Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

Location: Tampa, FL Hybrid Employment Type: Full Time

About the Company: At Checkers & Rally's we're redefining what fast food can look like. From day one, our mission has been simple: deliver bold, crave-worthy food at an unbeatable value, without slowing down. That's why we've built a brand known for iconic menu items, fast service, and experiences that keep guests coming back again and again. From the Big Buford to our award winning Famous Seasoned Fries, our menu eats different! But what really sets us apart? Our people. We believe in creating opportunities. Whether you're starting out or building your career, we provide the training, support, and real pathways to help you grow, lead, and succeed.

About the Role: The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration and execution of employee relations programs and practices within a dynamic QSR corporate environment. This role serves as a frontline resource for employees and managers navigating workplace concerns, conducting or supporting investigations, administering corrective action processes, and ensuring consistent and compliant application of HR policies across the organization. Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Human Resources, the Employee Relations Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace by responding to employee relations matters with professionalism, objectivity, and a strong command of applicable employment law. This individual operates with a service-oriented mindset and a disciplined approach to documentation, confidentiality, and stakeholder communicationbuilding trust with employees and managers at all levels while proactively contributing to a positive and high-performing workplace culture.

What You'll Do (Core Impact Areas):

• Employee Relations Case Management
• Workplace Investigations and Documentation
• Employee and Manager Advisory Support
• Policy Administration & Compliance
• HR Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support
• ER Reporting, Analytics, and Continuous Improvements

What You Bring (Must-haves):

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field
• Minimum of 35 years of progressive Human Resources experience with demonstrated focus on employee relations, workplace investigations, or HR compliance in a corporate environment.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, and NLRA, and their practical application in the investigation, documentation, and resolution of workplace matters.
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, well-organized, legally defensible investigation reports, corrective action documents, and policy interpretations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity.

What Sets You Apart (Nice to haves):

• PHR, SHRM-CP, or other HR certification preferred or actively in progress; coursework or certification in employment law, workplace investigations, or labor relations a plus
• Experience in a QSR, retail, hospitality, or high-volume, multi-location corporate environment strongly preferred
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., SuccessFactors, Workday, UKG, ADP) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ER case management tools preferred

Core Competencies:

• Integrity and Trust
• Listening
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Problem Solving
• Process Management
• Written Communications

Compensation & Benefits: Salary Range: $60,000 $75,000 Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits available Competitive PTO Policy with Paid Holidays Off 401k w/ a company match CARE Program Employee Discount at restaurants

Why Join Us: Bold, performance driven-brand Growth opportunities Strong team culture Focus on results and accountability Top 10 Cruise Prize

Work Environment & Essential Physical Requirements: Location: Tampa, FL Hybrid Travel Expectations: Occasional travel to company locations for on-site ER support, multi-site investigations, or HR team meetings; valid driver's license may be required. Ability to sit for extended periods (46 hours/day) in a hybrid corporate or home office setting while managing ER cases, conducting virtual interviews, or preparing investigation documentation. Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout a corporate facility during in-office days, employee meetings, or multi-department coordination activities. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and via virtual platforms throughout the workday, including during sensitive or emotionally charged employee conversations. Visual acuity sufficient to review legal documents, HR records, reports, and digital platforms with or without corrective lenses. Occasional lifting or carrying of materials up to 20 lbs. related to HR documentation, printed materials, or event support.

Company Values: We're Fearless We take bold risks and push past limits with a "can-do" spirit, tackling challenges creatively and fearlessly. We go beyond expectations and make every move count. Fearless isn't just a mindset; it's how we win. We're Family We're a family, built on trust and respect, holding each other accountable and lifting each other up at every turn. Standing together, we create an environment where everyone thrives-franchisees, teams, communities, and guests-no exceptions. We're Fast Speed is in our DNA-we think, move, an adapt quickly. Whether it's serving our guests, supporting our family, making bold decisions, or seizing new opportunities, we stay agile, so we are always ready to meet the moment. We're Fan Fanatics Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, inspiring us to deliver the crave-worthy experiences they deserve. We don't just serve them; we're fanatics about them, making sure every craveable bite, every moment, is worth coming back for. We Make Things Fun At Checkers & Rally's, fun is the main ingredient. We bring joy to everything-fueling creativity, connection, and unforgettable experiences in our RSC, in our kitchens, with our Guests, and in our communities. We're Focused on 4-Wall Sales & Profitability Sales and Profitability are key to our continued growth and innovative spirit. We're here to build sustainable success that benefits our restaurants, franchisees, and teams.

Equal Opportunity: Checkers & Rally's is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.