Manager, Employee Relations

At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through using and developing innovative technology and opening up the boundaries to bring stories to life through our movies, interactive experiences and products, and media networks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join our dedicated team at an outstanding time of innovation, growth, and excitement as part of the Employee Relations team that supports the Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology (DEET) and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) groups, and other organizations.

This key role is responsible for assisting the Employee Relations team with the establishment and management of employee relations activities according to established guidelines and Employee Relations standard processes. The Manager of Employee Relations will assist in building the ER function for the DEET and DTC organizations and will also provide clients with ER expertise and services, including conducting investigations, advising on ER issues, interpreting policies and practices, and responding to Administrative Agency and Guideline complaints. This role requires a sophisticated and innovative ER professional, who is a self-starter, with strong writing, analytical and problem solving skills, and is highly-skilled at leading investigations.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

• Strong issue spotting and analytical skills to enable intake of ER issues and cases.
• Respond to employee concerns and complaints that violate Company policies by supporting the investigative team in conducting timely internal investigations independently or in conjunction with ER supervisors and HR Business Partners. Prepare written documentation of investigative findings and report out to partners.
• Respond to Administrative Agency requests and charges.
• Support the performance management process by providing general consultation, preparation of written warnings, performance improvement plans, coaching, key messaging and other related documents.
• Act as a proactive consultant to the business by implementing strategies that include best practices through collaboration with Human Resource Business Partners (HRBP), Legal, Labor Relations, Security, Management Audit and Advisory and Assurance and other partners.
• 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.
• Research and respond to HR Business Partners and employee inquiries regarding complex leave of absence scenarios (ability to analyze FMLA and other state leave laws).
• Oversee efforts to work with applicable partners and employees to support the medical accommodation process through coaching, documentation and applicable follow up.
• Partner with Learning & Development to enhance ER related training for managers/leaders and to provide key learning updates for HRBPs.
• Assist with upkeep of ER database.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize key insights gleaned from ER data and analytics.
• Proven ability to form relationships and partnerships to help establish ER department presence.
• Oversee and facilitate in-person in-house compliance, and other ER-related trainings.

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:

• Minimum of 5 years Human Resources experience, or 4 years in Employee Relations, or 3 years in legal practice required.
• In depth understanding of all aspects of employment and human resources related laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts and practices, including Title VII, ADA, ADAA and FMLA
• The successful candidate will be proactive and will have outstanding listening skills, proven consultative skills, and the ability to assess sensitive and complex employee relations issues in a confidential, objective, and systematic manner.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated strong written/verbal communication and facilitation/presentation skills.
• Demonstrated consultative, credibility assessment and investigative skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, lead and influence at all levels within the organization, and make decisions while keeping all partners and leaders informed.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Excellent writing, grammar, and punctuation skills.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Education

• JD strongly preferred

The hiring range for this position in New York is $132,100.00 - $172,900.00 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.