Employee Relations Specialist

Tommy Bahama•Seattle, WA

2h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist supports a positive, compliant, and inclusive workplace by partnering with leaders and employees across corporate, retail, and restaurant teams. This role manages complex employee relations issues, conducts investigations, and provides guidance to ensure fair and consistent application of policies aligned with company values and employment laws. The Specialist plays a key role in fostering a respectful and engaging work environment that reflects the Tommy Bahama culture. This position will work closely with the Director of Employee Relations, SVP of Human Resources and the management team in implementing strategic HR direction for these locations.

Requirements

Generally, 3 to 5 years of HR generalist experience.
Proven ability to manage sensitive and complex investigations with discretion.
Strong understanding of HR laws and employment practices.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to travel occasionally and work flexible hours as needed.
High integrity, professionalism, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Multi-state experience preferred with preference given to candidates with experience California, NY, Hawaii, Washington and Oregon.
Bilingual (Spanish) highly desired.

Responsibilities

Manage employee relations issues, including investigations, interviews, documentation, and resolution, ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and compliance with policy and law.
Conduct an average of 100+ investigations annually across a workforce of 3,000+ employees in the U.S. and Canada.
Respond promptly to HR/Fraud hotline calls and complete follow-ups or investigations within defined timelines.
Oversee unemployment claims, appeals, subpoenas, and disputes.
Provide coaching and guidance to managers and employees on performance, conduct, and policy interpretation.
Partner with regional retail and restaurant leaders to address performance management, corrective actions, and workplace concerns.
Support leaders in fostering accountability and a positive workplace culture.
Maintain and update HR policies, handbooks, and workplace conduct materials; assist in annual handbook revisions and communication.
Monitor compliance with state and federal regulations, including sexual harassment prevention training and posting requirements.
Manage unemployment claims, appeals, subpoenas, and employment verification requests.
Facilitate and/or support employee relations and employment law training sessions, ensuring managers and employees are informed on key topics.
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for Employee Relations in leadership and development programs.
Track and maintain training records as required by law.
Partner with the Director of Employee Relations and HR leadership to align employee relations strategies with organizational goals.
Participate in company-wide initiatives to promote engagement, accountability, and inclusion.