EMPLOYEE RELATIONS MANAGER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Jun 04, 2025 - The Employee Relations Manager possesses comprehensive knowledge of state and federal employment laws with proven experience managing multi-state compliance and employee relations issues fairly and diplomatically. This position requires skill in confidential data analysis, effective communication in both English and Spanish, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management technologies. This role demonstrates strong change agility, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills to handle complex priorities across teams and functions.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Employee Relations Manager Resume
  • Employee Relations Expertise
  • Negotiation
  • Document Management
  • Project Management
  • Risk Management
  • Performance Management
  • Case Management
  • Policy Development
  • Legal Compliance
  • Data Analysis
  • Team Collaboration
  • Coaching
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Leadership
  • Relationship Building
  • Strategic Advice
  • Grievance Management
  • Training Development
  • Action Plan Development

Summary of Employee Relations Manager Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Human Resource Management with 5 years of experience

  • Ability to build strong and collaborative relationships.
  • Exemplary communication, presentation and executive writing skills.
  • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, especially in complex and nuanced situations.
  • Eager to be in and thrive in a learning and constantly changing environment.
  • Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced global work environment.
  • Ability to demonstrate empathy and honesty.
  • Proven solid judgment and experience assessing risk.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.
  • Deep experience providing guidance and counsel in complex ER matters, advising, and influencing across all levels of the organization.
  • Able to navigate ambiguity confidently.
  • Knowledgeable in local and federal employment laws and regulations.
  • Able to handle confidential information professionally.
  • Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
  • Experience working in a high-growth environment.

2. BS in Business Administration with 3 years of experience

  • Retain an in-depth understanding of labor and employment laws and regulations
  • Ability to possesses demonstrable problem-solving and analytical capabilities
  • Experience analyzing metrics and assessing employee sentiment data to find root causes and develop short-, medium- and long-term plans
  • Capable of working successfully in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
  • Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with employees at all levels
  • Ability to demonstrate high emotional intelligence and empathy
  • Strong change management, negotiation, and influencing skills
  • Ability to speak fluent French and English
  • Experience building and launching programs that measurably impact positive engagement
  • Experience in distribution, logistics and/or transportation industries highly desired
  • Experience working with third-party contractor workforces

3. BA in Psychology with 4 years of experience

  • Expertise investigating complex ER related issues
  • Strong executive presence and relationship management skills, including the ability to interact with and influence peers and partners
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills – must be able to explain complex topics in clear, concise and understandable terms
  • Ability to lead across multiple stakeholders to orchestrate cohesive oversight and management
  • Ability to navigate complex, matrixed structure and influence outcomes
  • Ability to prioritize in the face of competing priorities, interruptions and distractions
  • Ability to manage risk while ensuring optimal value and outcomes are achieved
  • High level of integrity and objectivity to ensure proper outcomes are obtained
  • Strong data presentation skills (Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Deep knowledge and exposure to China/GCR and its employment/labour regulations.
  • Fluency in both English and Chinese languages as the role will involve support to Chinese-speaking markets.
  • Experienced in handling complex and sensitive employee relations matters, handling internal employee investigations and managing employee conflict.

4. BS in Labor Relations with 3 years of experience

  • Ability to prepare formal documentation to monitor, report on and administer workplace relations outcomes.
  • Ability to interpret, translate and make decisions against employment law and industrial instruments.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills and experience
  • Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including an ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels
  • A depth of experience in coaching and mentoring leaders and People Partners in the areas of ER and IR
  • A pragmatic and practical approach to ensure ER outcomes match business and employee needs
  • A track record of resolving industrial disputes in an effective manner
  • Ability to competently analyze and synthesize documents and data to make objective findings.
  • Deep knowledge of ER, labor relations, federal, state and local laws that govern employment practices.
  • Deep understanding of FMLA, EEO laws, ADA and other employment-related state and federal laws and regulations.

