Lead-Employee & Labor Relations Advisor

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital•Memphis, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Employee & Labor Relations Advisor to provide leadership, guidance, and expertise in employee and labor relations matters across the institution. This role serves as a trusted advisor to leaders, HR partners, and employees by addressing complex workplace issues, conducting sensitive investigations, and promoting fair, respectful, and legally compliant employment practices. The Lead Employee & Labor Relations Advisor oversees the day-to-day coordination and prioritization of Employee Relations activities, mentors and develops Employee & Labor Relations Advisors, and contributes to the development and execution of Employee Relations strategies, programs, and policies that support employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and a positive workplace culture. Through proactive partnership, data-driven insights, and sound judgment, this role plays a critical role in strengthening the employee experience and advancing St. Jude's mission, values, and culture.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required.
Minimum 5+ years of experience in an employee relations or similar role handling ER activities.
Experience researching complex human resources-related issues and implementing courses of action.
Experience managing audits, surveys, and performing complex reporting and analyses; Work Day experience preferred.
Some experience in planning and managing delivery in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Some experience guiding/ mentoring people.
Proven performance in earlier role.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in highly sensitive situations.
Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Exceptional consultation, conflict resolution, mediation, and influencing skills.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and diplomacy.
Proven ability to build credibility and trusted partnerships across all levels of the organization.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Proficiency with HRIS systems and reporting tools; Workday experience preferred.
Ability to leverage workforce data and trends to inform recommendations and improve Employee Relations practices.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) OR Employee Relations Investigations Certification, preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a lead resource and subject matter expert for complex employee and labor relations matters, providing consultation and guidance to leaders, HR partners, and employees.
Conduct and oversee complex, sensitive, and high-risk workplace investigations involving concerns such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace misconduct, policy violations, and other employee grievances.
Analyze investigation findings, assess organizational risk, and develop recommendations that support fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
Mentor, coach, and provide day-to-day guidance to Employee & Labor Relations Advisors to support capability development, consistency in practice, and professional growth.
Assist in establishing team priorities, managing caseload distribution, and promoting efficient service delivery across the Employee Relations function.
Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Employee Relations programs, policies, procedures, and initiatives.
Interpret and apply employment laws, regulations, organizational policies, and best practices to support decision-making and risk mitigation.
Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with leaders, HR teams, Legal, Compliance, and other stakeholders to address workplace concerns and support organizational objectives.
Analyze trends, metrics, and workforce data to identify opportunities for proactive employee relations interventions and continuous improvement.
Support audits, reporting requirements, compliance activities, and special projects related to Employee Relations programs and practices.
Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, ensuring contractual obligations and service expectations are met.
Lead team meetings and facilitate discussions that drive collaboration, accountability, and results.
Respond to urgent employee relations matters by traveling between organizational locations on short notice to provide timely consultation, conduct investigations, facilitate meetings, and support business and operational needs.
Perform other duties as assigned