Director of Employee Relations (ER)
📍Hybrid Role (Onsite/Remote) | Los Angeles California, San Jose California, New York New York
At SPS, we believe in the "Power of Possibility" creating meaningful workplace experiences that elevate organizations and the people who power them.
We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and people-centered Director of Employee Relations to lead our ER function across a dynamic, multi-state environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Employee Relations leader who thrives at the intersection of compliance, culture, and business impact.
If you are a confident advisor, a thoughtful investigator, and a steady leader who can navigate complex employee matters with professionalism and care in which this could be your next chapter.
The Director of Employee Relations is responsible for leading SPS’s Employee Relations strategy and execution across multiple states. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, provides expert guidance on workplace matters, and partners with leadership to foster a fair, respectful, and compliant work environment.
This position requires expertise supporting both frontline/operational employees and corporate staff, along with experience leading a small team.
This is a hybrid role, with the position based in either the Los Angeles or San Jose, CA area. Some in-office presence will be required based on business needs.
Provide expert guidance and oversight on employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective actions, performance management, and terminations.
Lead and develop ER/HR team members handling day-to-day employee relations issues.
Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making in sensitive and high-impact matters.
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on complex workforce concerns.
Conduct and oversee thorough, compliant workplace investigations.
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws across a multi-state workforce (including CA and other key jurisdictions).
Prepare the organization for employment-related matters such as claims, agency inquiries, and litigation in partnership with counsel.
Mitigate risk through proactive guidance and strong documentation practices.
Develop, review, and maintain employment policies and practices aligned with legal standards and operational best practices.
Deliver training and guidance to leadership teams on policy interpretation and compliance expectations.
Partner with the Benefits Manager to support SPS’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
Support and advise on Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and best practices.
Oversee pre-employment background check processes and ensure full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
Act as an advisor across Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Health & Safety, and broader HR programs.
Partner with business leaders to align ER strategy with company growth and operational goals.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Employee Relations within mid-sized to large, multi-state organizations (fast-growing environments preferred).
Prior experience in retail, hospitality, facilities management, or service-based industries is a plus.
Strong working knowledge of employment laws across multiple states, including but not limited to CA, OR, WA, NV, NY, TX, and IL.
Demonstrated expertise in conducting workplace investigations and managing compliance matters.
Experience supporting both hourly/frontline and corporate workforces.
Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in high-stress situations.
Results-oriented with exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently while also serving as a collaborative partner to leadership.
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
Deep understanding of HR principles, labor/EEO laws, fair pay practices, and state-specific regulations.
Strong business acumen with the ability to balance risk mitigation and operational practicality.
Ability to perform general office tasks requiring fine and gross motor skills.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
Must be capable of effectively working from home and collaborating with a remote team.
Some in-office presence required in the North America (predominantly New York City NY) based on business needs for travel.
SPS North American Headquarters is located in New York City; the role must be open to working across North American time zones as needed.
Travel to SPS work sites may be required based on business needs.
At SPS, we don’t just solve workplace challenges we create environments where organizations and people thrive. If you’re energized by solving complex employee relations matters, influencing leaders, and building compliant, people-focused workplaces, we invite you to bring your expertise to a company built on the Power of Possibility.
We encourage candidates to review all our job listings and learn more about SPS at our company website www.spsglobal.com. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Compensation:
The expected compensation is an estimate, and the final offer will depend on skills, experience, and other job-related factors.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
No AI or automated decision-making tools are used to screen, assess, or select candidates for this role. SPS uses the Greenhouse applicant tracking system, which does not apply AI in these parts of the hiring process.
Vacancy Status:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
WHAT WE OFFER
About SPS
SPS is an award-winning employer of choice offering outsourcing solutions that leverage Intelligent Automation (Artificial Intelligence & Robotic Process Automation) in more than 22 countries across the globe. In North America, our services include Mailroom Management (both physical and digital), Office Services such as Reception, Lobby Concierge and Conference Room Management in addition to Document Processing Services utilizing leading edge technologies. Our clients today are companies in sectors such as banking, insurance, legal, higher education, advertising and other professional services, including many Fortune 500 companies. SPS is committed to delivering high caliber outsourcing experience to our clients and offering our employees challenging and exciting career opportunities throughout the North America region and globally. SPS is committed to investing in the professional development of our employees and offers competitive comprehensive benefits and diverse development training programs that lead to building careers.
At SPS we embrace the uniqueness of our employees and are committed to the fair and equal treatment of all people, applicants, and employees by promoting a culture of access, inclusion, equity and diversity.
SPS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual and reproductive health choices, national origin, age, disability, genetics, military status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation and/or any other status protected by applicable law.
Colorado only: We accept applications for an expected minimum of 5 days from the date it is posted. The posting may remain open longer as needed to ensure a robust and inclusive applicant pool.
Applicants are prohibited from using real-time AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools, prompts, scripts, or real-time assistance (including but not limited to chatbots, AI-generated responses, or transcription-based tools) during any and all interviews over any forum or platform.
SPS offers reasonable accommodations in the hiring and employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance in the application or hiring process to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time.
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