The Sr. Manager, Employee Relations manages the North America Employee Relations function at ADM and will be expected to grow the team’s capability and scope. This leader executes on the employee relations strategy, develops employment policies/practices and focuses on compliance, all to drive colleague engagement. This role is responsible for responding to escalated concerns, including complex investigations in an effort to reduce risk and contribute to productivity. Key aspects of this role are to establish a strong foundation of employee relations process and practices related to ADM’s code of conduct, partner closely with HR managers, people managers and colleagues and oversee a team of Employee Relations Specialists.

• Leads the North America Employee Relations team of specialists including oversight of and/or direct participation in U.S. and Canada Employee Relations issues.
• Train and develop employee relations team members in delivering a positive employee relations experience consistent with ADM’s values and culture of caring and continuous learning.
• Leads policy governance committee and provides guidance and oversight on cases managed by team members
• Provides practical advice on sensitive issues including, but not limited to, leading investigations, performance management consultation, conflict management, interpretation of policies, and identifying coaching and development opportunities.
• Conducts complex investigations involving highly sensitive Title VII matters, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, accommodations, and other work-related matters, to document findings and make recommendations on appropriate actions.
• Conducts research for complaints, charges, and requests from government agencies in close partnership with our legal, compliance and security teams
• Manages employee relations processes to ensure a proactive, fair and consistent approach.
• Works collaboratively with the labor relations team
• Conduct and incorporate benchmarking to update employment policies, compensation, and other employment issues.
• Provide HR Business Partners, people leaders and colleagues with interpretation and guidance regarding HR policies, legal and compliance matters to ensure fair and consistent application. Counsels and advises on the application of specific employment laws including federal and state labor laws.
• Develop and provide training for managers and supervisors in best employee relations practices and strategies.
• Collaborates with legal counsel and labor relations in the preparation for negotiation with employee and labor groups.
• Establishes methodology to collect and assess employee experience data, themes, trends and provide actionable recommendations for continuous improvement
• Define, lead and/or manage projects, which may include cross-functional teams.
• Effectively anticipate the unintended consequences and broader impact of decisions.
• Develop proactive employee relations programs and initiatives.
• Develop and execute audit processes to ensure executional excellence.
• Work cross-functionally to identify, implement, and execute process improvement initiatives.
• Identify, build, and maintain reporting and dashboards as needed.
• Ensures compliance with all state and federal discrimination and employment regulations in partnership with Legal.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with customer service approach and ability to guide and influence people in context of fast-paced and challenging work environment.
• Travel as needed to North America sites

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, psychology, business or related field or equivalent work experience required; master’s degree or JD helpful
• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience in employee relations, labor relations or compliance (investigations, compiling documentation, conducting research) with large hourly workforce and 24/7 operations; heavy manufacturing or distribution industry experience helpful
• 5+ years of experience directly leading and building teams
• PHR or SPHR preferred
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local employment and labor laws. Experience with Canadian law preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and shared services environments and ability to prioritize workflow
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate and persuasive reports, correspondence, analytical studies and other written materials to all levels of management.
• Ability to negotiate, counsel, mediate conflict and facilitate effective communications
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, SuccessFactors and case management systems preferred