Employee Relations Investigator

Petco

4d

About The Position

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people! If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you. Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people and our planet. We love all pets like our own We’re the future of the pet industry We’re here to improve lives We drive outstanding results together We’re welcome as we are Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We’re focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what’s good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco. The Employee Relations Investigator is a specialist-level role responsible for upholding and reinforcing Petco's Values through consultation provided during internal investigations and thought-partnership. As a subject matter expert, the Employee Relations Investigator performs a key role conducting investigations of partner complaints and/or concerns such as wage and hour issues, wrongful termination, fraternization, and the like. Incumbents will collaborate with various levels of leadership, up to director-level partners, and with HR colleagues to provide expert counsel on investigation findings and courses of action related to the outcomes.

Requirements

• A 4-year college degree or the equivalent work experience is required.
• 2+ years of exempt-level employee relations experience is required, preferably in a multi-state and high volume environment.
• Must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current employment law.

Responsibilities

• Management of ER cases (typically related to wage and hour, wrongful termination, and fraternization, or other mid-risk areas) from beginning to conclusion, when appropriate. This includes an initial assessment of the risk posed by the complaint, identifying the appropriate methodology to investigate such issue(s), seeking out the correct tools and resources to obtain evidentiary information/facts, and maintaining factual, supported, and detailed written accounts of the investigation. Incumbent must be able to identify key risk areas and summarize risks and/or findings in an articulate and concise manner for need-to-know leaders.
• Strategize with the Manager, Employee Relations and other key business partners regarding assigned matters and provide input on recommended investigative process and/or resolution.
• Offer subject matter expertise and thought partnership to HR colleagues and/or business leaders throughout the organization (at various levels) who are addressing an HR matter that has an element of risk to the Company. Influence for the best outcome which mitigates risk to the company, is defensible in a court of law, minimizes ongoing risk, exposure, liability and costs, and promotes Petco culture and values. Includes advising leaders on disciplinary action, up to and including termination, where applicable.
• Interact with the Leave and Accommodation and/or Risk Management departments in discussing leave and accommodation matters. Must have knowledge of ADA and other applicable state and federal laws, be able to make recommendations, and determine areas of legal risk.
• May prepare responses to formalized complaints filed with State or Federal agencies under the oversight of the Manager, Employee Relations. This may include drafting formal responses and/or communicating with government officials.
• Interpret policies and procedures and advise on fair and equitable employment practices that are in alignment with State and Federal law, consistent with past practice, and supportive of Petco values and culture.
• Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment laws as well as monitor employment law trends. Use up-to-date knowledge to articulate recommendations and educate leaders on potential risks.

What This Job Offers

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