Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Lewis Group of Companies•Upland, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist serves as a key partner to leadership, providing guidance and support on employee relations matters across a multi-state property management portfolio. The role manages workplace concerns and investigations, advises on disciplinary actions, and supports consistent application of company policies and employment practices. It prepares comprehensive investigation reports and provides strategic recommendations to HR and company leadership to mitigate risk and support business objectives. The position also provides foundational HR business partner support, including guidance on team effectiveness, organizational needs, and workforce planning, with the opportunity to develop toward broader HR Business Partner responsibilities. It is primarily in-office in Upland, California, Monday through Thursday, with remote work on Friday. Travel by car to property locations is required as needed; occasional air travel to regional offices in Sacramento, Reno, and Las Vegas may also be required. The expected annual compensation range is $85,000–$95,000, with actual compensation based on skills, experience, and business needs. The company offers annual merit increases and bonus opportunities, a $60 monthly cell phone allowance, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, holidays, vacation time, and continued training and advancement potential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a 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.
Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing formal investigation reports.
Regular interaction with leadership and employees.
Ability to travel by car to property locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Advise managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, misconduct, and workplace concerns.
Guide managers on corrective action, up to and including termination.
Partner with leadership to ensure consistent and fair application of company policies.
Provide strategic recommendations on complex employee relations issues, balancing business needs and risk mitigation.
Manage and track employee relations complaints and investigations to ensure timely and consistent handling.
Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into employee complaints, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.
Gather and analyze evidence, interview relevant parties, and maintain detailed documentation.
Prepare investigation reports with findings, conclusions, and recommended actions.
Partner with leadership to determine appropriate outcomes based on investigation findings.
Provide foundational HR business partner support on team effectiveness, organizational needs, and workforce planning.
Partner with leadership on HR initiatives and projects, and develop capability to take on broader HR Business Partner responsibilities.
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, documentation, and progressive discipline.
Review disciplinary actions and provide feedback to support clarity, consistency, and legal compliance.
Address workplace concerns raised by employees and managers, 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.
Travel by car to property locations as needed and occasionally travel by air to regional offices in Sacramento, Reno, and Las Vegas.