Salary Range $62,000 - $80,000*

Job Description

Saks is a world-renowned luxury ecommerce destination. The company’s unique approach combines a focus on the digital customer experience with a strong connection to a network of extraordinary stores that extends that seamless experience into the real world.

On its website and app, Saks offers an unparalleled selection of curated merchandise across fashion for women and men, beauty, jewelry, home décor and more. In addition to the shopping experience, customers come to Saks for inspiring editorial content, access to digital stylists, lifestyle experiences and other world-class services. The company is currently in the midst of a dramatic expansion, driven by significant enhancements to its platforms and offerings, with the goal of becoming the preeminent destination for luxury internationally.

Role Summary

The Associate Employee Relations Manager plays a critical role in the management of associate relation concerns and answering HR policy and procedural questions directed to the AskHR team via our portal. They serve as the subject matter experts to a diverse workforce to include associates and supervisors, with primary contact with Line Managers and Human Resources Business Partners.

In this role, the Associate Employee Relations Manager will conduct internal investigations on behalf of the stores concerning violations of policy, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and other employee relations matters. The successful candidate will also use appropriate and acceptable standards/methods of investigative practices to complete a thorough investigation by compiling relevant documents and formulating an official investigative report.

This position must ensure that high levels of customer service are met and that managers and associates' problems are resolved in a timely, thorough, and professional manner. This role will support the company in designing proactive strategies to improve not only associate relations but overall HR strategies to align with the needs of the business.

Role Requirements

A strong communicator, written and verbally, who demonstrates effective consultation and influencing skills
Thrives in a rapidly changing environment with exposure to a wide variety of critical People functions
Ability to build trust and collaborate across the business
Exercises considerable good judgment and discretion at all times.
Maintains confidentiality and sensitivity to all issues
Able to make sound decisions in accordance with corporate policies.
Possess strong coaching, conflict resolution and decision making skills
Able to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with compassion and equity
Able to position self as a credible, proactive, and trusted thought partner
Shows confidence in ability to successfully navigate through difficult discussions with associates on every level in the company
Desires to contribute to our thriving AR team while operating independently under remote management
Able to handle multiple/competing priorities
Quick to learn multiple systems, processes, and procedures
Bachelor's degree or equivalent ER experience
Advanced HR certification or training is a plus
Has at least 3 years of exempt level experience in Human Resources or equivalent managerial experience with primary focus in Employee Relations
Demonstrated experience leading a wide variety of complex associate investigations with little supervision
Excellent decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, and root cause/analysis skills/
Demonstrated investigation and consultative skills
Proficient knowledge of employment and HR related laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts. and practices including wage and hours, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and EEO laws.
Strong communication skills, with an emphasis on providing direction and clarity to a large organization. Proven track record to engage in candid conversations while maintaining professionalism and objectivity
Ability to uphold the highest standards of ethics, including maintaining confidentiality
Experience facilitating group discussions with employees at all levels of the organization
Capability to work in Western and Central time zones
Flexible and adaptable to changing business requirements
Technologically astute with strong computer proficiency: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web browsers and tools
Working knowledge of Workday, G-Suite, and StoreForce strongly preferred

Job Responsibilities

Conduct complex and sensitive employee investigations, including determining appropriate investigation strategies, leading witness interviews and any required document review, and determining findings and recommendations for appropriate resolution.
Partner with the AskHR team, HRBP and/or Legal as required to review difficult AR cases. Edit and prepare all levels of the Performance Improvement documents to include leader/HRBP talking points, written warnings, case executive summaries and termination letters. Proactively recommend improvements to the AR processes as needed.
Actively pursue knowledge of retail business practices, policies, organization structure, roles and responsibilities to better understand the business.
Provide counsel and direction to Managers and others in the areas of employee relations by offering coaching and guidance on policy adherence, interpretation, and grievances by phone, email, etc.
Undertake a wide range of HR tasks and ad hoc projects such as streamlining processes, process maps, and other general HR operations type work.
Identify trends in Associate Relations where store staff would benefit from additional training
Develop and facilitate trainings for leaders and associates
Accurately input and track issues and inquiries in the database system and resolve open tickets in a timely manner.
Take on additional projects/responsibilities as needed.

Your Life And Career At Saks

Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities
A culture that promotes a healthy, fulfilling work/life balance
Benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental).
An amazing employee discount

Thank you for your interest with Saks. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Saks provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Saks complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Saks welcomes all applicants for this position. Should you be individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process, accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used.

Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The above expected salary range may have some variability based upon factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s overall experience, qualifications, and geographic location. If you are interested in the role, we encourage you to apply and, if selected to move forward in the interview process, you will have a chance to speak with our recruitment team regarding your specific salary expectations.

Saks Jobs

Associate Employee Relations Manager