5. BA in Sociology with 4 years of experience

  • Knowledge of state and federal employment laws
  • Experience working across multiple states
  • Exercise sound judgment and make decisions in a fair and consistent manner
  • Ability to handle stressful situations with grace and diplomacy and remain neutral in difficult employee relations issues
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals at all levels within the organization
  • Ability to handle sensitive and highly personal information on a daily basis and maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to to analyze data and provide management with constructive recommendations
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with case management technology
  • Strong Bilingual (English and Spanish) skills
  • Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in labor laws and regulations
  • Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management capability
  • Strong change agility and capability to manage competing priorities under highly complex context
  • Strong collaboration and teamwork (within team and across functions)

6. BS in Industrial Relations with 5 years of experience

  • Experience of multi-national, fast-paced, progressive commercial organizations
  • CIPD Qualified or equivalent work experience
  • Sound experiences across other HR disciplines
  • Experience of working in a multi-cultural, diverse environment
  • ER management experience demonstrated with proven experience developing and managing ER plans including organizational changes, performance management and discipline/grievance management being key
  • Excellent up-to-date Employment Law knowledge
  • Experience in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Experience in hands-on change management initiatives under the unionized context
  • English communication in written and spoken
  • Strong employee relations skills, resilience and ability to embrace change and drive process improvements to support the steady growth of the organization.
  • Confident and professional communicator (including both written and verbal skills in English) with the proven ability and desire to proactively build positive, collaborative and effective relationships at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize multiple activities, being a self-starter, with the initiative and perseverance to deliver results.
  • Effective organizational skills and ability to work independently while seeking support and guidance
  • Advanced administrative skills and working knowledge of computer systems across multiple software platforms (SharePoint, HRIS (Ultimate Software), Microsoft Office Suite, Teams)

7. BA in Communication Studies with 5 years of experience

  • Experience in managing an operational team
  • Experience in managing a remote team
  • Experience in owning the details and driving execution against a set plan in an accurate, efficient and timely manner, raising issues, questions and status across stakeholders proactively
  • Strong working experience with MS Office applications 
  • Experience in operational processes in support of key HR deliverables
  • Adaptable, logical, and capable of flexing solutions to changing demands, anticipating the local, regional, global impact
  • Experience working in at least one of the following regions, APAC, AMERS + EMEA
  • Comfortable working in a highly matrixed environment
  • Proactively identifies opportunities for process improvements to increase efficiency an accuracy, minimizing risk
  • Ability to build and sustain high-performing partnerships, both locally and globally
  • Experience in a progressive environment with a focus on employee relations, investigations, and performance management. 
  • Knowledge, interpretation, and application of relevant HR best practices, employment law standards, and workplace investigative protocols.
  • Experience conducting workplace investigations into employee complaints/grievances.
  • Strong business orientation coupled with a genuine desire to promote a fair and positive work environment for all employees
  • Experience dealing with sensitive and confidential information

8. BS in Organizational Development with 4 years of experience

  • Demonstrable knowledge of federal/state/local employment laws and related practices e.g. Investigations and Policy creation.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to be an effective counselor, mediator, and connector between the workforce and senior management
  • Collaborative approach with managers and HR colleagues
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to listen effectively
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess situations and make accurate observations in the workplace
  • Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations
  • Practical understanding of other Human Resource functions and processes
  • In depth knowledge of SA labour laws and practices (Understanding of Namibian Labour Law will be advantageous).
  • Demonstrated skill and experience in dealing with the Bargaining Council, Unions and the CCMA
  • Experience in designing and delivering successful training programs
  • Technically proficient in MSWord, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Experience leading and motivating direct reports and influencing others outside of direct reporting relationship
  • Strong time management skills and ability to manage a large caseload

9. BS in Management with 5 years of experience

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the human resources field
  • Understanding of state and federal employment regulations
  • Awareness of OSHA regulations and compliance
  • Understanding of personnel and compliance records management
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Basic knowledge of HR laws and regulations
  • Experience and general knowledge of benefit plans
  • Experience with ADP, Ultipro
  • Ability to interact effectively with supervisors, employees, and external vendors.
  • Advanced math skills including accounting preferred
  • Ability to prepare complex written reports and other documents
  • Ability to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions

