Team Relations Specialist

Sun, Inc.•Southfield, MI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Team Relations Specialist (TRS) serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to leaders and team members, fostering a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace culture across Sun Communities. This role is responsible for supporting team member relations initiatives and providing guidance on a broad range of human resources matters, including employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, workplace investigations, compensation, benefits, and employment practices. The TRS partners closely with leaders to proactively address workplace concerns, resolve team member relations issues, mitigate organizational risk, and ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment laws. Through effective coaching, counseling, and problem-solving, the TRS helps leaders navigate complex people matters while promoting accountability, engagement, and professional development.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (Required)
3 years in progressive, hands-on experience working directly in employee relations (Required)
3 years in Human Resources experience with demonstrated knowledge of core HR functions (Required)
3 years in experience conducting workplace investigations, including allegations of harassment & discrimination (Required)
3 years in experience interpreting and advising management on federal, state, and local employment law (Required)
3 years in guiding & interpreting HR policies, procedures, & compliance requirements to team members (Required)
3 years in experience leading managers and team members through comprehensive performance management processes (Required)
3 years in experience interpreting and applying FLSA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, NLRA, and related statutes (Required)
Ability to respond to business needs after normal business hours
Must have a valid driver's license
Demonstrated expertise in conducting end-to-end workplace investigations with sound judgment, objectivity, and legally defensible documentation practices
In-depth understanding of employee relations compliance, including disciplinary procedure integrity, progressive discipline application, and retaliation-prevention protocols
Comprehensive understanding of FLSA requirements including exempt/non-exempt classification analysis, minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping obligations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise investigation reports and legally sound documentation
Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex investigations and employee relations matters simultaneously
Excellent presentation skills with proven ability to interact with and influence all levels of the organization, including senior leadership
Strong interpersonal, investigative, and mediation skills with demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive and high-stakes situations with professionalism
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters related to employee relations, investigations, and personnel actions
Advanced computer proficiency including the ability to use Microsoft applications, HRIS platforms, case management systems, email, and internet
Ability to travel for on-site visits and leadership conferences.

Nice To Haves

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification

Responsibilities

Supports and promotes the culture, values, and mission of Sun Communities by fostering a safe, inclusive, positive, and productive work environment.
Serves as a trusted resource to team members and leaders by providing guidance and support on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation; escalates complex, high-risk, or sensitive issues as appropriate.
Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and performance trends within the team relations case management system and other HR databases.
Coaches and develops leaders on effective people management practices, including performance management, conflict resolution, communication, team member engagement, and accountability.
Reviews, advises on, and partners with leadership to administer corrective action and performance improvement processes, ensuring consistency and compliance with company policies and employment laws.
Conducts prompt, thorough, and objective investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and other workplace concerns.
Documents investigation findings timely, recommends appropriate corrective actions, and facilitates resolution.
Responds to team member and leadership inquiries regarding compensation, benefits, leave programs, and HR policies, and partners with subject matter experts as needed to ensure accurate and timely resolution.
Builds and maintains strong partnerships with operational leaders by attending department, regional, and company meetings to provide HR guidance, communicate policy updates, and support business objectives.
Advises on employee relations best practices, policy application, risk mitigation strategies, workplace trends, and relevant federal, state, and local employment law updates.
Partners with hiring managers to gather position requirements and organizational needs, ensuring the accurate creation and posting of internal and external job opportunities within the applicant tracking system.
Prepares, analyzes, and maintains HR metrics, reports, and workforce data to identify trends, support decision-making, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Administers exit interviews, analyzes feedback, identifies recurring themes and retention risks, and provides recommendations to leadership to improve the team member experience.
Conducts timekeeping and payroll-related audits to ensure compliance with company policies and applicable wage and hour regulations; documents findings and partners with management to implement corrective actions when necessary.
Identifies opportunities to enhance team member engagement, workplace culture, overall quality of work/life, and provides recommendations for continuous improvement.
Assists with the development, review, and maintenance of job descriptions to ensure alignment with business needs, organizational structure, and compliance requirements.
Participates in special projects, process improvement initiatives, and other HR-related activities that support organizational goals and strategic priorities.
Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical and Prescription coverage with 4 plan options
Comprehensive Dental and Vision Plans
On-Site Fitness Center
Voluntary Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance and Dependent Life
Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage
401(k) Plan with Sun matching contribution
Employee Assistance Program
Identity Theft Insurance
Legal Assistance Plan
Pet Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement program
Vacation RV Site Discounts
Team Member Perks & Discounts program
Up to six weeks of paid parental leave
Paid Time Off including ten holidays, vacation, personal, sick time, bereavement and pay for jury duty