Director of Employee Relations

RPM Living • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Employee Relations manages and oversees the company’s employee relations functions. This role develops and implements policies and programs that support a positive work environment, resolve employee conflicts, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. It requires strategic thinking and a strong background in employee relations, conflict resolution, and team leadership.

The Director partners with HR leaders, senior leadership, and legal counsel to align employee relations strategy with organizational goals and mitigate business and legal risk. The role leads employee relations policy and handbook development, manages complex ADA and leave matters, resolves significant employee issues, analyzes workforce trends, coordinates responses to employment claims, and trains managers and leaders in employee relations practices.

This is a hybrid role requiring attendance at a corporate office four days a week. The office is an open setting that may include bright lights, constant noises, and distractions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7–10 years of progressive experience in employee relations or HR, with a track record of success in senior HR roles.
• Deep understanding of employee relations principles, practices, and regulations.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution, labor laws, and employee engagement.
• Proficiency in HR software and tools.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing employee relations teams.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to convey complex employee relations information clearly.
• High integrity and ethical standards.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

• MBA.
• Professional certification such as PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of HR, HR Business Partners, senior leadership, and legal counsel to align employee relations strategy with organizational goals while mitigating business and legal risk.
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing audit of employee relations policies, procedures, and handbook guidelines to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Lead the formal interactive process under the ADA and oversee complex FMLA and regulatory or leave-of-absence scenarios, including evaluating reasonable accommodations, managing extended absences, and ensuring compliant return-to-work or reassignment strategies.
• Oversee and resolve high-level employee relations issues, disputes, and performance concerns in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner.
• Track, analyze, and use employee relations performance indicators and exit data to identify organizational trends, address systemic workplace issues, and provide actionable reporting to executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Director of HR Compliance and internal or external legal counsel regarding employment claims, agency charges, and complex employment risk assessments.
• Develop and deliver targeted training for managers and leaders on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution, progressive discipline, lawful workplace conduct, and performance management.

Benefits

• Weekly pay for associates working onsite at an apartment community.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for full-time, regular associates.
• Employer-paid employee assistance, mental health, and wellness programs.
• Ancillary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Professional development, career growth, and role-based learning plans.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging programs and multiple Employee Resource Groups.
• Paid time off, floating holidays, and volunteer days.
• Discounts on Costco membership, movie tickets, health and wellness, entertainment, and travel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director