Human Resources Employee Relations Manager

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.

This position is based in the Firm’s global operations center in Brandon, FL (Tampa Bay area).

We are seeking a Human Resources Employee Relations Manager to join our team. The Human Resources Employee Relations Manager collaborates directly with other members of the Human Resources department and personnel managers on employee relations issues, including employee engagement, employee mobility, disciplinary process, conflict resolution, and leaves of absence management. This position reports to the Director of Human Resources and partners with department heads, office managers, and business services managers to enhance the work environment and improve employee productivity and morale. This position offers a hybrid work schedule. At present, this role requires weekly in-office presence, as well as attendance at occasional team meetings, trainings, and firm-sponsored events.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships and serve as a trusted advisor and resource for personnel managers and staff members to enhance employee engagement, productivity and morale, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

• Work closely with managers on day-to-day human resources issues, providing prompt attention to requests and timely follow-up.

• Provide guidance to managers regarding employee concerns, complaints, and conflicts, and work with managers towards resolution while maintaining confidentiality and promoting a respectful workplace.

• Assist with management of the annual performance evaluation process, including partnering with other HR team members to communicate with managers and employees about the process, to follow-up as appropriate to encourage completion of evaluations and self-evaluations within the allotted timeframe, and to communicate evaluation results and next steps to managers.  Provide guidance to managers regarding best practices for evaluation meetings and messages, including assistance with messages to individuals who may be struggling.

• Support managers with employee performance issues by helping to determine the appropriate course of action, assisting with the preparation of written warnings or performance improvement plans when appropriate, providing guidance for managing performance improvement plans, helping to determine when separation may be necessary, and liaising with HR leadership and firm employment counsel as needed.

• Assist managers with requests for staff promotions, relocations or other transfers, role changes and immigration issues. Facilitate such requests by obtaining the business case for the change, obtaining appropriate approvals, and liaising with other HR teams or other departments to implement the changes.

• Oversee the leave management process, including FMLA, disability, parental leave, and other forms of time-off requests. Ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations related to leaves of absence.  Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding leave-related inquiries, providing guidance on eligibility, entitlements, and documentation requirements.  Communicate with managers regarding timing of leaves of absence to allow managers to plan appropriately for employee absences and returns.

• In-depth knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and leave-related legislation, including FMLA and ADA to assist with requests.

• Assist the Chief Professional Development and HR Officer and HR Director with related duties or special projects as needed.

• Special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire trust and confidence and to effectively engage with employees at all levels of the organization, including leadership and managers as well as employees.

• Exceptional judgment, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally in an organization.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle with discretion sensitive employee concerns.

• Proven ability to be flexible and to handle shifting priorities and multiple projects with meeting deadlines and staying highly organized.

• Ability to work within a fast paced and demanding environment.

Required Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 7+ years of human resources experience in employee relations, conflict resolution, employee mobility, performance management, disciplinary processes, leaves of absence management, and immigration matters, preferably as an HR business partner or HR generalist and preferably within a law firm or other professional services environment.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications & Education:

• HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) or advanced degree preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

• Moderate or advanced keyboard usage

Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.

Below is a list of just some of the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; pre-tax transit and parking program; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.

Benefits may vary by position and office.

Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.

Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.