Sr. Employee Relations Partner
About The Position
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job; it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own. We are seeking a strategic Senior Employee Relations Partner to join our People Experience organization in Newport Beach, CA. This role can be hybrid or remote (depending on location). This role ensures fair and consistent employee treatment by investigating complex concerns, coaching leaders, and identifying trends to mitigate risk and support business goals. The position reports to the AVP, Employee Relations and focuses primarily on the U.S., with opportunities to gain international experience. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and brings deep employee relations expertise. In this role, you will serve as a neutral party to investigate and facilitate the resolution of concerns of employees and managers.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Relations, or related field.
- Ten years of progressive employee relations experience conducting workplace investigations and handling complex cases.
- In-depth, practical knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Proven ability to analyze information, navigate ambiguity, and make sound, objective, and strategic decisions.
- High degree of empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate complex concepts, deliver difficult feedback and influence without authority.
- Experience supporting business leaders within designated business units/areas and working in close partnership with HR Business Partners.
- Proficiency with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), electronic case management systems (e.g., Navex – Ethics Point), and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to collaborate easily across all organizations at Pacific Life.
Nice To Haves
- A master’s degree or Juris Doctor is a plus.
- Professional certification (SHRM, Cornell, AWI) highly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct objective, thorough, and timely investigations into complex and high-risk employee relations complaints, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and Pacific Life policy violations.
- Independently manage assigned casework, bringing investigations to closure timely and thoroughly.
- Mediate conflicts between employees and management, facilitating fair resolutions, and restoring workplace relationships.
- Document and prepare comprehensive investigative reports and recommend appropriate corrective or disciplinary measures.
- Assist with all involuntary terminations.
- Maintain high-quality ER documentation to support legal defensibility, trend analysis, and case consistency.
- Work both autonomously and with others, including HR Business Partners, Legal, key stakeholders, managers, and employees.
- Provide strategic consultation and coaching to people leaders and HR Business Partners regarding performance management, policy interpretation, workplace accommodations, and complex behavioral issues.
- Guide managers on interpreting and applying HR policies and procedures fairly and consistently.
- Ensure all employment practices and disciplinary actions comply with federal, state, and local labor laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA, etc.).
- Assist internal legal and compliance with third party inquiries or government agency charges (e.g., EEOC, DOL) and collaborate with legal counsel when necessary.
- Maintain accurate, highly confidential records in the ER case management system.
- Analyze ER data and metrics to identify recurring workplace trends, recommending proactive strategies to reduce risk and improve company culture.
- Partner with Legal, Compliance, and other stakeholders to update and implement HR policies.
- Develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on various ER topics, such as respectful workplace conduct and performance improvement.
- Support the development of scalable performance enablement tools such as templates and guidance documents.
- Leverage the use of AI to modernize employee relations capabilities.
Benefits
- Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
- Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
- Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
