Senior Manager, Employee Relations
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.), Princeton, NJ, United States
Job Summary
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: “Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.” Otsuka researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative products, with a focus on pharmaceutical products to meet unmet medical needs and nutraceutical products for the maintenance of everyday health.
Senior Manager, Employee Relations The Senior Manager, Employee Relations will champion Otsuka’s culture and values. Reporting to the Director of Employee Relations, this role supports the Director and our business leaders to investigate employee relations issues presented from across our U.S. pharma business, assess risk related to employee claims, navigate change, and help build a sustainable ER organization for the future. The role works in close collaboration with members of our Employee Relations Committee (ERC). The successful candidate will monitor the effect of business decisions on people and advise management appropriately. This individual must challenge the status quo and present strong positions based on evidence and fact finding. The candidate should be learning agile, able to deal with ambiguity while addressing complex issues, and reach or recommend clear, coherent solutions. They must stay current on Federal and State laws that impact the company and/or the employees and understand the potential longer‑term implications related to policy changes, helping to formulate positions that protect the company’s interests. Position based in Princeton, New Jersey. Otsuka maintains a hybrid work policy; travel is expected ~15% of the time based on business needs.
Job Description Working with our Business
Conduct investigations in response to a range of employee relations concerns, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Manage employee relations issues, participate in internal investigations, and provide recommendations for resolution.
Partner with Ethics and Compliance on issues that have broader impact beyond Employee Relations and implications to the overall business.
Partner with Legal Affairs to address ER‑related legal concerns and counsel HR leaders to facilitate prompt and effective resolution of workplace concerns.
Use effective interviewing and documentation techniques and utilize the designated online case‑management tool for tracking.
Report regularly regarding pending investigations and provide timely investigation reports with supporting documentation for all completed investigations.
Collaborate with the Director of Employee Relations and HR Business Partners to provide guidance on performance management processes, including coaching, counseling, and performance improvement plans.
Work with the Director of Employee Relations to develop and reinforce an employee relations strategy and philosophy that provides clarity of direction, reliable measurement, and clear feedback.
Able to identify the longer‑term impact related to case issues to provide a full view of potential risks.
Reinforce an employee relations strategy and philosophy that provides clarity of direction, reliable measurement, and clear feedback.
Work closely with management and employees, under the guidance of the Director of Employee Relations, to improve work relationships, amplify engagement, and increase productivity and retention.
Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑business employee relations needs.
Working with our HR Team
Conduct trainings on compliance with policies and procedures.
Develop effective relationships with HR Business Partners to promote positive employee relations throughout the organization to ensure a high level of employee satisfaction and engagement.
Partner with HR Centers of Excellence (COE’s) which include Operations, Total Rewards, HRIS, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, and DE&I to share insights and advice that may impact how we operate.
Qualifications / Required
Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in Business, Human Resources Management, or related field preferred.
Understanding of HR legal compliance requirements and HR programs relative to support of business objectives required.
5+ years of substantive experience in Employee Relations as a subject‑matter expert—extensive experience conducting investigations, performance management (including advising managers), making recommendations, and partnering with in‑house counsel. Ability to demonstrate outcomes that have led to actionable and supportive plans.
Pharmaceutical/biotech and/or healthcare industry experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal, writing, communication, organizational, project management, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
Required Skills
Must be able to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment.
Proven ability and strong influencing skills, decision making, and resilience.
Comfortable with ambiguity and being part of complex strategy discussions with team members and leaders.
Strategic thinker with experience in execution of complex, cross‑functional projects and programs.
Compelling oral and written communicator with the ability to build relationships with senior leaders and a range of stakeholders to drive organizational change.
Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex, difficult, and emotional issues.
Excellent planning, organization, and time‑management skills, attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks, and work in a fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environment.
Ability to work effectively in an environment of change and manage multiple priorities concurrently through strong project management, systems knowledge, and effective communication.
Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team setting to build personal brand and develop a network of relationships across the organization.
Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Equal Opportunity Employer Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request.
Competencies Accountability for Results : Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change. Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving : Make decisions considering the long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business. Patient & Customer Centricity : Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders. Impactful Communication : Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka. Respectful Collaboration : Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals. Empowered Development : Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.
Minimum $134,615.00 - Maximum $201,250.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.
Application Deadline This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.
Company benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company‑provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.
Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka.
Statement Regarding Job Recruiting Fraud Scams At Otsuka we take security and protection of your personal information very seriously. Please be aware individuals may approach you and falsely present themselves as our employees or representatives. They may use this false pretense to try to gain access to your personal information or acquire money from you by offering fictitious employment opportunities purportedly on our behalf. Please understand, Otsuka will never ask for financial information of any kind or for payment of money during the job application process. We do not require any financial, credit card or bank account information and/or any payment of any kind to be considered for employment. We will also not offer you money to buy equipment, software, or for any other purpose during the job application process. If you are being asked to pay or offered money for equipment fees or some other application processing fee, even if claimed you will be reimbursed, this is not Otsuka. These claims are fraudulent and you are strongly advised to exercise caution when you receive such an offer of employment. Otsuka will also never ask you to download a third‑party application in order to communicate about a legitimate job opportunity. Scammers may also send offers or claims from a fake email address or from Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc., and not from an official Otsuka email address. Please take extra caution while examining such an email address, as the scammers may misspell an official Otsuka email address and use a slightly modified version duplicating letters. To ensure that you are communicating about a legitimate job opportunity at Otsuka, please only deal directly with Otsuka through its official Otsuka Career website https://vhr-otsuka.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External. Otsuka will not be held liable or responsible for any claims, losses, damages or expenses resulting from job recruiting scams. If you suspect a position is fraudulent, please contact Otsuka’s call center at: 800‑363‑5670. If you believe you are the victim of fraud resulting from a job recruiting scam, please contact the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at: https://www.ic3.gov, or your local authorities.
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and Otsuka Precision Health, Inc. (“Otsuka”) does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any Otsuka employee directly or through Otsuka’s application portal without a valid written search agreement in place for the position will be considered Otsuka’s sole property. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired by Otsuka as a result of an agency referral where no pre‑existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
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Senior Manager, Employee Relations The Senior Manager, Employee Relations will champion Otsuka’s culture and values. Reporting to the Director of Employee Relations, this role supports the Director and our business leaders to investigate employee relations issues presented from across our U.S. pharma business, assess risk related to employee claims, navigate change, and help build a sustainable ER organization for the future. The role works in close collaboration with members of our Employee Relations Committee (ERC). The successful candidate will monitor the effect of business decisions on people and advise management appropriately. This individual must challenge the status quo and present strong positions based on evidence and fact finding. The candidate should be learning agile, able to deal with ambiguity while addressing complex issues, and reach or recommend clear, coherent solutions. They must stay current on Federal and State laws that impact the company and/or the employees and understand the potential longer‑term implications related to policy changes, helping to formulate positions that protect the company’s interests. Position based in Princeton, New Jersey. Otsuka maintains a hybrid work policy; travel is expected ~15% of the time based on business needs.
Job Description Working with our Business
Conduct investigations in response to a range of employee relations concerns, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Manage employee relations issues, participate in internal investigations, and provide recommendations for resolution.
Partner with Ethics and Compliance on issues that have broader impact beyond Employee Relations and implications to the overall business.
Partner with Legal Affairs to address ER‑related legal concerns and counsel HR leaders to facilitate prompt and effective resolution of workplace concerns.
Use effective interviewing and documentation techniques and utilize the designated online case‑management tool for tracking.
Report regularly regarding pending investigations and provide timely investigation reports with supporting documentation for all completed investigations.
Collaborate with the Director of Employee Relations and HR Business Partners to provide guidance on performance management processes, including coaching, counseling, and performance improvement plans.
Work with the Director of Employee Relations to develop and reinforce an employee relations strategy and philosophy that provides clarity of direction, reliable measurement, and clear feedback.
Able to identify the longer‑term impact related to case issues to provide a full view of potential risks.
Reinforce an employee relations strategy and philosophy that provides clarity of direction, reliable measurement, and clear feedback.
Work closely with management and employees, under the guidance of the Director of Employee Relations, to improve work relationships, amplify engagement, and increase productivity and retention.
Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑business employee relations needs.
Working with our HR Team
Conduct trainings on compliance with policies and procedures.
Develop effective relationships with HR Business Partners to promote positive employee relations throughout the organization to ensure a high level of employee satisfaction and engagement.
Partner with HR Centers of Excellence (COE’s) which include Operations, Total Rewards, HRIS, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, and DE&I to share insights and advice that may impact how we operate.
Qualifications / Required
Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in Business, Human Resources Management, or related field preferred.
Understanding of HR legal compliance requirements and HR programs relative to support of business objectives required.
5+ years of substantive experience in Employee Relations as a subject‑matter expert—extensive experience conducting investigations, performance management (including advising managers), making recommendations, and partnering with in‑house counsel. Ability to demonstrate outcomes that have led to actionable and supportive plans.
Pharmaceutical/biotech and/or healthcare industry experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal, writing, communication, organizational, project management, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
Required Skills
Must be able to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment.
Proven ability and strong influencing skills, decision making, and resilience.
Comfortable with ambiguity and being part of complex strategy discussions with team members and leaders.
Strategic thinker with experience in execution of complex, cross‑functional projects and programs.
Compelling oral and written communicator with the ability to build relationships with senior leaders and a range of stakeholders to drive organizational change.
Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex, difficult, and emotional issues.
Excellent planning, organization, and time‑management skills, attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks, and work in a fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environment.
Ability to work effectively in an environment of change and manage multiple priorities concurrently through strong project management, systems knowledge, and effective communication.
Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team setting to build personal brand and develop a network of relationships across the organization.
Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Equal Opportunity Employer Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request.
Competencies Accountability for Results : Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change. Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving : Make decisions considering the long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business. Patient & Customer Centricity : Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders. Impactful Communication : Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka. Respectful Collaboration : Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals. Empowered Development : Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.
Minimum $134,615.00 - Maximum $201,250.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.
Application Deadline This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.
Company benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company‑provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.
Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka.
Statement Regarding Job Recruiting Fraud Scams At Otsuka we take security and protection of your personal information very seriously. Please be aware individuals may approach you and falsely present themselves as our employees or representatives. They may use this false pretense to try to gain access to your personal information or acquire money from you by offering fictitious employment opportunities purportedly on our behalf. Please understand, Otsuka will never ask for financial information of any kind or for payment of money during the job application process. We do not require any financial, credit card or bank account information and/or any payment of any kind to be considered for employment. We will also not offer you money to buy equipment, software, or for any other purpose during the job application process. If you are being asked to pay or offered money for equipment fees or some other application processing fee, even if claimed you will be reimbursed, this is not Otsuka. These claims are fraudulent and you are strongly advised to exercise caution when you receive such an offer of employment. Otsuka will also never ask you to download a third‑party application in order to communicate about a legitimate job opportunity. Scammers may also send offers or claims from a fake email address or from Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc., and not from an official Otsuka email address. Please take extra caution while examining such an email address, as the scammers may misspell an official Otsuka email address and use a slightly modified version duplicating letters. To ensure that you are communicating about a legitimate job opportunity at Otsuka, please only deal directly with Otsuka through its official Otsuka Career website https://vhr-otsuka.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External. Otsuka will not be held liable or responsible for any claims, losses, damages or expenses resulting from job recruiting scams. If you suspect a position is fraudulent, please contact Otsuka’s call center at: 800‑363‑5670. If you believe you are the victim of fraud resulting from a job recruiting scam, please contact the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at: https://www.ic3.gov, or your local authorities.
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and Otsuka Precision Health, Inc. (“Otsuka”) does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any Otsuka employee directly or through Otsuka’s application portal without a valid written search agreement in place for the position will be considered Otsuka’s sole property. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired by Otsuka as a result of an agency referral where no pre‑existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
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