Employee Relations Advisor
Dr. Martens plc, Portland, OR, United States
The Employee Relations Advisor plays a critical role in creating a fair, consistent and high‑performing workplace by providing expert employee relations support across the Americas region. The role ensures that people practices are compliant, commercially sound and aligned with our values, while enabling leaders to manage risk, performance and change confidently.
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
Employee Relations Case Management
Lead and manage employee relations cases end‑to‑end, including investigations, disciplinary action, grievances, performance management, performance improvement, attendance and conduct matters.
Ensure cases are handled fairly, consistently and in line with policy, legislation and best practice.
Maintain accurate, confidential documentation and case records.
Manager Advisory & Capability Building
Act as a trusted advisor to managers, providing clear guidance on employee relations processes, decision‑making and effective people conversations.
Coach managers to build confidence and capability in handling employee issues appropriately and proactively.
Coach and guide managers on people fundamentals, including documentation standards and policy interpretation.
Reinforce consistent processes, procedures, resources and expectations for people leadership and employees across retail and corporate environments.
Legal Compliance & Risk Management
Apply strong working knowledge of employment law across the Americas, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal and reputational risk.
Identify emerging risks, trends or systemic issues and escape appropriately.
Support consistent application of people policies across markets, balancing standardisation with local legal requirements.
Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of employee relations policies, processes and guidance.
Change & Organizational Support
Provide employee relations support for organisational change activity, including restructures, consultations and role changes.
Partner with people partners and leaders to ensure employee experience is managed professionally and respectfully during change.
Support corporate off‑boarding by coordinating equipment returns, conducting exit interviews, final paycheck processing and exit survey review.
Insight, Data & Reporting
Track and analyse employee relations activity, identifying trends, root causes and improvement opportunities.
Provide insights that inform preventative actions, manager training and broader people priorities.
Manage and track employee off‑boarding and leaver forms and data (exit surveys).
Cross‑functional Collaboration
Work closely with people partners, legal, payroll and other people teams to deliver a consistent, high‑quality employee experience.
KEY SKILLS & CAPABILITIES
Strong expertise in employee relations case management, including complex and high‑risk scenarios.
Solid knowledge of employment law and employee relations practices across the Americas region.
Ability to balance commercial pragmatism with fairness, consistency and employee experience.
Skilled at influencing and advising managers with varying levels of people management capability.
High level of judgement, discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive matters.
Clear, confident communicator with the ability to explain complex issues in a practical way.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Analytical mindset, able to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities from case data.
Collaborative approach, working effectively across HR, legal and the wider business.
Resilient and adaptable, with the confidence to operate in periods of organisational change.
BENEFITS
Welcome to the brand pair of Docs.
Employee discount of 65% off footwear and 50% on accessories.
Early Friday finish in the summertime.
Amazing Portland‑based office and rooftop.
Employee Assistance Program.
401(k) Pre‑Tax and Roth retirement savings plans.
DM Foundation, supporting and empowering our communities around the world.
EEO & Accessibility Statement
We strive to create an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand, helping us to authentically speak to our consumers.
We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included, whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
Employee Relations Case Management
Lead and manage employee relations cases end‑to‑end, including investigations, disciplinary action, grievances, performance management, performance improvement, attendance and conduct matters.
Ensure cases are handled fairly, consistently and in line with policy, legislation and best practice.
Maintain accurate, confidential documentation and case records.
Manager Advisory & Capability Building
Act as a trusted advisor to managers, providing clear guidance on employee relations processes, decision‑making and effective people conversations.
Coach managers to build confidence and capability in handling employee issues appropriately and proactively.
Coach and guide managers on people fundamentals, including documentation standards and policy interpretation.
Reinforce consistent processes, procedures, resources and expectations for people leadership and employees across retail and corporate environments.
Legal Compliance & Risk Management
Apply strong working knowledge of employment law across the Americas, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal and reputational risk.
Identify emerging risks, trends or systemic issues and escape appropriately.
Support consistent application of people policies across markets, balancing standardisation with local legal requirements.
Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of employee relations policies, processes and guidance.
Change & Organizational Support
Provide employee relations support for organisational change activity, including restructures, consultations and role changes.
Partner with people partners and leaders to ensure employee experience is managed professionally and respectfully during change.
Support corporate off‑boarding by coordinating equipment returns, conducting exit interviews, final paycheck processing and exit survey review.
Insight, Data & Reporting
Track and analyse employee relations activity, identifying trends, root causes and improvement opportunities.
Provide insights that inform preventative actions, manager training and broader people priorities.
Manage and track employee off‑boarding and leaver forms and data (exit surveys).
Cross‑functional Collaboration
Work closely with people partners, legal, payroll and other people teams to deliver a consistent, high‑quality employee experience.
KEY SKILLS & CAPABILITIES
Strong expertise in employee relations case management, including complex and high‑risk scenarios.
Solid knowledge of employment law and employee relations practices across the Americas region.
Ability to balance commercial pragmatism with fairness, consistency and employee experience.
Skilled at influencing and advising managers with varying levels of people management capability.
High level of judgement, discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive matters.
Clear, confident communicator with the ability to explain complex issues in a practical way.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Analytical mindset, able to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities from case data.
Collaborative approach, working effectively across HR, legal and the wider business.
Resilient and adaptable, with the confidence to operate in periods of organisational change.
BENEFITS
Welcome to the brand pair of Docs.
Employee discount of 65% off footwear and 50% on accessories.
Early Friday finish in the summertime.
Amazing Portland‑based office and rooftop.
Employee Assistance Program.
401(k) Pre‑Tax and Roth retirement savings plans.
DM Foundation, supporting and empowering our communities around the world.
EEO & Accessibility Statement
We strive to create an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand, helping us to authentically speak to our consumers.
We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included, whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr