Employee Relations Manager

The Role  

The Employee Relations Manager, will perform a variety of tasks on the Employee Relations (ER) team and contribute to the success of the centralized ER function, with oversight, by: 

• Conducting internal investigations into potential violations of Green Thumb’s Code of Ethical Business Conduct and/or Employee Handbook, focusing on a range of matters from simple matters to complex discrimination, harassment, and retaliation issues involving protected classes or protected activity. The Employee Relations Manager will apply best practice investigation techniques to ensure thorough, objective, and legally compliant outcomes.
• Demonstrating a deep knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Employee Relations Manager will independently lead the ADA interactive process with employees, provide guidance and recommendations to HR partners and business leaders, collaborate with Green Thumb’s third-party administrator to communicate outcomes, conduct thorough risk assessments on attendance and leave of absence issues, and apply expertise in employment law to analyze specific fact patterns and ensure compliance.
• Working cross-functionally and advising members of the People Team, including, but not limited to, HR Partners, Talent Acquisition, and Total Rewards on risk assessments, policy interpretation, policy violations, disciplinary actions, performance management, and employee misconduct issues.
• Analyzing sources of data and information to identify key trends and areas of opportunity. The Employee Relations Manager will collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as HR Partners and Labor Relations, to review “hot spots” and craft appropriate action plans.
• Other projects, as needed. 

This role reports to the Senior Manager, Employee Relations. This role will be mainly remote with a preference for a candidate in the Chicagoland area. Travel to the Chicago headquarters or other business locations across the US may be required 1-3 times per year. 

Essential Functions: 

• Solid understanding of employee relations issues and employment laws (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, Family Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, National Labor Relations Act, etc.).
• Use of objective findings, technical expertise, and understanding of employment laws to prepare and communicate clear and fact-based recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment while accomplishing high-volume individual tasks.
• Writing skills – Ability to draft clear, concise business correspondence, including investigation reports.
• Analytical skills - ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret data with a neutral perspective, from varied sources.
• Computer skills - competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, knowledge of Navex EthicsPoint, a plus.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality in handling employee relations matters.
• Willingness to adapt and pivot based on the needs of the business and leadership’s directives 

Working Conditions 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while maintaining focus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment. 

Qualifications  

• Five years of experience in Human Resources or Employee Relations with a focus on workplace accommodations and internal investigations
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related discipline with experience in Employee/Labor Relations
• Advanced degree or other specialized training in Employee/Labor relations is a plus
• Demonstrated passion for Employee Relations, investigations and employment/labor law 

Minimum Requirements 

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must possess valid state ID.
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, state badging requirements in order to work in cannabis industry (requires background check and state review)