Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Lewis Group of Companies•Upland, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Senior Employee Relations Specialist – Upland, CA About Us Lewis Group of Companies is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate development firms. With over 70 years of experience, we’re committed to creating communities that thrive. We value honesty, long-term relationships, and high-quality standards that benefit our employees, residents, and the broader communities we serve. Your Role As our new Senior Employee Relations Specialist , you will serve as a key partner to leadership, providing guidance and support on employee relations matters across a multi-state property management portfolio. This role is responsible for managing workplace concerns, conducting investigations, advising on disciplinary actions, and ensuring consistent application of company policies and employment practices. You will play a critical role in preparing comprehensive investigation reports and providing strategic recommendations to HR and company leadership to mitigate risk and support business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
3–7+ years of progressive HR experience , with a strong focus on employee relations
Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations (California experience highly preferred)
Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing formal investigation reports

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification preferred
Experience in property management, real estate, or hospitality industries is a plus
Experience supporting multi-site and/or multi-state operations preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, misconduct, and workplace concerns
Provide guidance on corrective action, up to and including termination
Partner with leadership to ensure consistent and fair application of company policies
Provide strategic advice and recommendations on complex employee relations issues, balancing business needs and risk mitigation
Manage and track all employee relations complaints and investigations to ensure timely and consistent handling
Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into employee complaints (e.g., harassment, discrimination, policy violations)
Gather and analyze evidence, interview relevant parties, and maintain detailed documentation
Prepare comprehensive investigation reports , including findings, conclusions, and recommended actions
Partner with leadership to determine appropriate outcomes based on investigation findings
Provide foundational HR business partner support to leaders, including guidance on team effectiveness, organizational needs, and workforce planning
Partner with leadership on key HR initiatives and projects
Develop the capability to take on broader HR Business Partner responsibilities over time
Interpret and apply company policies, procedures, and employment laws across multiple states
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations
Identify trends in employee relations matters and recommend proactive solutions to mitigate risk
Coach managers on performance management processes, including documentation and progressive discipline
Review and provide feedback on disciplinary actions to ensure clarity, consistency, and legal compliance
Act as a resource for employees and managers to address workplace concerns
Facilitate conflict resolution and support a positive employee experience
Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential records of employee relations matters and investigations
Track trends and provide insights and reporting to leadership to support strategic decision-making