Employee Relations Specialist

GFT • Upper Allen Township, PA

47d • $67,000 - $99,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to join our Human Resources Team in Mechanicsburg, PA! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in our Mechanicsburg office. The GFT Strategic Services team, which includes Human Resources, Legal, Accounting & Finance, Office Operations, IT Services and Marketing & Communications, are essential for managing and supporting the company's global operations. Strategic Services is part of a broader strategy to transform the business and improve efficiency. The support of this amazing team of professionals is the backbone of our ability to deliver infrastructure consulting and design services. As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership, ensuring consistent, fair, and legally compliant workplace practices. This role manages complex employee relations matters, conducts investigations and supports conflict resolution to mitigate risk and strengthen organizational culture. Working in close partnership with the Director, Employee Relations, this position also plays a critical role in enterprise-wide risk management efforts, including candidate screening, incident response, threat assessment, and compliance driven reviews. The Employee Relations Partner is a key contributor to cross-functional teams focused on employee safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related field required
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in human resources or employee relations.
• Demonstrated experience leading and resolving complex employee relations issues
• Proven knowledge and application of federal, state, and local employment laws, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, and related regulations.
• Ability to interpret policies, laws, and risk factors to make sound, defensible recommendations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex or sensitive information clearly and professionally
• Strong interpersonal and consultation skills
• Strong analytical, investigative, and critical-thinking skills with demonstrated sound judgment
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with EthicsPoint or similar ethics/compliance reporting systems
• Experience working with Workday (HRIS)
• Exposure to incident management, threat assessment, or security related HR functions
• Familiarity with background screening adjudication
• Experience working within the engineering or professional services industry

Responsibilities

• Conduct and coordinate complex workplace investigations involving alleged policy violations, misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation or unfair employment practices.
• Manage employee complaints and disputes, ensuring accurate, thorough, and compliant documentation.
• Develop corrective action plans and provide recommendations to leadership to minimize employee relations risks and employment liabilities.
• Review and assess questionable MVRs and background check results to determine hiring eligibility.
• Serve as primary or backup HR representative on the Insider Threat Working Group, supporting risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and case management.
• Act as primary or backup member of the Incident Response Team, including responsibility for reviewing and signing off on all incident reports submitted across the organization.
• In partnership with Legal, serve as primary or backup reviewer for international travel request exceptions, evaluating business necessity and compliance with company policy.
• Assist with the interactive process for return-to-work Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

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