Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Lewis Group of Companies is one of the nation's largest privately held real estate development firms. With over 70 years of experience, we're committed to creating communities that thrive. We value honesty, long-term relationships, and high-quality standards that benefit our employees, residents, and the broader communities we serve.

Your Role

As our new Senior Employee Relations Specialist, you will serve as a key partner to leadership, providing guidance and support on employee relations matters across a multi-state property management portfolio. This role is responsible for managing workplace concerns, conducting investigations, advising on disciplinary actions, and ensuring consistent application of company policies and employment practices. You will play a critical role in preparing comprehensive investigation reports and providing strategic recommendations to HR and company leadership to mitigate risk and support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, misconduct, and workplace concerns
• Provide guidance on corrective action, up to and including termination
• Partner with leadership to ensure consistent and fair application of company policies
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations on complex employee relations issues, balancing business needs and risk mitigation

Investigations & Complaint Management

• Manage and track all employee relations complaints and investigations to ensure timely and consistent handling
• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into employee complaints (e.g., harassment, discrimination, policy violations)
• Gather and analyze evidence, interview relevant parties, and maintain detailed documentation
• Prepare comprehensive investigation reports, including findings, conclusions, and recommended actions
• Partner with leadership to determine appropriate outcomes based on investigation findings

HR Business Partnership Support

• Provide foundational HR business partner support to leaders, including guidance on team effectiveness, organizational needs, and workforce planning
• Partner with leadership on key HR initiatives and projects
• Develop the capability to take on broader HR Business Partner responsibilities over time

Policy & Compliance

• Interpret and apply company policies, procedures, and employment laws across multiple states
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations
• Identify trends in employee relations matters and recommend proactive solutions to mitigate risk

Performance Management

• Coach managers on performance management processes, including documentation and progressive discipline
• Review and provide feedback on disciplinary actions to ensure clarity, consistency, and legal compliance

Employee Support & Conflict Resolution

• Act as a resource for employees and managers to address workplace concerns
• Facilitate conflict resolution and support a positive employee experience

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential records of employee relations matters and investigations
• Track trends and provide insights and reporting to leadership to support strategic decision-making

Qualifications for Your Success

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 37+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong focus on employee relations
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations (California experience highly preferred)
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing formal investigation reports
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification preferred
• Experience in property management, real estate, or hospitality industries is a plus
• Experience supporting multi-site and/or multi-state operations preferred

PLEASE NOTE: This is primarily an in-office role (Mon-Thurs in-office, Friday remote), located in Upland CA, with regular interaction with leadership and employees. Auto travel to property locations is required to support investigations and employee relations matters, as needed. Occasional air travel to regional offices in Sacramento, Reno, and Las Vegas may also be required, as needed.

Compensation & Perks

• The Lewis Group of Companies reasonably expects to pay between $85k-$95k per year for this role, with actual compensation based on skills, experience, and business needs.
• Performance Incentives: Annual merit increases and bonus opportunities
• Cell Phone Allowance: $60/month
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance (variety of plans to choose from)
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Vacation Time
• Continued training and advancement potential within the Lewis portfolio

Why Join Lewis? At Lewis, we're more than a property management company; we're a community builder. We care deeply about our employees and believe in investing in your success, both professionally and personally. We foster a welcoming, inclusive workplace that values your contributions and supports your career growth. Lewis is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply.