Experienced Senior Employee Relations Partner – Remote Opportunity for Strategic HR Leadership and Employee Engagement Expertise

Introduction to Quest Diagnostics

At Quest Diagnostics, we are driven by a passion for improving human health and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of millions. As a leader in the healthcare industry, we recognize the importance of fostering a work environment that is inclusive, supportive, and empowering for all employees. Our mission is to provide diagnostic insights that help healthcare professionals make informed decisions, and we are dedicated to delivering high-quality services that exceed our customers' expectations. If you are a seasoned HR professional with a passion for employee relations, leadership development, and strategic partnership, we invite you to join our team as a Senior Employee Relations Partner.

Job Overview

The Senior Employee Relations Partner plays a critical role in our Employee Relations Center of Excellence, providing expert guidance and support to managers and employees across multiple sites and lines of business. As a key member of our HR team, you will be responsible for driving employee engagement and retention initiatives, overseeing complex employee relations matters, and ensuring compliance with relevant employment legislation. Your expertise will help us build a positive employee relations climate, mitigate people risk, and promote a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with employees and managers to resolve complex, non-routine work-related issues through advice and recommendation, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and with respect.
• Deliver high-quality decisions and counsel consistently to managers and employees, identifying and analyzing employee matters and recommending appropriate employment action to maintain a productive work environment.
• Administer the company's coaching and disciplinary action process, including performance improvement plans and disciplinary action documentation, to ensure that all employees are held to the same standards and that our policies are applied consistently.
• Support management in the preparation of complex disciplinary action documentation and performance improvement plans, protecting the company by ensuring that written documentation is legally sound and reduces employment-related risk.
• Participate in disciplinary or termination proceedings for employees, as needed, and provide guidance and support to ensure that all parties are treated fairly and with respect.
• Develop specialized knowledge of assigned sites and lines of business/geography, providing feedback on trends to management and making recommendations on how to maintain a positive employee climate.
• Coordinate and participate in Reduction in Force activities across the company, ensuring that all employees are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.
• Conduct in-depth internal investigations of non-routine allegations received regarding performance, misconduct, or company-policy violations, documenting and reporting findings and determining final conclusions and action plans for implementation and resolution.
• Advise the Tier 1 and Tier 2 HR Service Center team in addressing routine allegations of performance, misconduct, and company-policy violations that warrant the use of the company's investigation process.
• Serve as a primary contact for the company on matters pertaining to employment law compliance and mitigation of people risk, monitoring changes in employment legislation and recommending policy changes as needed to ensure up-to-date and accurate Employee Relations policies, procedures, and programs.
• Support and participate in employment litigation, including EEOC position statement support and mediations, unemployment hearings, OFFCCP audits, and other related activities.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to the development of policy, processes, and tools for the Employee Relations Center of Excellence and the HR Service Center team to address Tier 1 and Tier 2 employee relations inquiries.
• Monitor and report on retention and turnover metrics to ensure effective support of the company's employee relations processes, leveraging employee engagement tools such as surveys, focus groups, and town hall meetings to surface and address employee relations issues in a timely manner.
• Provide work direction and share expertise and knowledge with members of the Employee Relations Center of Excellence, training Employee Relations Center of Excellence resources on changes in employee relations policies and approaches utilized by the company.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in HR Generalist or Employee Relations Specialist role(s) in comparable organizations, with a proven track record of success in employee relations, leadership development, and strategic partnership.
• Prefer Labor Union experience, including collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and 2 years of leadership experience obtained through mentorship, supervisory, project management, or high-level consultative accomplishments.
• Knowledge of employment law and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII, FLSA, ADA, and EEOC guidelines.
• Familiarity with HR systems, such as HRIS, HR Reporting, Case Management, and other related technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to deal with people in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and apply critical thinking skills, with a strong analytical mindset and the ability to think strategically.
• Ability to effectively interact with a diverse population at all levels within the organization, with a strong commitment to building relationships and fostering a positive work environment.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations, with a strong sense of emotional intelligence and the ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, with a strong academic record and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, with a strong understanding of HR principles and practices.
• Experience working in a remote or virtual environment, with a strong ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
• Experience with HR systems and technologies, including but not limited to Workday, BambooHR, or other related platforms.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to understand the organization's goals and objectives and make decisions that support the company's mission and vision.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and foster a positive work environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to think critically and make informed decisions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment, with a strong sense of organization and attention to detail.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to understand the organization's goals and objectives and make decisions that support the company's mission and vision.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations, with a strong sense of emotional intelligence and the ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and systems.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a Senior Employee Relations Partner, you will have access to a range of training and development opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Professional certification programs, such as PHR or SPHR, to support your ongoing learning and professional development.
• Leadership development programs, to help you build your skills and expertise as a leader and manager.
• Mentorship opportunities, to connect you with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support.
• Networking opportunities, to help you build relationships and connections within the organization and the industry.
• Access to industry conferences and events, to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in HR and employee relations.

Work Environment and Company Culture

At Quest Diagnostics, we are proud of our diverse and inclusive work environment, where employees are valued and respected for their unique perspectives and contributions. Our company culture is built on a foundation of integrity, respect, and empathy, and we are committed to creating a workplace that is welcoming and supportive for all employees. As a Senior Employee Relations Partner, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative team that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our employees and our customers.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, with company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible scheduling.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs.
• Recognition and reward programs, to recognize and reward employee achievements and contributions.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced HR professional with a passion for employee relations, leadership development, and strategic partnership, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Senior Employee Relations Partner at Quest Diagnostics, you will have the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of our employees and our customers, while also advancing your career and developing your skills and expertise. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our team and be part of something bigger. Apply today!

Apply Now