Senior Employee Relations Specialist
About The Position
The Senior Employee Relations Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters and oversees the full employee relations lifecycle. This role partners closely with management and employees to address a broad range of workforce issues, including employee relations, coaching, development, and engagement. In addition, the Senior Specialist supports the Employee Relations Manager in the administration and consistent application of policies, programs, and procedures aligned with best-practice frameworks that promote a positive and productive work environment. Since 1863, Apple Bank has been a stable banking presence in New York City and its surrounding communities, focused on putting customers' best interests first and managing the company prudently and responsibly. Employees are key to their success, and the bank offers career opportunities, supporting potential development while contributing to growth. Apple Bank's employment policy is to provide equal opportunity to all persons, priding itself on a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 5 + years of employee relations experience in a non-union environment, including reviewing and approving disciplinary actions and terminations
- Demonstrated experience managing complex workplace complaints and facilitating conflict resolution
- Provides guidance to managers on performance management, policies, and procedures
- Experience conducting and documenting HR investigations, including matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and unfair treatment
- Strong independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; able to make timely, well-reasoned decisions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrates tact and discretion when handling highly sensitive matters
- Customer-focused with a proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across departments and levels
- Comprehensive understanding of relevant federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including those applicable to EEO, ADA, FMLA, NYC Human Rights Law, Sick & Safe Leave, and sexual harassment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Nice To Haves
- HR certification preferred (PHR or SHRM-CP)
- Experience in banking or financial services preferred
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters.
- Review and approve disciplinary actions, including written warnings and performance improvement plans.
- Follow up on complaints and ensure timely resolution of complex workplace issues.
- Conduct employee relations investigations, as needed.
- Maintain complaint tracking, warning logs, and investigation files.
- Draft clear, thorough documentation and written communications to support employee relations activities.
- Review involuntary terminations to ensure alignment with Apple Bank policies and procedures and attend termination meetings.
- Coach managers to strengthen people leadership and performance management capabilities.
- Advise leaders on the interpretation and application of policies and practices to ensure compliance with legal and administrative requirements and to facilitate issue resolution.
- Conduct exit interviews as needed; identify trends and develop metrics.
- Partner with Legal, Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, and Corporate Training when necessary.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of employee relations policies, programs, and procedures.
- Participate in regulatory and HR audits.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Apple Bank offers a range of career opportunities. We’ll support you in developing your your potential to the fullest, while you contribute to our growth and success.
