EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Jun 11, 2025 - The Employee Relations Specialist has experience in employment investigations, performance management consulting, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives with strong knowledge of labor laws, ADA, FMLA, and other HR-related legislation. Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to mitigate bias, conduct thorough research, and implement equitable investigative and performance management strategies. Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking abilities, complemented by advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Employee Relations Specialist Resume
  • Compliance
  • Investigations
  • Data Analysis
  • Policy Guidance
  • Risk Assessment
  • Legal Compliance
  • Case Management
  • HR Metrics
  • Documentation
  • Performance Management
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Relationship Building
  • Coaching
  • Training
  • Employee Engagement
  • Consulting
  • Collaboration
  • Listening
  • Problem Solving

Summary of Employee Relations Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Employment Law with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience conducting workplace investigations into employee complaints/grievances.
  • Experience dealing with sensitive and confidential information
  • Experience in Employee Relations/HR or US Employment law
  • Strong working knowledge of US Federal and State Employment laws
  • Sound critical thinking, problem-solving, and negotiating skills, with the ability to apply those skills to a wide range of HR issues
  • Strong analytic skills and ability to present data to identify trends and offer strategic advice
  • Excellent communicator, writer and presenter
  • Strong at thinking analytically and able to interface effectively with employees at all levels
  • Proficient with MS Office, particularly Excel
  • Ability to focus on a single project from start to finish.
  • Strong desire to specialize in the employee relations sector of human resources.
  • Ability to conduct themselves with a high level of discretion.
  • Respect for confidentiality and personal tact
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

2. BA in Management Studies with 2 years of Experience

  • Ability to multi-task, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong project and time management skills.
  • Experience in an HR role or Employee relations role
  • Ability to communicate complex information
  • Experience in coaching and advising line managers
  • Generalist HR experience, ideally in a multi-site environment
  • Advising on disciplinary, performance, absence, and grievance cases
  • Knowledge of current employment legislation
  • Collaborative with a flexible approach, works effectively as part of a team
  • Self-motivated and a hands-on approach
  • Autonomous approach to learning and self-development
  • Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment

3. BA in Labor Relations with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in managing both employee relations and industrial relations
  • Experience in end-to-end employee relations case management including very sensitive and highly complex cases
  • Deep and up-to-date knowledge and a passion for understanding employment law and its practical application
  • Ability to provide daily/operational guidance and advice to People Experience Leads (HR advisors) and HR Business Partners on all employee relations cases
  • Demonstrable experience in supporting teams with letters, reports, case analysis, and investigation planning
  • Ability to identify and manage legal, financial, and reputational risk
  • Strong influencing skills and the ability to interface with a variety of stakeholders, at multiple work levels across the business
  • Strong communication/teamwork skills/Agility and result orientation
  • Critical thinking and the ability to focus on all possibilities and plan accordingly
  • Multi-focusing and time management/Being mobile to different sites
  • Good communication skills, positive mindset, self-motivated and target-driven candidates
  • Able to work with clients in various positions
  • Deep knowledge of applicable employment and labor relations regulations 
  • Experience in managing union-related activities, interpretation of industrial instruments, and experience leading Enterprise Agreement negotiations
  • Ability to rapidly mobilize and manage internal and external resources to mitigate risks to the Mars business and reputation

4. BA in Human Resources Management with 4 years of Experience

  • Knowledge/exposure to/understanding of Title VII, ADAA, FMLA, ADEA, EPA, federal, state, and local laws, and statutes, that govern employment policies and practices
  • Experience in the areas of employee relations, internal investigations, conflict resolution, grievance handling, and related matters
  • Excellent consultation skills and the ability to seek out information and work effectively with all levels of employees within the organization
  • Proficiency in Office 365 Suite Word, Excel, Oracle, and the ability to learn new software 
  • Thorough understanding and application of internal and external HR principles, concepts, practices, and standards
  • Ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization, including remote areas
  • Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills, attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks, and work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills must be an articulate and persuasive communicator
  • Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex, difficult, and emotional issues
  • Willingness to adapt and learn from situations to improve future improvement.
  • Working knowledge of the Oracle ERP
  • Must be knowledgeable in Saudi regulation
  • Computer literacy (including good command of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook)
  • Willingness to learn anything that will benefit the company to achieve its goal

5. BA in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
  • Knowledge of Quebec labor laws and regulations as it pertains to termination, meditation/reinstatement, accommodation, and psychological harassment.
  • Knowledge of fundamental HR practices relating to talent acquisition, attendance, terminations, etc.
  • A university degree in a related discipline (Human Resources, Industrial Relations, etc.)
  • Experience providing HR support in either a corporate and/or manufacturing site
  • Experience supporting non-compliant leaves, accommodations, performance management (including Performance Improvement Plans and Coaching plans), and/or policy interpretation.
  • Experience with supporting employee investigations/claims of harassment/discrimination, etc.
  • Experience interpreting and reviewing HR policies and procedures as well as, federal/provincial legislation.
  • Experience working with the Quebec Labour Board and other government entities
  • People-oriented with day-to-day operational experiences
  • Able to adhere to the organization’s standard practices and work ethics
  • Knowledge of HR experience and MOM legislation
  • Ability to communicate effectively (oral/written) in French and English.
  • Ability to engage with stakeholders, prioritize, and manage competing demands and expectations.
  • Ability to demonstrate tact and discretion/confidentiality.

6. BA in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Progressive experience in HR with demonstrated required functional knowledge and expertise
  • Hold PHR/SPHR/CHRP or other related HR professional certification.
  • Experience supporting leaders and employees in a Union environment 
  • Working in a regional shared services organization 
  • Demonstrated experience in, and focus on, proactively managing customer relationships
  • Must possess a demonstrated understanding of continuous performance measurement
  • A track record of identifying opportunities for continuous process improvement 
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build strong partnerships with key stakeholders in a complex, multi-supplier, and matrixed environment
  • Proactively ask questions about the wider context to understand where to provide the most business value
  • Ability to take the customers to where they ought to be, not where they want to be
  • Being courageous when need to push back and say no, or pull them to lead them to a different place
  • Exceptional conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced situations that require sound decision-making
  • A high degree of comfort with change, with the skill to easily shift priorities to meet business needs
  • Strong analysis and problem-solving skills, able to carry out root cause analysis

7. BA in Public Administration with 4 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of Human Resources and/or Employee Relations and employment law.
  • Outstanding investigative, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Ability to apply process framework models (e.g., Leadership, Consulting, Change Management, Coaching and Feedback, LEAN, and Values-Based Decision-Making).
  • Effective time management skills with the ability to handle multiple demands, and competing priorities and adapt to changes in the work environment.
  • Communicate effectively to a diverse audience and at all levels.
  • Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • A high degree of professionalism, sensitivity, and discretion coupled with good judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Maintain confidentiality, negotiate and influence effectively, and work flexible hours
  • Ability to work and think independently
  • Intermediate computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
  • Previous experience within HR or Employee Relations, including conflict resolution and working with - leaders on performance management, or as a team leader at Ameriprise.
  • Previous customer service or call center experience.
  • Knowledge of Ameriprise systems

8. BA in Communication Studies with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience working with and applying employment and labor laws throughout the Americas
  • Experience coaching, consulting, and advising employees and HR and business stakeholders
  • Experience managing conflict resolution in the workplace
  • Ability to analyze data, develop and prepare standard and ad hoc reports, and present findings with conclusions, responses, and recommendations to HR and business leaders
  • Technically proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
  • Sound judgment and decision-making, deploying emotional intelligence in every interaction with the employee base
  • Strong interpersonal and persuasion skills, enabling individuals to establish partnerships and work collaboratively across management levels and personalities
  • Strong written communication skills and the ability to develop effective executive-level messaging, reports, and presentations
  • Proven problem-solving and analytical skills in an ambiguous environment with the capacity to work autonomously
  • Experience working with quantitative and qualitative data to identify root causes, recognize patterns and develop creative, innovative solutions for complex problems
  • Acts with a sense of urgency, a bias for action, and a desire to thrive in a dynamically growing environment
  • Highly motivated, confident, resilient, thoughtful, proactive, and intellectually curious
  • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with extreme discretion

9. BA in Sociology with 7 years of Experience

  • Be an excellent communicator, able to present information clearly and concisely orally and in writing to ensure others understand ideas
  • Appropriately adapt message, style, and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences
  • Objective, approachable, and able to interact effectively with all levels of employees both in person and virtually in a positive and respectful manner
  • Able to maintain the highest level of personal integrity and confidentiality
  • Adaptable and flexible, motivated to drive results in a fast-paced environment where change is a constant, and can meet deadlines with a strong sense of urgency and adaptability
  • Passion for solving people's problems
  • HR Employee Relations specialized experience, preferably in a field operations or distribution environment
  • Experience working in an HR and/or ER function with an hourly workforce
  • Strong knowledge and experience with federal, state, and local employment laws including Title VII, ADEA, FLSA
  • Proven investigation experience including interviewing witnesses, taking notes, and writing investigation summaries
  • Ability to develop processes and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with leaders of all levels
  • High level of comfort working autonomously and recommending strategic changes
  • Ability to support the rollout of a proactive employee and labor relations strategy focused on building leadership skills to promote employee engagement
  • Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, listening, verbal and written communication skills

10. BA in Employment Law with 5 years of Experience

  • Related experience in Human Resources or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must obtain and maintain valid licenses/certifications per Federal, State, and Gaming regulations.
  • Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs.
  • Prior gaming and/or hospitality experience.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with Senior-level management including C-Suite executives.
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, have a strong attention to detail, and be extremely organized.
  • Enthusiastic leadership skills, as well as excellent written, oral communication, and platform presentation skills
  • Experience working in a union environment.
  • Excellent written/oral communication and organizational skills with an emphasis on customer service.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to react quickly to resolve issues.
  • Self-motivated, positive attitude, high-energy individual who can multitask well.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others on cross-functional teams.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with a high sense of urgency
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

11. BA in Labor Relations with 2 years of Experience

  • Redirect employee relations experience providing guidance to management and researching, investigating, and responding to employee member issues and concerns.
  • Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local employment (EEO) and labor laws.
  • Strong knowledge of the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) software.
  • Able to communicate both verbally (on the phone, one-on-one, to groups) and in writing (emails, letters, reports, presentations) to various audiences
  • Utilize time management skills such as prioritizing, organizing, tracking details, and meeting deadlines of multiple projects with varying completion dates.
  • Demonstrate success in objectively consulting employees and managers on employee relations issues of varied scope and complexity consistent with company protocol.
  • Strong conflict resolution skills.
  • In-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding employment practices related to the day-to-day management of employees to reduce legal risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • A professional level of confidentiality in handling sensitive applicant, employee, and company information.
  • Consistently provide friendly and engaging customer service to internal and external customers.
  • Maintain a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and a very professional attitude.
  • Advanced written and oral communication skills, including skill in writing thorough, logical, well-written analytical reports to convey complex issues.

12. BA in Business Administration with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience in Human Resources with direct experience performing employee relations including conflict resolution.
  • Strong understanding and knowledge of Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Employment Law, and Regulatory Compliance
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct confidential investigations on critical employee relations matters and present findings and recommendations to Human Resources.
  • Possess strong investigative and analytical skills.
  • Strong analytical, project management, initiative, and creative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information in a manner that inspires confidence and trust
  • Ability to consult, respond to inquiries, and influence a wide variety of key stakeholders
  • Possesses the ability to relate well to a wide variety of personalities.
  • Ability to maintain objectivity when working with team member situations without getting too emotionally invested or divested.
  • Capable of mediating problem resolution while demonstrating a calm and neutral demeanor.
  • Exhibits diplomacy and acts as a settling influence to defuse tensions.
  • Able to shift gears easily and comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
  • Capable of producing accurate written communication that is clear, concise, and complete
  • The ability to establish a personal rapport with internal clients to approach and act with sensitivity and patience with the interpersonal anxieties of others.

13. BA in Organizational Psychology with 6 years of Experience

  • Must have experience conducting workplace investigations
  • Experience in a union environment with exposure to contract administration, grievance process resolution, and interfacing with union employees/officials
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and presentation skills
  • Demonstrate consulting and influencing skills, the ability to work/collaborate with colleagues/internal clients/manager, and maintain constructive working relationships in a fast-paced environment
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to document findings in a clear manner
  • Ability to stay objective and fair when dealing with sensitive and potentially emotionally charged situations
  • Self-directed and able to successfully manage a significant caseload with minimal supervision and a sense of urgency
  • Prior experience supporting the manufacturing environment will be an advantage
  • Experience developing and conducting manager training
  • Metrics and data analytics capability
  • HR tools and systems capability
  • Strong communication and listening skills, being comfortable in coaching, advising and influencing managers dealing with employee relations issues.
  • Ability to assess risks and make fair decisions that meet the needs of the business.
  • Ability to quickly develop rapport and strong working relationships remotely, across all levels, within the wider HR team and business teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication

14. BA in Sociology with 4 years of Experience

  • Varied experience across large unionized corporates and/or employer associations
  • Tertiary qualifications in employee relations, human resource management, or a related discipline
  • The ability to lead strategically, with demonstrated experience in formulating and executing labor relations strategy
  • A high level of analytical thinking and problem-solving.
  • A comprehensive understanding of key industrial legislation and case law.
  • Experience working with unions and employee representatives while effectively managing dispute resolution and Enterprise Agreement negotiations.
  • Demonstrated strong work ethic and an ability to work well within a passionate team.
  • Superior consulting and stakeholder management.
  • Innovative and motivated self-starter with a “Can Do” and “Right First Time” attitude.
  • Business planning experience coupled with impressive negotiation skills.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and meet competing deadlines.
  • Proven experience within an employee relations role and/or HR operational experience in a fast-paced environment with proven employee relations experience.
  • Experience in managing medium-high risk employee relations cases to conclusion.
  • Good understanding and application of UK employment legislation.

15. BA in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Proven successful experience and ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply complex policies and procedures, including those based on federal and state law.
  • Ability and demonstrated cultural competency to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a diverse team.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to write professional correspondence, and produce written analyses, reports and other documents.
  • Expert knowledge of federal and state employment regulations.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Solid investigative and analytical skills sufficient to resolve problems and employee concerns
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other job site policies.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment, managing a variety of tasks simultaneously with efficiency, a large and diversified workload, and challenging situations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of management while simultaneously managing a diversified workload and challenging situations efficiently and effectively.
  • Ability to present in front of a group, strong writing  and research skills
  • Ability to work productively and meet deadlines timely.
  • Demonstrated experience positively influencing and collaborating with business and HR leaders
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, ability to thrive as part of a local market team
  • Experience in a shared services organization

16. BA in Communication Studies with 3 years of Experience

  • Sound business acumen and demonstrated ability to establish credibility, trust, and partnership at all levels within an organization.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal/state employment laws and an excellent understanding of general HR practices, laws and regulations required.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with all levels of leaders and employees.
  • Knowledge, interpretation, and application of relevant HR best practices, employment law standards, and workplace investigative protocols.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills, ability to liaise with legal counsel.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining results.
  • Excellent communication (oral, written, listening, presentation, and facilitation) skills.
  • Work without supervision with extensive latitude for independent judgment
  • Strong business orientation coupled with a genuine desire to promote a fair and positive work environment for all employees
  • Strong decision-making and EQ skills.
  • High level of independence and initiative while working effectively as part of a team.
  • Experience handling conflict resolutions or employee relations investigations
  • Proven record of implementation and optimization of processes and metrics

17. BA in Public Administration with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience in employment investigation, performance management consulting, diversity, equity and inclusion, or related experience
  • Strong knowledge of labor laws, ADA, FMLA, employment, and other related human resource legislation
  • Good computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong knowledge of equitable investigative and performance management interventions
  • Strong ability to mitigate bias, excellent cultural competency, strong research skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including documentation and presentation skills
  • Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent customer service and organizational skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, excellent critical thinking skills
  • Cooperative, spirited team member with a strong sense of urgency and customer service orientation
  • Must possess integrity, discretion, and the ability to appropriately manage confidential, sensitive information
  • Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic, growth-oriented business environment and a flexible professional demeanor and self-directed work approach
  • Sound judgment, strong critical thinking skills, and multi-tasking skills with the ability to prioritize workload effectively
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Intermediate to advanced level proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint

18. BA in Sociology with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience in an HR Generalist role with direct employee relations experience (high volume caseload) within a matrixed, corporate business environment
  • Demonstrate employee relations expertise including conducting confidential and sensitive investigations, conflict management, supporting a culture of diversity and inclusion, confidential advisory and resolution, and managing employee relations at all levels within the organization.
  • Working knowledge of general human resources, recruitment, compensation, employment, and labor practices
  • Talented, collaborative business partner with the ability to support and develop strong working relationships with peers and senior-level members of the organization, across multi-sites
  • Demonstrate performance that fosters credibility and value-added results
  • Experience dealing with dealing with the full range of employee relation issues that arise within the life cycle of an employee
  • Strong HR generalist skill-set performance enablement and coaching managers
  • Strong Employee Relations experience in managing investigations and disciplinary measures within the framework of internal policy and local legislation
  • Experience in working in multicultural, international business and working across multiple time zones
  • Experience in an ICT/Professional Services organization 
  • Strong Knowledge of ANZ-specific ER practices and processes
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven experience working in diverse and multi-cultural environments
  • Experience managing stakeholders with confidence, flexibility, and autonomy
  • Sound administration and organization skills with a proactive, "can do" attitude

19. BA in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • An exceptional ability to understand, evaluate, and apply technical information.
  • Delivers solutions and decisions that are effective and constructively impact both NOV and the customer’s organization.
  • Anticipates the impact of change and rises to the challenge, with the ability to accept risk and uncertainty.
  • Must be able to resolve problems through collaboration and sharing with their teammates.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of employment law.
  • Be willing to provide colleagues with the information they need to complete their tasks and eliminate roadblocks.
  • Designs and simplifies complex systems and workflows that can manage themselves with little intervention.
  • Can be counted on to take personal responsibility in challenging situations and be willing to engage in disputes to settle them equitably.
  • Can identify the skills required by the business and hire effectively.
  • Be energized by challenges and drawn towards opportunities.
  • Can motivate others to accomplish company goals
  • Confident and professional when representing the company in person and in writing.
  • Filled with a strong sense of customer focus (internal/external).
  • Promotes a win-win ethos and inclusive team culture in line with business strategy.
  • Committed to self-improvement and development through hands-on to achieve career goals.
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