Employee Relations (ER) Specialist
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At Bonduelle Americas, we're on a mission to make plant-rich eating easy, accessible, and joyful for everyone. As a certified B Corp, we invite people to embrace a flexitarian lifestyle with an expanding portfolio of plant-rich products available in and beyond the produce aisle.
With four facilities and nearly 3,000 Associates in the US, we're part of something bigger: a global movement rooted in over 170 years of family heritage. Our parent company, Groupe Bonduelle (BON.PA), brings plant-rich foods to tables in nearly 100 countries and partners with growers who cultivate more than 173,000 acres of fresh, nutritious produce each year.
At Bonduelle-Americas, you'll find more than just a career; you'll find purpose with a team that puts people first, values sustainability, and believes in doing well by doing good. Together, we're inspiring the shift towards a plant-rich diet that nourishes both people and the planet.
Position Summary:
The Employee Relations Specialist serves as the subject matter expert on all aspects of the employee experience related to workplace conduct, performance, and compliance in the Northeast Growth Hub at Bonduelle Americas. Partnering closely with HR Generalists, HR Data Specialists, and leaders across the Northeast Growth Hub Region, this role provides expert guidance on employee relations matters, ensures consistent application of HR policies, and promotes a positive, legally compliant, and inclusive workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities
1. Employee Relations Case Management
- Lead investigations and resolution of complex employee issues, including grievances, misconduct, performance concerns, and policy violations in the Northeast Growth Hub.
- Provide guidance to managers on disciplinary actions, documentation, and progressive performance management.
- Maintain detailed and confidential case documentation and ensure appropriate closure and follow-up actions.
- Partner with Legal or external advisors as needed for sensitive or high-risk cases.
2. Policy, Compliance & Risk Management
- Interpret and apply employment laws and company policies consistently.
- Partner with HRLT to review and update HR policies, handbooks, and procedures to ensure compliance with local legislation and best practice.
- Monitor ER trends and risks, proactively identifying areas for manager training or policy improvement.
- Support internal audits and compliance reporting related to employee conduct and workplace culture.
3. Manager Coaching & Advisory
- Advise leaders on handling complex people issues, conflict resolution, and communication best practices.
- Partner with the HR Generalist to upskill managers in conducting performance discussions and managing attendance or behavior concerns.
- Provide coaching to managers to improve workplace relationships and promote fair, transparent practices.
4. Employee Engagement & Culture
- Collaborate with the HR Generalist to identify employee engagement issues emerging from ER trends.
- Support initiatives that foster inclusion, trust, and accountability across teams.
5. Data, Reporting & Insights
- Collaborate with the HR Data Specialist and HR Generalist to analyze ER metrics (e.g., turnover, grievances, absenteeism, round table / exit/ new hire survey data) and share actionable insights.
- Prepare ER summaries and reports for HR leadership and management reviews.
- Track outcomes and recommend strategies to mitigate employee relations risks.
6. Collaboration & Team Partnership
- Partner with the HR Generalist to ensure alignment between ER policies and HR operations (e.g., attendance, performance, or leave issues).
- Work with the HR Data Specialist to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of ER activities.
- Support HR projects and initiatives that impact workplace culture or compliance.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or related field.
- 5+ years of HR experience, with at least 2 years specializing in employee relations or HR compliance. Has experience managing full cycle investigations and complaints at all levels of the organization from frontline to executive.
- Strong knowledge of labor laws, workplace investigations, and HR best practices.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
- Must be able to support physically in both the New Jersey Plants and Philadelphia locations as needed.
Compensation and Benefits:
We offer a competitive starting range of $74,000.00-$85,000.00 annually commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, this position may be eligible for bonuses or other incentive programs as part of a comprehensive total rewards package, which includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with diverse investment choices
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs
- Employee discounts, wellness initiatives, and company-sponsored events
Life at Bonduelle:
Learn more by visiting: https://bonduelleamericas.com/about-us/