DescriptionWhy RTI RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approachโone that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the worldโs most challenging problems. We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you. About the Hiring Group The successful incumbent will join Global Human Resources supporting the Employee Relations Center (ERC). The ERC is an independent, complementary HR function that leads sensitive workplace investigations. The Senior Manager, Employee Relations will report to the Senior Director, Human Resources Technology, Data Analytics. What You'll Do The Senior Manager, Employee Relations leads the development, execution, and continuous improvement of employee relations (ER) strategies and practices across the organization. This role is responsible for managing a team of ER professionals, overseeing complex workplace investigations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and internal policies, and promoting a positive and inclusive work environment. The Manager serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and HR Business Partners, providing expert guidance on sensitive ER matters, identifying organizational trends, and implementing proactive solutions that mitigate risk and enhance the employee experience. Essential Duties: Lead the Employee Relations function by setting strategic direction, managing daily operations, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals and HR strategy. Develop, implement, and monitor ER policies, programs, and best practices that promote positive workplace culture and legal compliance. Partner with senior HR leaders and business leaders to provide strategic consultation on complex ER issues, including organizational change, culture, performance management, and risk mitigation. Manage, coach, and develop a team of Employee Relations professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery and consistent application of ER practices. Assign caseloads, monitor progress, and review findings and recommendations to ensure timely and thorough resolution of ER issues. Foster a high-performing and inclusive team environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth. Oversee complex and high-risk employee relations cases, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other violations of company policy. Takes an active role in coordinating and managing the ER shared mailbox. This includes ensuring prompt and efficient handling of inquiries and concerns, directing them to the appropriate team members for effective resolution. Ensure investigations are conducted in a thorough, fair, and timely manner, with appropriate documentation and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Maintains accurate and confidential ER records and documentation, meticulously ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies. Guide resolution strategies, disciplinary actions, and legal escalations in collaboration with Legal, HR, and leadership. Lead the review, development, and communication of HR and ER policies in alignment with evolving employment laws and organizational values. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor and employment laws, and drive consistent application across business units. Partner with Legal and Compliance to minimize organizational risk and maintain audit-ready ER processes. Analyze ER data and trends to identify root causes, develop proactive interventions, and recommend policy or process improvements. Deliver executive-level reporting and insights to senior leadership, highlighting key ER trends, metrics, and risk areas. Build strong partnerships across HR, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to effectively resolve employee relations matters. Serve as a trusted advisor on workplace conduct, organizational culture, and employee engagement strategies. Support organizational initiatives related to bridging and belonging as they intersect with ER practices. What You'll Need Bachelor's degree and experience in relevant field (E.g., Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field) Proven experience leading high-level investigations and managing complex ER cases Adaptability to handle diverse employee relations matters Strong analytical skills, including data analysis for interpreting employee relations data and identifying trends Customer service orientation Expert knowledge of employment and labor laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, etc.) Demonstrated ability to think strategically, assess risk, and influence stakeholders Excellent investigative, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills High level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural competence Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft executive summaries, policy language, and case reports Proficiency with HRIS platforms and case management systems; strong Excel and PowerPoint skills; excellent knowledge of MS Word and Outlook Ability to manage multiple priorities Ability to travel several times throughout the year to domestic and international locations and stay in those locations for multiple weeks Ability to work well with others Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing Ability to work independently Attention to detail and accuracy Ability to obtain proper security clearances as noted by contracts. SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other relevant HR certifications a plus Certification in workplace investigations or mediation a plus Demonstration of the RTI Values and Lead Forward behaviors by all employees is critical to the Instituteโs success. Behaviors associated with our Values and Lead Forward can been found on RTI Insider and Careers page. EEO & Pay Equity Statements For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here. RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: 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. The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer. At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance. Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range $150,000-$185,000
ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Manager, Employee Relations leads the development, execution, and continuous improvement of employee relations (ER) strategies and practices across the organization. This role is responsible for managing a team of ER professionals, overseeing complex workplace investigations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and internal policies, and promoting a positive and inclusive work environment. The Manager serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and HR Business Partners, providing expert guidance on sensitive ER matters, identifying organizational trends, and implementing proactive solutions that mitigate risk and enhance the employee experience. Essential Duties: Lead the Employee Relations function by setting strategic direction, managing daily operations, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals and HR strategy. Develop, implement, and monitor ER policies, programs, and best practices that promote positive workplace culture and legal compliance. Partner with senior HR leaders and business leaders to provide strategic consultation on complex ER issues, including organizational change, culture, performance management, and risk mitigation. Manage, coach, and develop a team of Employee Relations professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery and consistent application of ER practices. Assign caseloads, monitor progress, and review findings and recommendations to ensure timely and thorough resolution of ER issues. Foster a high-performing and inclusive team environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth. Oversee complex and high-risk employee relations cases, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other violations of company policy. Takes an active role in coordinating and managing the ER shared mailbox. This includes ensuring prompt and efficient handling of inquiries and concerns, directing them to the appropriate team members for effective resolution. Ensure investigations are conducted in a thorough, fair, and timely manner, with appropriate documentation and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Maintains accurate and confidential ER records and documentation, meticulously ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies. Guide resolution strategies, disciplinary actions, and legal escalations in collaboration with Legal, HR, and leadership. Lead the review, development, and communication of HR and ER policies in alignment with evolving employment laws and organizational values. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor and employment laws, and drive consistent application across business units. Partner with Legal and Compliance to minimize organizational risk and maintain audit-ready ER processes. Analyze ER data and trends to identify root causes, develop proactive interventions, and recommend policy or process improvements. Deliver executive-level reporting and insights to senior leadership, highlighting key ER trends, metrics, and risk areas. Build strong partnerships across HR, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to effectively resolve employee relations matters. Serve as a trusted advisor on workplace conduct, organizational culture, and employee engagement strategies. Support organizational initiatives related to bridging and belonging as they intersect with ER practices
QualificationBachelor's degree and experience in relevant field (E.g., Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field) Proven experience leading high-level investigations and managing complex ER cases Adaptability to handle diverse employee relations matters Strong analytical skills, including data analysis for interpreting employee relations data and identifying trends Customer service orientation Expert knowledge of employment and labor laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, etc.) Demonstrated ability to think strategically, assess risk, and influence stakeholders Excellent investigative, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills High level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural competence Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft executive summaries, policy language, and case reports Proficiency with HRIS platforms and case management systems; strong Excel and PowerPoint skills; excellent knowledge of MS Word and Outlook Ability to manage multiple priorities Ability to travel several times throughout the year to domestic and international locations and stay in those locations for multiple weeks Ability to work well with others Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing Ability to work independently Attention to detail and accuracy Ability to obtain proper security clearances as noted by contracts. SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other relevant HR certifications a plus Certification in workplace investigations or mediation a plus Demonstration of the RTI Values and Lead Forward behaviors by all employees is critical to the Instituteโs success. Behaviors associated with our Values and Lead Forward can been found on RTI Insider and Careers page