Head of Employee Relations North America

The Head of Employee Relations and for North America has oversight for leading and managing the employee relations function across the region. This role is part of the GHR-CC organization and supports alignment of people related priorities to business priorities.   The role is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and priorities to foster a positive and productive work environment, ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies and addressing employee concerns.  In addition to providing day-to-day management, guidance and direction to experienced Employee Relations consultants, this role will also directly manage complex employee relations matters, including coaching and consulting on performance and disciplinary matters, as well as investigating discrimination, harassment and other grievances and conduct cases, utilizing knowledge of employment law and company policies and practices.  This role will also advise clients and stakeholders on appropriate protocol for employee relations issues and investigations alongside other HR COE’s, ensure timely completion and closure, and develop appropriate investigation documentation and recommendations for management. This role is located in Boston.  We are looking for a strategic leader with a strong background in employee relations, a deep understanding of North American employment laws, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Global Head of Employee Relations and Conduct, to develop and execute ER’s strategy for North America in alignment with the company’s overall HR strategy and business objectives.
• Oversee and manage a team of Employee Relations consultants (ERCs) providing leadership, strategic vision and priorities for the team alongside guidance relating to case management, investigations and interpretation of applicable law and policy.
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of employee complaints, employee conduct cases and other disputes and matters in a timely and fair manner.  
• Establish effective SLAs for case prioritization and closure, balancing sufficient gathering of facts to recommend solutioning.
• Proficient in efficient time management and task prioritization.
• Manage and influence senior executives and ERCs in the resolution of complex cases and inline with the ethical decision making framework.
• Prepare investigative reports and other case materials for senior management and senior governance committees.
• Develop, implement, and update employee relations policies and procedures in collaboration with legal to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws.  
• Advise and consult on risks for example adverse actions (the reduction in force process.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding and empathy for different cultures and working collaboratively across them.
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution, and compliance issues.
• Analyze employee relations data to identify trends and areas for improvement and prepare and present reports to senior management on metrics and outcomes.
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners and other stakeholders including Legal, Compliance, Security and other subject matter experts as appropriate.
• Maintain corporate standards and controls for ER policies and processes that comply with applicable law and policy.
• Employ effective cross-cultural communications to promote positive business behavior and influence positive outcomes throughout the business. Collaborate with other ERCs in other geographical locations and provide connection points for US leaders with employees in other locations,
• Display a culture of individual ownership of tasks to embed a clear individual sense of accountability in performing the role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in Employee Relations or equivalent field and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred; financial services experience preferred.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a leadership role managing a team of senior-level direct reports and providing guidance and direction
• In-depth knowledge of North American labor laws and regulations as they relate to employee relations matters
• Strategic thinker and leader
• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills
• Proficient in efficient time management and task prioritization
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a complex global organization and environment that is fast paced and demanding and manage a high volume of work
• Strong ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization including senior level executives within the organization
• Comfortable making difficult decisions and articulating the rationale behind decisions
• Broad knowledge of HR priorities, principles, practices, and procedures
• Project and change management skills, ability to run programs on a regional and global scale such as acquisitions, divestitures and reorganizations
• Exceptional interpersonal, influencing, communication, relationship and presentation skills
• Leverage data analysis and metrics to consult stakeholders and make recommendations
• Strong executive presence and professional maturity

Salary Range:

$170,000 - $267,500 Annual

The range quoted above applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location above, the applicable range could differ.

Job Application Disclosure:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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