Employee Relations Consultant
About The Position
The Employee Relations Consultant is part of Sun Life U.S.’s centralized Employee Relations team, which advises people leaders, employees, and partners in collaboration with Human Resources Business Partners on employee relations matters and designated HR practices. The role provides day-to-day coordination, administrative, and operational support to the team, including Senior Employee Relations Consultants, HRBPs, Legal, people leaders, and employees. The consultant monitors intake channels, responds to routine inquiries, triages and escalates matters, coordinates documentation and logistics, supports leave and workplace accommodation processes, and maintains accurate case records. The role also contributes to ER tools, reports, resources, and process improvements. It helps ensure matters are handled promptly, consistently, and confidentially, supporting business needs, employee experience, and compliance with organizational policies and applicable legal and employment requirements.
Requirements
- BA or equivalent degree, preferably in Human Resources or a related field.
- 3–5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in employee relations, or equivalent experience.
- Excellent knowledge of U.S. employment legislation, trends, and practices.
- Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills; attention to detail; and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, proactively keeping relevant parties informed.
- Critical thinking, sound judgment, and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information, including novel or unusual employee situations.
- Ability to remain respectful and diplomatic in difficult situations.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and the ability to navigate difficult or sensitive conversations.
- Track record of delivering a high-quality client experience.
- Collaborative and creative approach to problem solving.
- Client relationship management, consulting, and coaching skills.
- Ability to support a positive team environment and contribute to team development and knowledge transfer.
- Strong proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong technical ability to navigate and understand case management and other HR systems.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a first point of contact for routine employee relations inquiries received through the ER central mailbox, HR Help, and other intake channels; respond promptly, triage matters, coordinate follow-up, and escalate complex or sensitive issues as appropriate.
- Assist with routine Employee Relations matters in support of Senior Employee Relations Consultant staff.
- Serve as the first point of contact for the interactive workplace accommodations process and sensitive, complex leave of absence and disability matters.
- Document and track case activity, respond to routine leader inquiries, and escalate matters in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Ensure communications and documentation are clear, concise, professional, and include key information to support a positive client experience.
- Support leaders and employees on matters including absence management, accommodations, and employment legislation, using a foundational understanding of legal and compliance requirements.
- Balance business and employee needs while mitigating risk and ensuring compliance with employment legislation.
- Build effective working partnerships with Senior Employee Relations Consultants, managers and employees across business units, HRBPs, Legal, Compliance, and other stakeholders to collaborate on effective resolutions.
- Participate in HR and Employee Relations projects as needed.
- Contribute to the development, implementation, and communication of best practices, and participate in process improvement activities.
Benefits
- Generous vacation and sick time
- Paid family, parental, and adoption leave
- Medical coverage
- Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
- Disability programs
- Partially paid sabbatical program
- 401(k) employer match
- Stock purchase options
- Employer-funded retirement account
- Flexible, inclusive, and collaborative work environment supporting career growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
