Employee Relations Specialist

Overview

Nakupuna Companies is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist with an emphasis on employee relations and workplace investigations experience. We desire a teammate to support the program with a focus on fostering a respectful, professional, and compliant work environment. This position conducts and leads workplace investigations and reviews, partners with LOB HRM (Human Resources Manager) and management to address performance and conduct matters constructively, and promotes the consistent application of employment laws and organizational policies to ensure fairness and organizational integrity.

The specialist provides guidance to managers on employee relations matters, conducts investigations into workplace concerns, and assists in identifying organizational risks and trends.

The position will also develop training and job aids to maximize supervisor and employee productivity within the organization.

Responsibilities

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Manager Consultation and Performance Management Support

• Advise managers on employee performance issues, progressive discipline, corrective actions, and documentation standards
• Review proposed disciplinary actions for consistency, equity, and compliance with policy and law
• Provide guidance on performance improvement plans (PIPs), conduct expectations, and behavioral standards
• Partner with HRM and managers to address conflict resolution and team dynamics concerns
• Provide consultation to managers on employee relations matters including workplace conflict, conduct concerns, and performance management

Workplace Investigations

• Conduct internal investigations involving allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and other workplace concerns
• Develop investigation plans, identify relevant witnesses, and collect documentary and electronic evidence
• Conduct structured interviews and evaluate credibility using objective assessment criteria
• Analyze testimonial and documentary evidence to determine factual findings
• Prepare comprehensive, defensible investigative reports that clearly document allegations, findings, policy analysis, and conclusions
• Recommend corrective or remedial actions in alignment with organizational policy and risk management standards
• Maintain investigation records in accordance with legal and confidentiality requirements
• Escalate complex or high-risk investigations to HR leadership or legal counsel as appropriate

Data Analysis and Documentation

• Compile and analyze HR data (e.g., complaint trends, disciplinary actions, turnover, performance metrics, exit surveys) to support conclusions and identify systemic issues
• Develop summary dashboards or reports to identify patterns and organizational risk areas
• Ensure documentation standards meet legal sufficiency and audit requirements
• Maintain employee relations case files and tracking systems to ensure timely resolution and compliance with documentation standards

Policy Interpretation and Compliance

• Interpret and apply company policies and employment laws including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, SCA, and other federal/state regulations. Identify legal and reputational risks and escalate complex matters as appropriate
• Assist in policy development or revision to address identified gaps or compliance issues

Training and Prevention

• Support development and delivery of training related to workplace conduct, harassment prevention, respectful workplace standards, and performance management with the HRM team members
• Provide coaching to supervisors on effective documentation and employee communication practices

General Support 

• Process employee exits including documentation review and coordination with relevant internal departments
• Conduct or support exit interviews and analyze feedback to identify potential organizational improvement opportunities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To succeed in this role, we’re looking for the following attributes:

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of employment law and regulatory frameworks
• Understanding of investigative methodologies and evidentiary standards
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and data reporting tools
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism, neutrality, and sound judgment

Analytical Skills

• Ability to synthesize complex, and sometimes conflicting, information
• Competency in qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Strong critical thinking and risk assessment capabilities

Communication Skills

• Ability to conduct sensitive interviews in a neutral and structured manner
• Advanced written communication skills for drafting legally defensible reports
• Ability to explain complex employment matters clearly to management

Interpersonal Effectiveness

• High degree of discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to maintain neutrality and objectivity
• Conflict management and de-escalation skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, ADP, Mitra Tech, Cornerstone or related software. 

Education and Experience: The desired and required education and experience are outlined below:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in human resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Three plus years of progressive HR experience, including direct employee relations and workplace investigation experience
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing formal written findings
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws
• PHR, SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential preferred

Clearance: An active Secret security clearance is preferred but not required. Must be a U.S. citizen. 

The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer