Employee Relations Manager

Job Title: Employee Relations Manager

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt

Division/Department: Human Resources

State Employee Status: Executive Management

Note: Candidates selected for positions at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation may be required to complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening before beginning employment. Some positions may also require applicants to participate in a Physical Abilities Demonstration and be rated as capable of performing the essential functions of this job family.

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing employee relations programs, policies, and procedures to ensure a consistent and fair application of workplace standards across the organization. This role serves as a strategic partner to supervisors, managers, and division leaders in addressing employee performance and conduct concerns, coordinating progressive discipline processes, and resolving complex workplace conflicts. The position works closely with General Counsel and agency leadership to mitigate organizational risk and maintain legal compliance in all employment practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, offering expert guidance and consultation to supervisors, managers, and department heads.
• Provide case management support for employee conduct and performance issues, including documentation review, fact-finding, and adherence to progressive discipline protocols.
• Lead investigations into allegations of policy violations, misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other sensitive employee concerns, ensuring thoroughness, fairness, and confidentiality.
• Partner with legal counsel on high-risk employee relations cases to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Develop and deliver training and guidance materials for leaders on employee relations topics, such as corrective action, documentation, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Coordinates or conducts activities related to complaints or appeals concerning violations of the Personnel Administration Rules & Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Rules, such as investigations, training, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, progressive discipline, and administrative hearings.
• Analyze employee relations trends, identify root causes, and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate recurring issues.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of HR policies and procedures across all departments.
• Draft and update employee relations policies and templates, including disciplinary letters, investigation summaries, and manager guidance tools.
• Maintain detailed records of employee relations cases in accordance with record-keeping standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Support compliance with employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, and other relevant regulations.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field.
• Four (4) or more years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in employee relations, including at least two (2) years in professional administrative, consultative, or advisory capacity.
• Two (2) years supervisory experience in human resource management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment laws, HR policies, and best practices in employee relations.
• Experience conducting and assisting in workplace investigations and managing disciplinary processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong communication and writing skills, including the ability to compose detailed documentation and policy interpretations.
  
  

Working Conditions

• This position operates in a professional office environment, full-time on-site in the office.
• Will require occasional travel to satellite offices or remote worksites.
• Work involves exposure to sensitive and confidential information requiring discretion.
• This position is a member of Executive Management (5%). Due to this designation, you are exempt from the January 1, 2022, Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act and Rules. Oklahoma Department of Transportation employees designated as Exempted Employees do not have complaint rights with the Civil Service Division on disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, written reprimands, suspensions without pay, involuntary demotions, and terminations. (Title 260, Chapter 130).