10. BA in Human Resource Development with 4 years of experience

  • Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Federal, State and local employment laws.
  • Experience in the interpretation of collective bargaining language preferred.
  • Experience conducting internal investigations preferred.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong documentation, organizational and attention to detail skills.
  • Experience at management or senior administrative level with emphasis on employee/labor relations.
  • Knowledge of federal and state employment laws. 
  • Strong organization and interpersonal skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to influence others and relate well with all levels of staff.
  • Desire to be engaged with employees with regard to Human Resources practices
  • Ability to learn quickly and integrate efficiently

11. BS in Psychology with 5 years of experience

  • Experience in employee relations, with a background in workplace investigations and/or labor/employment law
  • Understanding of employment and labor laws throughout the United States
  • Experience in designing and delivering successful training programs
  • Technically proficient in MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
  • Able to pass a comprehensive background and reference check
  • Advanced degree, law degree, or other specialized training in labor/employee relations a significant plus
  • Able to handle confidential information in a mature and professional manner
  • Team player with strong written and oral communication skills, excellent public speaker
  • Strong interpersonal and persuasion skills, enabling individual to establish partnerships working with senior leaders and across organizational lines
  • Highly analytical thinker and problem solver
  • Acts with a sense of urgency, bias for action, fast pace, and desire to thrive in a dynamically growing environment
  • High-quality judgment and sound decision-making
  • Strong project and time management skills with ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects to closure

12. BA in Business Management with 4 years of experience

  • Fully fluent in English and Spanish.
  • Experience in managing and leading audits of HR policies, procedures, documents, and systems in different areas such as onboarding, recruitment, payroll, compliance with laws and regulations, etc. 
  • Experience should include hotline program management and compliance training program design and delivery.
  • Experience conducting complex compliance and employee relations investigations as a primary role function.
  • Experience establishing and/or developing an Employee Relations function highly preferred.
  • Sound business acumen and demonstrated ability to establish credibility, trust and partnership at all levels within an organization.
  • Excellent communication (oral, written, listening, presentation and facilitation) skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal/state employment laws and an excellent understanding of general HR practices, laws and regulations.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment.
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment in selecting methods for obtaining results.
  • Demonstrated experience composing and presenting comprehensive reports inclusive of metrics, trends and recommendations to the company’s Senior Management Team on a regular basis.
  • Experience handling privileged information with sensitivity and confidentiality.

13. BS in Workforce Education and Development with 5 years of experience

  • Knowledge of human resources management principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of human resources programs such as employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers' compensation and organizational development.
  • Knowledge of state and federal employment laws, guidelines, policies and procedures, including state of Texas payroll and personnel policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of key business fundamentals, key internal and external customers and individual and team behaviors.
  • Knowledge of the HHS agencies' missions, employee and manager roles, organizational planning process, client and organizational cultures and the public service environment.
  • Knowledge of policy and procedure development processes.
  • Knowledge of project management principles and techniques.
  • Skill in consultation and negotiation.
  • Skill in customer service orientation and relationship management.
  • Skill in analytical thinking.
  • Skill in providing facilitation and effective consultation to management and staff.

14. BA in Conflict Resolution with 6 years of experience

  • Skill in facilitating large and small group meetings with multiple stakeholders.
  • Skill in defusing conflict, guiding groups to agreement on decisions and maintaining objectivity.
  • Skill in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Skill in interpreting complex human resources policies and procedures.
  • Skill in the use of computer and human resources-related software applications.
  • Ability to demonstrate professionalism, self-confidence, and a pleasant demeanor.
  • Ability to organize resources to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Ability to train, lead, organize and prioritize resources and workload to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions.
  • Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment.
  • Ability to initiate projects and work on multiple projects concurrently.
  • Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

15. BS in Public Administration with 4 years of experience

  • Extensive knowledge of state and federal employment laws and governmental compliance requirements
  • Experience in providing employment support and benefits assistance to staff
  • Experience working in a multi-cultural, diverse environment
  • PHR Certification or SHRM Class Completion
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
  • SharePoint and Paylocity experience
  • Ability to speak in front of large groups of individuals
  • Ability to multitask and efficiently manage priority action items
  • Excellent Customer Service skills
  • Exceptional organizational skills with reliability and consistency in work performance
  • Flexibility with a team player mentality
  • Ability to work with minimal to moderate supervision
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