Employee Relations & Compliance Specialist - Human Resources

CJ Logistics HR Team•Des Plaines, IL

13d•$95,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employee Relations & Compliance Specialist supports employee relations at the corporate and field levels, ensures CJLA compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and promotes a positive and inclusive work environment. Reporting to the Director of Employee Relations and Compliance, the Specialist handles employee concerns and investigations, advises HR Business Partners, managers, and employees, supports policy development and enforcement, and monitors legal and company-policy compliance. The role also documents cases, prepares reports on trends and risks, assists with training, tracks developments in employment law, and collaborates with HR, Legal, and other stakeholders. It also supports organizational changes and workforce planning from a compliance perspective. This is a hybrid position based at the corporate headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois, with on-site presence required four days per week or as otherwise directed. The position requires occasional domestic travel to CJ facilities and may involve up to 40% travel. Standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; flexible hours may be needed to support deadlines or cross-functional collaboration. The role operates in a professional office environment and is largely sedentary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 8 years of progressive HR experience, with a focus on employee relations, compliance, and employment law.
Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, with demonstrated experience interpreting and applying legal requirements in a corporate setting.
High integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with a commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards in employee relations and compliance matters.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to collaborate with and build relationships among diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to travel occasionally domestically to CJ facilities; travel may be up to 40%.

Nice To Haves

Fundamental knowledge of FMCSA and DOT employment law.
Fundamental knowledge of California employment law.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key point of contact for employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, conflicts, policy violations, and performance issues.
Conduct thorough, objective, and confidential investigations into employee complaints or allegations and ensure timely resolution.
Guide and coach HR Business Partners, managers, and employees on performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
Interpret and apply company policies, procedures, and practices fairly and consistently.
Support review, development, and updating of employee handbooks, policies, and procedures to align with legal requirements and company values.
Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, as well as company policies and legal standards.
Assist with HR compliance audits, including local site, I-9, leave, and workplace accommodation audits.
Investigate and respond to complaints, concerns, and allegations of misconduct or policy violations, ensuring impartial investigations, appropriate resolution, and follow-up.
Document employee relations cases and investigations clearly, concisely, and in a legally sound manner.
Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential records of cases and outcomes.
Prepare reports and analytics on employee relations trends, compliance issues, and risk areas for HR and leadership.
Recommend proactive strategies to minimize legal exposure and foster a fair, respectful work environment.
Assist in developing and delivering training on HR compliance, respectful workplace behavior, anti-harassment, and other employee relations topics.
Educate managers and employees on company policies and legal compliance obligations.
Monitor employment-law and regulatory developments and recommend policy, procedure, and practice updates.
Partner with HR Business Partners, Legal, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent and equitable employee relations practices.
Support organizational changes, restructuring efforts, and workforce planning from a compliance perspective.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required.