Senior Manager HR Associate Relations
Acuity Brands, Inc, Atlanta, GA, United States
Senior Manager, Associate Relations and Labor Relations (AR/LR)
The Senior Manager, Associate Relations and Labor Relations (AR/LR), will partner with associates and leaders across the organization to create an environment where the best people can do their best work. This role focuses on investigative matters, conflict resolution, high‑risk performance management, sensitive associate exits, and navigating workplace dynamics that require thoughtful, strategic support.
Work location: This position may be based anywhere in the United States and includes travel as part of the responsibilities.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Coach, influence, and guide managers, HR Strategic Advisors, HR Managers, and cross‑functional partners through complex or high‑risk associate situations, including conflict resolution, interpersonal friction, performance challenges, and difficult conversations.
Partner closely with Legal and HR teams on strategic performance management, offering guidance on performance improvement plans (PIPs), documentation, and exit strategies, ensuring decisions prioritize fairness to the individual while supporting overall team health and business needs.
Investigate sensitive associate complaints and prepare thorough, concise investigation reports and relevant documentation, managing a high‑volume caseload.
Lead or support sensitive, high‑touch associate exits while preserving dignity, ensuring compliance, and maintaining cultural alignment.
Help build scalable tools, templates, and frameworks that strengthen the AR/LR function across the company.
Build and refine a centralized workplace accommodation process.
Use data and insights to identify trends and advise on systemic solutions that promote trust, engagement, and long‑term cultural health.
Navigate ambiguity with a proactive, calm, creative, and solutions‑oriented mindset, clarifying issues and working toward resolution in a dynamic, evolving environment.
Demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities and be prepared to coach direct reports and broader HR team.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or related field preferred.
At least 6+ years of experience in employee relations or related people roles, ideally in high‑growth, fast‑paced, and highly dynamic environments. Experience in manufacturing, union environments, and working with an hourly workforce is a plus.
Proven ability to manage high‑tension, highly escalated associate situations with discretion, empathy, and calm under pressure.
Track record of handling complex performance management, sensitive exits, and conflict resolution with a steady, thoughtful, and pragmatic approach.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills—building trust quickly, communicating with warmth and clarity, and connecting with associates, managers, and senior leaders.
Low‑ego, high‑ownership mindset. Ability to work strategically and in day‑to‑day situations that require hands‑on support and a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves mentality.
Strong instincts for people and culture, with the ability to read situations, understand organizational dynamics, and offer grounded, empathetic guidance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially when navigating sensitive or high‑stakes conversations.
Comfort operating in ambiguity and rapid change, with the ability to move quickly and decisively while staying aligned with Acuity’s brand and mission.
Commitment to fairness, discretion, and principled decision‑making.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.
3+ years in a manufacturing environment preferred.
Experience with hourly workforce in union and non‑union environments preferred.
Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally up to 25%.
We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, ethnicity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation, please contact us at (770) 922‑9000, select option 4, and indicate the type of accommodation you are requesting for this requisition.
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Work location: This position may be based anywhere in the United States and includes travel as part of the responsibilities.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Coach, influence, and guide managers, HR Strategic Advisors, HR Managers, and cross‑functional partners through complex or high‑risk associate situations, including conflict resolution, interpersonal friction, performance challenges, and difficult conversations.
Partner closely with Legal and HR teams on strategic performance management, offering guidance on performance improvement plans (PIPs), documentation, and exit strategies, ensuring decisions prioritize fairness to the individual while supporting overall team health and business needs.
Investigate sensitive associate complaints and prepare thorough, concise investigation reports and relevant documentation, managing a high‑volume caseload.
Lead or support sensitive, high‑touch associate exits while preserving dignity, ensuring compliance, and maintaining cultural alignment.
Help build scalable tools, templates, and frameworks that strengthen the AR/LR function across the company.
Build and refine a centralized workplace accommodation process.
Use data and insights to identify trends and advise on systemic solutions that promote trust, engagement, and long‑term cultural health.
Navigate ambiguity with a proactive, calm, creative, and solutions‑oriented mindset, clarifying issues and working toward resolution in a dynamic, evolving environment.
Demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities and be prepared to coach direct reports and broader HR team.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or related field preferred.
At least 6+ years of experience in employee relations or related people roles, ideally in high‑growth, fast‑paced, and highly dynamic environments. Experience in manufacturing, union environments, and working with an hourly workforce is a plus.
Proven ability to manage high‑tension, highly escalated associate situations with discretion, empathy, and calm under pressure.
Track record of handling complex performance management, sensitive exits, and conflict resolution with a steady, thoughtful, and pragmatic approach.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills—building trust quickly, communicating with warmth and clarity, and connecting with associates, managers, and senior leaders.
Low‑ego, high‑ownership mindset. Ability to work strategically and in day‑to‑day situations that require hands‑on support and a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves mentality.
Strong instincts for people and culture, with the ability to read situations, understand organizational dynamics, and offer grounded, empathetic guidance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially when navigating sensitive or high‑stakes conversations.
Comfort operating in ambiguity and rapid change, with the ability to move quickly and decisively while staying aligned with Acuity’s brand and mission.
Commitment to fairness, discretion, and principled decision‑making.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.
3+ years in a manufacturing environment preferred.
Experience with hourly workforce in union and non‑union environments preferred.
Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally up to 25%.
We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, ethnicity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation, please contact us at (770) 922‑9000, select option 4, and indicate the type of accommodation you are requesting for this requisition.
#J-18808-Ljbffr