Employee Relations Specialist

Vast is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to support the Staff Employee Relations Manager in building and maintaining effective employee relations programs, processes, and practices that support a high-performing and inclusive workplace.

As part of the People team, this role will support the management and resolution of employee relations matters, workplace investigations, policy administration, compliance activities, and employee relations reporting. The Employee Relations Specialist will partner closely with the Manager of Employee Relations, People Business Partners, Legal, managers, and employees to ensure employee concerns are addressed fairly, consistently, and in alignment with company policies and applicable employment laws.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful and highly organized employee relations professional with strong investigative, communication, and analytical skills. This individual should exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and be comfortable managing sensitive matters in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Support the Manager of Employee Relations in managing employee relations matters from intake through resolution.
• Conduct and support workplace investigations, including employee interviews, fact-finding, documentation, and analysis.
• Assist with complex and sensitive investigations involving workplace conduct, policy violations, performance concerns, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee relations matters.
• Ensure investigations are conducted objectively, consistently, and in accordance with company policies and applicable employment laws.
• Prepare investigation documentation, case summaries, timelines, and executive summaries for review by the Manager of Employee Relations and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate, thorough, and confidential employee relations case files.
• Support the development of appropriate recommendations for corrective action, disciplinary measures, and other resolutions.
• Track investigation outcomes and follow-up actions to ensure timely and consistent resolution.
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive matters to the Manager of Employee Relations and Legal as appropriate.

Manager & Employee Support

• Partner with People Business Partners and managers to address employee relations concerns and promote consistent application of company policies.
• Provide guidance and support to managers on employee relations processes, workplace policies, documentation, and escalation procedures.
• Serve as a trusted and responsive resource for employees with questions or concerns related to workplace policies and employee relations processes.
• Help facilitate conflict resolution and support productive workplace relationships.
• Maintain professionalism, neutrality, and confidentiality when working with employees and leaders on sensitive matters.

Policy & Compliance Support

• Support the Manager of Employee Relations in reviewing and maintaining employee policies and handbook provisions.
• Research federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and help identify potential impacts to company policies and practices.
• Support compliance audits and assessments related to employee relations and workplace practices.
• Assist with communications and training related to employee relations policies and processes.

Reporting & Risk Management

• Maintain employee relations data and case management systems to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Analyze employee relations cases to identify trends, recurring concerns, and potential areas of organizational risk.
• Prepare recurring reports and dashboards for the Manager of Employee Relations and People leadership.
• Assist with identifying proactive solutions to address employee relations trends and mitigate organizational risk.
• Support the development and improvement of employee relations processes, tools, and reporting capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years of progressive experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, human resources, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or conducting workplace investigations.
• Working knowledge of federal and California employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA/CFRA, FLSA, and wage and hour requirements.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive employee matters with discretion and sound judgment.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong investigative skills, including interviewing, fact-finding, documentation, and analysis.
• Experience working within an employee relations or HR case management system.
• Strong understanding of employee relations principles and workplace practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain objective and exercise sound judgment when navigating sensitive situations.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.
• Ability to establish credibility and build effective working relationships with employees, managers, and cross-functional partners.
• