Employee Relations Partner

Fortinet Inc•Sunnyvale, CA

29d•$165,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Sr. Employee Relations Partner is a trusted advisor who supports a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture across a fast-moving technology organization. This role provides expert guidance on workplace matters, conducts sensitive investigations, helps leaders navigate complex employee situations, and ensures compliance with company policies and employment law. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-growth, dynamic environment and brings a practical, people-centered approach to solving problems.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5 -8 years of progressive employee relations experience gained in either HR Business Partner or Employee Relations role in high-tech or fast-growing environments strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience conducting complex, sensitive workplace investigations.
Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA, Title VII, FLSA, state regulations).
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and communicate effectively across all levels.
Exceptional writing, documentation, and investigation report skills.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Strong judgment, analytical and decision-making skills; able to balance risk, business needs, and fairness.
Experience with HR information and Case Management systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for employee relations concerns and workplace issues.
Manage end-to-end employee relations cases, including intake, assessment, guidance, documentation, follow-through, and closure.
Provide impartial advice to employees and managers to resolve conflicts, performance concerns, interpersonal issues, and policy questions.
Conduct prompt, thorough, and objective investigations into claims such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, code-of-conduct violations, and workplace conflicts.
Create clear, well-written investigative reports; present findings and recommendations to ER leadership, Legal, and HR stakeholders.
Maintain consistency, fairness, and compliance across investigations.
Partner with managers to address performance management, corrective action, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
Assist leaders in designing and executing performance improvement plans (PIPs) and accountability processes.
Educate managers on equitable and consistent application of policies and best people practices.
Interpret and apply HR policies and employment laws across multiple states (and countries, if applicable).
Identify risks and escalate issues appropriately.
Support updates to policies, handbooks, and procedures to maintain compliance in a rapidly evolving tech environment.
Track ER case data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve culture, processes, and leadership capability.
Partner with HRBPs, People Analytics, gain insights and recommend proactive interventions.
Contribute to development of ER programs, manager training, and proactive strategies that reduce workplace issues.
Participate in company-wide initiatives related to employee experience, inclusion, and organizational health.
Champion a culture of respect, psychological safety, and continuous feedback.