Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Novogradac and Company LLP • Philadelphia, PA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist manages a variety of responsibilities within the employee relations function of the human resources department, including handling a variety of employee relations and performance management cases, with increased independence, ownership, and complexity, serving as an experienced resource within the employee relations function. This includes performance management cases, facilitating the semi-annual performance review process, leaves and accommodations, and exit interview process. This position may also flex into other functional areas of HR in order to provide assistance and/or back-up support. The firm has one available position in either Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Bellevue, WA, Dover, OH, Long Beach, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, St. Louis, MO, OR Cleveland, OH. Some positions at Novogradac may be open to remote or hybrid work arrangements depending on business needs. Please discuss available options with your recruiter.

Requirements

• Experience working in a multi-state organization.
• Prior experience working in a professional services firm.
• Bachelor’s degree in related area plus a minimum of 8 years of experience directly managing employee relations cases.
• HR Generalist and/or HRBP experience would be considered in lieu of specialized roles.
• Ability to lead by example and lead with a positive and collaborative approach.
• Ability to mentor and grow staff in functions of the employee relations area.
• Display strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather information, conduct analyses, present findings, identify trends, translate findings, and create solutions.
• Must have superior skills in writing/documentation, assessing employee relations situations, take a coaching/collaborative approach, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular the ability to analyze and interpret complex HR policies and law and translate them clearly to staff at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, with the ability to assess risk and recommend compliant, practical solutions.
• Ability to conduct or lead complex employee relations investigations, including interviewing, evidence analysis, credibility assessments, and preparation of clear, defensible documentation and findings.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in complex or sensitive employee relations matters and to independently recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to effectively consult with and influence leaders at all levels, providing clear guidance on employee relations matters, performance management, and appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to support organizational change initiatives by anticipating employee relations impacts and advising leaders on communication, risk, and employee concerns.
• Complete work accurately with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to develop rapport with a variety of personalities, maintain a calm and professional demeanor during stressful situations, and effectively defuse escalated personnel situations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize a fast-paced and varied workload, effectively manage a variety of concurrent and shifting priorities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive work-related information.
• Strong computer skills, including solid skill in the Microsoft Office suite (prefer advanced skill in Excel) and familiarity with a variety of HR software programs (Paychex Flex and Workday, preferred)
• Able to work evenings and weekends based on position needs.

Nice To Haves

• HRCI/SHRM certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Research and resolve a variety of complex employee relations and performance management issues/concerns for designated positions, with minimal direction from Assistant Director of Human Resources.
• Recommend course of action from coaching to formal discipline to termination decisions.
• Draft employee relations meeting notes, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and other types of communication/documentation for employee relations cases.
• Track and follow up on employee relations cases until the case is resolved and closed.
• Provide data‑driven employee relations insights to identify emerging trends, mitigate risk, and support the development of proactive ER strategies.
• Conduct intake of employee concerns received by email, phone or via the company’s case management system.
• Coach leaders on effective communication techniques for employee issues.
• Assist with internal investigations in response to concerns or complaints and recommend appropriate actions.
• Act as witness or note-taker for employee relations cases being managed by the Assistant Director of HR.
• Facilitate the semi-annual Performance Review process for designated office(s) or client groups, including assisting with system set-up, supporting leaders in developing content/message, as well as conducting HR review and approval of feedback.
• Conduct exit interviews and oversee process; assist in monthly tracking of turnover data.
• Collaborate and provide backup support for managing requests for employee accommodations (ADA), including facilitating the interactive process between employee and manager, requesting clarification as needed, as well as reviewing supporting documentation and identifying/recommending appropriate and reasonable accommodations, as necessary.
• Assist in developing and presenting employee and management development training courses.
• Assist with Human Resources projects and collaborate with employees within HR and across other departments to support business needs.
• Provide back-up support to the HR department for coverage or other special projects as needed.
• Complete other job duties as assigned

Benefits

• Increased number of paid holidays per year
• Competitive salaries with continuous review of market conditions
• Flexible working hours and work arrangements
• Remote and hybrid opportunities
• Inclusive workplace, providing strong professional growth and development opportunities
• Strong growth opportunities
• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) package with firm profit-sharing
• Discretionary annual bonuses for eligible positions & CPA bonus plan
• Strong emphasis on quality work-life integration
• Dress for your day policy
• Resources of a national firm
• Opportunities to engage with our active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), affinity groups, and advance your career within a supportive, inclusive environment
• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid time off
• life/disability insurance
• commuter flex accounts
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

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