Sr. Employee Relations Partner

LOCATION: Hybrid – 8 days a month in the office. Preferred offices are Kennesaw GA, Chicago IL, or Riverwoods. See the posting for other office locations.

OVERVIEW
As a member of the Americas Employee Relations & HR Compliance COE, you play a critical role in upholding and reinforcing Wolters Kluwer’s Values, Code of Business Ethics, and policies. This role serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, providing expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and performance management. To support the centralized team model, you will also manage a case load of complex complaints and investigations, utilizing data analytics to inform decisions, developing tools, templates, processes, and reference materials, and undertaking other projects to support the ongoing maturity of the ER function.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consult with and support managers in the review and action plan implantation for employee performance improvement and discipline matters.
• Conduct fact-based investigations (simple to complex) including matters that are raised internally, EEOC and DOL charges, state agency claims, hotline complaints. In collaboration with the Global Compliance & Legal Department and corresponding HR partners, prepare written investigation summaries, recommended actions, and draft responses.
• Manage the interactive process for workplace accommodation requests, reviews, and resolutions.
• Collaborate with internal partners and stakeholders, including HR operations, and Legal to support escalated leave of absence, accommodation and immigration cases.
• Analyze employee relations data to identify trends and recommend appropriate actions.
• Maintain a current understanding of policy and process changes within WK and external regulatory changes that need to be incorporated into our management approach. Track and monitor all changes and documents activities the business undertakes to maintain proper governance and compliance concerning employment.
• Consult with HR team members on the interpretation of policy and process to ensure we maintain consistency across the division and are aligned to WK requirements.
• Analyze employee relations activities to make recommendations to the business, HR Operations, and Legal functions for policy/process development or modification, manager and employee training, and other risk mitigation and compliance opportunities.
• Develop and maintain employee relations strategy and practices.
• Collaborate with partners to ensure solutions are aligned with organizational values and business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Experience:

• 5+ years Human Resources experience with at least 3+ years focused in Employee Relations, required
• Experience conducting complex ER investigations at all levels, including executive level
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills - ability to write factually and persuasively is a must
• Ability to be a coach, mentor, advise, and partner with stakeholders at varying levels of seniority
• Skilled in analyzing data and identifying trends to inform strategies and improve workplace practices.
• Ability to assess complex employee issues, identify root causes, and develop fair, compliant, and effective solutions.
• Proven ability to make balanced decisions by weighing evidence, considering legal implications, and anticipating potential outcomes.
• Demonstrates awareness of others' emotions and responds with empathy and professionalism in interactions.
• Experienced decision maker who uses good reasoning and sound judgment
• Strong knowledge of ER, labor relations, training, and conflict resolution
• Experience with Workday and HR Acuity case management system, a plus

TRAVEL: <10%