Associate Manager, Employee Relations

At Disney, we are storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, interactive experiences, products, and media networks.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join our Disney Employee Relations team.

The Employee Relations team plays a vital role in shaping a positive and consistent employee experience across The Walt Disney Company.  We partner with employees and leaders during pivotal moments in the employment lifecycle, fostering a workplace that reflects Disney’s values of equity, inclusion, and respect.

Reporting to a Senior Manager, Employee Relations, the Associate Manager, Employee Relations supports a wide range of ER functions across multiple business segments, including Disney Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology, ESPN, and International.  This role is responsible for managing employee relations matters in alignment with company policies and best practices.    

Responsibilities:

• Conducting timely and thorough internal investigations into employee concerns and policy violations, independently or in collaboration with ER leadership, HR Business Partners, and/or other partners.
• Documenting investigative findings and maintaining accurate case records.
• Supporting organizational changes such as workforce reductions, reorganizations, and restructures by partnering with HRBPs and business leaders.
• Collaborating with cross-functional partners including Legal, Labor Relations, Security, and Global Security Investigations to address employee matters and develop proactive ER strategies.
• Assisting in the interactive process for employee accommodations, providing coaching and follow-up support.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of ER-related training programs.
• Analyzing ER data to identify trends and recommend actionable solutions. 
• Assisting with case management and case tracking and assignments as needed. 
• Providing guidance on performance management, including drafting written warnings, performance improvement plans, and coaching materials.
• Supporting background check adjudication reviews in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as required to support team and organizational goals

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Human Resources, or at least 2 years of experience in either Employee Relations or employment law practice.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and empathy.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to make sound, data-informed decisions.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on building trusted relationships across teams.
• A passion for fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.
• High attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience in facilitation, presentation, and documentation.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization, influencing key stakeholders and driving alignment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and complex employee matters with objectivity, discretion, and a high degree of confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR regulations, including Title VII, ADA, and FMLA.
• Proficiency in conducting investigations, assessing credibility, and providing consultative guidance.
• Familiarity with international labor practices

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) with a focus on Employment Law is strongly preferred.

Disability accommodation for employment applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $113,600.00 to $138,800.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.