Manager, Associate Relations Jobs

At Panera, we believe in “One Panera for a Healthier, Happier World” and our People Team is an integral part of ensuring that this mission comes to life across the organization. The role of the Associate Relations Manager is central to Panera fulfilling this mission by being the primary point of contact for all human resources-related questions from Panera associates.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate and consult with legal and HR leadership to assist in the investigation high-risk associate cases and charges of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation filed through government agencies (EEOC, DOL, etc.).
• Utilize the Associate Relations Case Management System (Navex) to correspond with the complainants, defendants, and witnesses in a timely manner in order to document cases from intake to resolution.
• Provide coaching, counsel, and direction to associates, managers, and leaders to ensure fair employment practices and to promote a diverse and inclusive environment while abiding by employment legislation.
• Investigate, analyze, and make appropriate recommendations regarding complex associate relations issues filed internally; exercise influence appropriately.

· Partner with HR leadership on proactive associate relations and labor activity.

• Serve as a resource to associates by answering general questions related to associate relations and redirecting more complex inquiries to the appropriate HR support.
• Advises and trains managers in best associate relations practices to manage associate grievances.
• Provide anecdotal data to HR leadership in an effort to develop training materials.
• Partner with the compliance team to ensure adherence to Company policy as well as local, state, and federal laws.
• Assist in managing projects and studies to proactively improve workplace engagement, retention, and risk mitigation. After collecting and analyzing the information, make recommendations on changes.

· Maintain current knowledge of employment law and employment practices.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Minimum 2-4 years of associate relations experience required. Preferred industries include food service, retail, call centers, and shared services.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Prior experience providing confidential counseling and coaching to all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively and accurately in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain tactful and calm in controversial and confrontational situations.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to analyze statistical data to identify areas of focus.
• Capable of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with all levels of the organization.
• Thorough understanding of state and federal laws concerning labor relations.
• Able to work successfully and self-motivated in an independent and remote setting.
• Experience maintaining a large caseload of associate relations cases required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Bilingual – English/Spanish is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline preferred
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management and organizational skills.

Working Conditions

• Willingness to work nights and weekends to align with associate scheduling
• Required travel – Up to 25%

Physical Requirements

• While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards.

Direct Reports

• This position will not have direct reports at this time but could manage analysts and coordinators in the future.