Director of Employee Relations

PathGroup•Brentwood, TN

33d

About The Position

The Director of Employee Relations & HR Operations is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing employee relations and key HR functions that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. This role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of employee relations, performance management, learning and development, and onboarding initiatives. The Director partners with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams to drive a culture of accountability, growth, and positive employee experience. As part of the HR leadership team, the Director provides strategic and hands-on leadership in managing performance issues, workplace investigations, EEOC/Legal claims, conflict resolution, employee engagement, compliance with labor laws, and positive employee relations initiatives across our clinical and anatomic laboratory operations.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership roles, with at least 5 years focused on employee relations.
Deep knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex investigations and employee matters with discretion and legal awareness.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to lead through influence, coach leaders, and foster a culture of accountability and respect.
Experience with HR systems and case management tools (e.g., ADP or similar platforms).
Fast-paced clinical and laboratory setting with multi-site and remote workforce considerations.
Some travel will be required to support regional locations or on-site investigations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP, PHR/SPHR) preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees the HR Supervisor and their team, providing guidance, performance management, and strategic direction to ensure consistent, high‑quality HR service delivery.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive employee relations strategy that supports business goals and promotes a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Oversees the intake, tracking, investigation, and resolution of employee complaints and concerns.
Direct high-risk and sensitive workplace investigations (e.g., harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct) and partner with Legal, Compliance, and HR to evaluate outcomes, recommend action, and minimize risk.
Ensure timely, thorough, and legally defensible investigative processes.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and other relevant employment regulations.
Own the creation, implementation, and communication of company-wide employee relations policies and procedures.
Conduct regular audits and trend analyses to identify areas of concern or opportunity.
Design and deliver training for leaders and HR team members on topics including conflict resolution, progressive discipline, investigations, and respectful workplace practices.
Provide coaching and support to managers on performance management, documentation, and employee engagement strategies.
Partner with leadership teams to proactively address root causes of employee dissatisfaction or disengagement.
Analyze employee survey data and develop targeted initiatives to improve morale, retention, and alignment with company values.
Design, implement, and manage the organization’s performance management strategy and annual review processes.
Partner with leaders to set clear expectations, goals, and development plans for employees.
Develop tools and training to improve leader capability in delivering feedback and coaching.
Analyze performance data to identify trends and recommend improvements or interventions.
Lead the design and execution of a seamless onboarding experience for new hires.
Maintain and enhance orientation programs to accelerate employee productivity and cultural integration.
Collaborate with hiring managers and HR partners to ensure consistency and effectiveness across departments.
Monitor new-hire feedback to continuously optimize onboarding processes.