Manager, Employee Relations

Walt Disney Entertainment - Studios seeks a Manager, Employee Relations to support the Studios Human Resources team.  The Employee Relations function is responsible for promoting and enabling a fair and inclusive workplace that safeguards the company’s employment brand by ensuring that employee and company interests are handled in a fair and consistent manner.  In addition to responsibility for supporting the ongoing evolution of the Walt Disney Studios’ Employee Relations department, this position will work with the Sr. Manager, Employee Relations and broader team to collaborate with clients, HR Business Partners, Labor Relations, Legal, and other internal partners, to provide counsel and act as a proactive consultant to the business. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Respond to employee concerns and complaints of potential unlawful behavior, such as discrimination and harassment, or violation of Company policies, by conducting timely internal investigations independently or in conjunction with supervisors, HR Business Partners and other business partners.
• Prepare recommendations for review and consult with internal Employee Relations leadership and Legal partners regarding appropriate disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
• Ensure compliance of company policies and practices by responding to inquiries regarding policy and procedure interpretation, and providing guidance to HRBPs and employees.  Work with lines of business to review and evolve their site-specific policies to ensure alignment with broader company policies and practices. Improve employee relations acumen by training and educating partners and clients on updates to policies and practices. 
• Support the performance management process by providing general consultation, preparation of written warnings, performance improvement plans, coaching, key messaging and other related documents.
• Support reduction in workforce efforts by partnering with HR Business Partners and Legal to work through the established process and assist with compiling documentation and summaries for senior management review.
• Engage employees, HR Business Partners, and leaders in the interactive process to ensure the company appropriately responds to requests for medical and religious accommodations. 
• Create centralized organization, and consistent and automated processes for ER activities to enhance partnerships with clients, HR colleagues, and Legal.  This includes the case intake process and management, documentation, tracking systems and reporting.
• Conduct in-person Preventing Workplace Harassment training for employees.
• Research and respond to agency claims, including EEOC, CRD, and union grievances as applicable.
• Manage individual cases and address big picture issues.  Help determine the root cause and develop proactive strategies to effectively reduce undesirable activity and sustain positive results.   
• Cultivate a strong client oriented service rapport with HR Business Partner teams, and other internal partners, that is based on a high level of collaboration and inclusion.
• Manage critical Employee Relations projects that support a fair and inclusive workplace that safeguards the company’s employment brand by ensuring that employee and company interests are handled in a fair and consistent manner.
• Participate in other functional work by leading and participating in related special projects, as applicable.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Employee Relations or 3 years of relevant alternative work experience in employment law
• Knowledge of employment law and practices (with an emphasis on ADA, the interactive process for accommodation requests, and leave of absence requirements); understanding of Company policies, procedures, state and federal laws, with the ability to apply the knowledge to multiple situations
• Ability to independently conduct a thorough investigation
• Strong written and verbal/consultative skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve conflict
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information in a manner that inspires confidence and trust
• Ability to consult, respond to inquiries and influence a wide variety of key stakeholders
• Creative and strategic problem solving skills
• Ability to execute against multiple high priority projects through exceptional organizational, prioritization and effective time/project management skills
• High degree of initiative, independent judgment and discretion

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or related work experience required; Juris Doctor 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 $137,100.00 to $167,500.00 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.