Employee Relations Specialist

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Date: Sep 6, 2024

Location: Irvine, California, US, 92606

Company: Kia America, Inc.

At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.

Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and time off starting at 14 days per year. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.

Status

Exempt

Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist will be responsible for conducting all types of workplace investigations (e.g., harassment, discrimination, policy violation, etc) for Kia America and Kia North America ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures, collaborating with legal, and providing guidance to managers and employees.  This individual contributor role requires a strong understanding of employment law and regulations.  The Employee Relations Specialist will work closely with their manager and collaborate with Legal on investigations and resolution of employee issues.

Major Responsibilities

1st Priority - 50%

Conduct workplace investigations – Investigate various employee relations issues including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.  Collaborate with legal / work closely with legal counsel to ensure investigations are conducted in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

2nd Priority - 20%

Draft investigation reports – Prepare comprehensive investigation reports with findings, conclusion, and recommendations based on evidence gathered during investigations for HR management team and Legal review and approval.

3rd Priority - 20%

Provide guidance – Advise and guide managers and employees on employee relations matters, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.

4th Priority - 10%

Training and education – Partner closely with Learning and Culture section to develop and / or deliver training materials / resources for managers and employees on topics related to employee relations, conflict resolution, and compliance.

Education/Certification

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.  
  • HR certification strongly preferred.
     

Overall Experience

  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in HR or a related field, with a focus on employee relations, investigations, or conflict resolution.

Directly Related Experience

  • Minimum of 6 years of experience specifically in employee relations, workplace investigations, or HR investigations. 
  • Employee relations experience in automotive industry preferred.
  • Demonstrated track record in conducting thorough and timely investigations.

Job Qualifications:

  • May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
     

Skills

Ability to effectively present information to team members, senior leadership of Kia America and other related groups in an individual or group setting.
Ability to respond to inquiries or suggestions from team members, the leadership team and outside vendors.
Ability to work with different cultures to effectively deliver results.
Able to switch from one assignment to another in a fast-moving business environment.
Meticulous attention to detail and analytical skills, enabling thorough examination of evidence and identification of relevant facts.
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
Strong credibility and presence, and the ability to interact professionally with managers across a variety of personalities
Strong understanding of employment laws and regulations and can maintain operational excellence at a high volume.

Competencies

Care for People
Chase Excellence, Every Day
Dare to Push Boundaries
Empower People to Act
Move Further, Together

Pay Range

$72,328 - $96,838

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

 

Equal Employment Opportunities

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices.  The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

 

Disclaimer:  The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.


Nearest Major Market: Irvine California
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles
Job Segment: Employee Relations, Compliance, Human Resources, Legal, Automotive