provide practical business-focused solutions.
Experience advising and influencing leaders on performance management, workplace concerns, corrective actions, and organizational risk.
Exceptional investigation, interviewing, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex situations and develop effective resolutions.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish credibility and partner effectively with leaders and employees at all levels of the organization.
Strong conflict resolution and mediation capabilities, including facilitating difficult conversations and driving productive outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality work.
Experience developing and delivering training programs related to workplace conduct, compliance, leadership effectiveness, and employment practices.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS platforms, and case management systems.
Commitment to staying current on employment law developments, workplace trends, and emerging HR best practices.
Conversational Spanish required; business-level verbal and written Spanish strongly preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Personally lead and conduct complex employee relations investigations involving employee complaints, workplace concerns, policy violations, and other sensitive matters. Gather and analyze information, conduct interviews, prepare investigation findings, and make recommendations regarding corrective action, training, or other resolutions in partnership with HR Business Partners and Legal as appropriate.
Manage escalated accommodations and leave of absence matters, serving as the primary resource for complex ADA, FMLA, CFRA, and related cases. Facilitate the interactive process, evaluate accommodation options, partner with leaders to identify practical solutions, and ensure appropriate documentation and compliance.
Provide day-to-day guidance and coaching to managers and employees on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, policy interpretation, performance issues, and conflict resolution.
Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders while remaining actively involved in the resolution of complex employee issues from intake through closure.
Partner with managers on escalated performance management matters, including performance improvement plans, corrective actions, and terminations.
Facilitate difficult employee conversations and workplace disputes, helping leaders navigate sensitive situations and achieve productive outcomes.
Design and deliver training programs focused on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and compliance-related topics.
Lead compliance training efforts, including wage and hour, anti-harassment, FCPA, mandated reporter, DOJ background check requirements, and other required programs.
Identify employee relations trends and organizational risks and recommend proactive solutions to improve compliance, consistency, and the employee experience.
Partner closely with Legal and HR leadership to maintain employment policies, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and support organizational initiatives.
Review HR practices, documentation, and processes to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
Monitor employment law developments and translate legal requirements into practical guidance for leaders and HR partners.
Manage complex workers' compensation matters in partnership with internal stakeholders and third-party administrators.

Benefits

Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans
401k with match eligibility
24/7 online physician consultations
virtual mental health resources
life coaching
engaging employee community groups
cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
library of on-demand fitness videos
Clear paths for career progression and internal mobility
Dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
Company-wide mentorship program
Continuous Improvement Training
Wonderful Giving, allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice
Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities.