Employee Relations Specialist

M&T Bank • Buffalo, NY

3d • $74,600 - $124,400

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist delivers employee relations solutions for an assigned line of business and/or geographic territory. The role resolves workplace concerns, receives and helps address employee and regulatory complaints, coaches managers and employees, and supports consistent and equitable application of Bank policies and procedures in compliance with applicable regulations.

As part of the Employee Relations team, the specialist consults with leaders, managers, and employees on workplace issues and applies expertise in mediation, critical incident management, and organizational intervention. Under the supervision of an ER manager or Senior ER Partner, the specialist administers performance and corrective-action processes, makes recommendations concerning employment actions, and may oversee terminations in accordance with Bank practices.

The role also participates in investigations and regulatory matters, provides employee and management training, collaborates with other HR Centers of Excellence, supports exit interviews, and represents the Bank in external venues such as unemployment hearings and regulatory meetings. The position helps maintain workplace productivity and consistent policy application while mitigating regulatory and litigation risk.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Human Resources, Business Administration, or Communications, and at least 3 years of HR-related experience; alternatively, 5 years of relevant progressive work experience in lieu of a degree.
• Working knowledge of technology and software used by the department.
• Familiarity with Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and email software.
• Previous internal investigations experience.

Nice To Haves

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and communicate with all levels of management and employees.
• Proven experience in a customer service environment.
• Ability to defuse irate or emotional callers and consistently demonstrate courtesy, helpfulness, professionalism, empathy, and politeness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong consulting, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Internal investigations experience.
• Extensive knowledge of employment law and regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HR practices and principles.

Responsibilities

• Analyze employee relations matters and recommend appropriate employment actions to support a productive work environment, performance, and risk mitigation.
• Under the supervision of an ER manager or Senior ER Partner, administer the Bank’s Performance Expectations and Corrective Action Policy and use judgment to accelerate corrective action when appropriate.
• Under supervision, determine when termination may be appropriate and oversee the termination process in accordance with Bank practices.
• Prepare documentation and enter information into applicable systems in accordance with Bank standards and practices.
• Interpret the employee handbook and counsel employees and managers on its provisions.
• Receive complaints, conduct some investigations, assist the Investigations Team with investigations, recommend and resolve problems, and counsel employees.
• Participate in EEOC, Human Rights, and Wage and Hour regulatory complaints and potentially represent the Bank at investigative conferences, unemployment hearings, and meetings.
• Counsel employees on conduct and workplace issues, including disputes, financial problems, illness or disability, and performance problems.
• Consult with department heads on Affirmative Action and EEO policies and practices.
• Conduct presentations and training for employees and management on employee relations topics.
• Support, develop, and revise training programs on Bank policy, sexual harassment, legal issues, performance management, and other topics.
• Collaborate with other HR Centers of Excellence on matters requiring interdisciplinary involvement.
• Support the exit interview process, analyze results, and follow up with appropriate individuals.
• Respond to inquiries about personnel policies and procedures and report policy issues to Corporate Employee Relations.
• Provide presentations on legal issues and government regulations.
• Keep informed about developments in wages and salaries, employee benefits, recruitment, and equal opportunity.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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