Associate Regional HR/Employee Relations Partner (Durham, NC)

The Associate Regional HR/Employee Relations Partner supports the delivery of HR and employee relations services across the region. This role is execution‑focused and highly detail‑oriented, with an emphasis on employee relations case support, HR process improvement, and system administration.

The Associate acts as a key liaison between employees, people managers, and HR Centers of Excellence (COEs), ensuring consistent application of HR practices, accurate documentation, and timely issue resolution. This role is ideal for an early‑career HR professional looking to build a strong foundation in HR operations and employee relations.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Employee Relations Support & Case Management

• Serve as a first point of contact for non‑complex employee relations inquiries, including attendance concerns, basic performance issues, policy clarification, and workplace questions.
• Manage low‑risk, non‑complex ER cases under established guidelines, escalating higher‑risk or sensitive matters to senior HR or ER partners as appropriate.
• Assist with intake, documentation, and tracking of employee relations issues to ensure accurate records and timely follow‑up.
• Support investigations by gathering documentation, scheduling interviews, preparing summaries, and maintaining case files.
• Ensure all ER activities are documented accurately and consistently in the ER case management system.

HR Systems & Process Excellence (Key Focus)

• Become a subject matter expert in the ER case management system, ensuring accurate data entry, reporting, and adherence to case workflows.
• Support ongoing process improvement efforts by identifying gaps, inefficiencies, or recurring issues in ER and HR workflows.
• Develop job aids, templates, and documentation to support consistent HR and ER processes.
• Run reports and analyze basic ER data to support trend analysis and operational insights.
• Partner with senior HR team members to implement system enhancements and process updates.

Policy Interpretation & Compliance Support

• Provide basic interpretation of HR policies and procedures to employees and managers, ensuring understanding and consistent application.
• Apply country/region‑specific guidelines to support compliance with local employment practices.
• Ensure HR actions align with company policy, documentation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Escalate policy exceptions or unclear situations for senior review.

Manager & Employee Support

• Partner with people managers to support day‑to‑day employee matters, reinforcing foundational leadership and people management practices.
• Coordinate logistics and materials for manager enablement sessions, trainings, and HR communications.
• Support employees by answering HR questions, directing them to appropriate resources, and ensuring timely follow‑up.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Act as a liaison between the regional HR team and HR Centers of Excellence (Employee Relations, Talent, Total Rewards, Learning).
• Support the rollout of regional HR programs and initiatives under guidance from senior HR partners.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and process discussions to build HR and ER capability.

Qualifications (Minimum Required):

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic qualification.
• Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements

Experience (Minimum Required):  

• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience, internship, or relevant administrative/HR support experience.
• Prior exposure to HR operations, employee relations, compliance, or case management is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

This is a Hybrid role, must be within driving distance to the Durham, NC office.

Pay Range: $75,000-$85,000 (The range does not include benefits, and if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity)

Benefits: All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(K), ESPP, Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO), and Company bonus where applicable. For more detailed information, please click here.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently stationary for 6-8 hours per day.

• Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

• Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.

• Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.

• Light to moderate lifting and carrying (or otherwise moves) objects including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.

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Application deadline: March 15, 2026

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.