People Relations Partner

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a People Relations Partner to our growing Human Resources division in Seattle, WA. The People Relations Partner is a frontline HR practitioner who supports corporate and professional employee populations across McKinstry, reporting to the Senior Director of HR Business Partnership. This role delivers consistent, people-centered HR support to the HRBP team, and at times, employees and managers - handling day-to-day intake of employee relations, policy guidance, and HRBP process execution that enables the HRBP team to focus on strategic business partnership. This role is an important connector between employees, managers, and the broader People Team. Additional responsibilities may include:

HR Practices and Processes Support

• Coordinate and support cyclical HR processes including performance reviews, engagement surveys, and compensation planning
• Coordinate support and application of day-to-day HRBP processing to include enterprise org changes, comp changes, unemployment claims, exit interviews, payroll liaison, backup support for Labor Relations HRBP, outplacement mgt., job description support, international systems requests, shipping equipment for terms, etc.
• Coordinate intake with HR Operations (or PSC) as needed, on leave administration, onboarding and offboarding (including simple terms and agreements), pay inquiries, and data/knowledge mgt. support
• Enable HRBP team recognitions/events
• Track and manage all HR business partner work, templates, files, forms, and processes, etc., to include best practice approaches at McKinstry

Employee Relations Intake and General Guidance

• Serve as a first point of contact for employee transactional concerns, workplace conflicts, and policy questions across the Enterprise populations, offering guidance to SMEs for best resolution (some work may transition to People Services Center 1+ yrs.)
• Support investigations into employee complaints (partnership and support to Sr. HRBP/Employee Relations lead), including documentation and interviews (intakes)
• Partner with HRBPs, People team leadership, & Legal on complex or escalated ER matters
• Support performance management process management under HRBP team guidance, including escalation flow up management chain, and supporting documentation, PIPs process and tracking

Manager Guidance Through Escalation Flow

• Advise frontline and mid-level managers on HR policy application, employee conversations, and people management practices; guiding managers through appropriate escalation, to next level mgt./leader (goal is to guide to next level of management)
• Help managers navigate leave requests, accommodation, and other sensitive situations in coordination with HR Ops and/or Benefits teams (in partnership with HRBPs
• Support the HRBP team in building manager capability through consistent, practical guidance and follow-through in support of our HRBPs where needed
• Maintain accurate documentation and case tracking for ER matters in support of the Sr. HRBPs and ER professionals and team leaders

Policy Interpretation & Compliance

• Translate HR basic policies and employment requirements into clear, practical guidance for managers in close partnership with HRBPs (DOE level); ensuring clear understanding of Employee Handbook policy outline (in partnership with HRBPs)
• Ensure consistent policy application across supported populations via tracking and analysis
• Identify policy gaps or recurring issues, and surface trends to the Sr. HRBPs and/or Sr. Director HRBP team
• Surface recurring issues or compliance concerns

Data & Reporting

• Track ER caseloads, turnover trends, and manager escalation patterns, in partnership with ER leader and team leads
• Gather data summaries to the HRBP that support decision-making and resource prioritization (in partnership with People Analytics team)
• Use data to identify gaps and recommend proactive HR interventions

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• 2–4 years of HR generalist, employee relations or experience across multiple HR functional disciplines
• Working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices (federal/state/local)
• Experience supporting a professional or corporate employee population
• Operational excellence - with solid organizational and project management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to build trust across all levels of the organization, with active listening and empathy
• Data accuracy – solid aptitude using analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of confidentiality required – with ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment
• Solid technology aptitude and acumen/proficiency, including: Microsoft Office Suite (e.g.: Outlook, Word, Excel and PP), AI and digital agility (with user willingness), HRIS and software systems (Workday if possible)
• Coaching and influencing without authority desired
• Policy application, compliance orientation and general employment law
• Collaborative partnership across HR functions
• Desired, not required - PHR or SHRM-CP certification (or in progress)

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• “Building Good” paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $72,090 - $119,300 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.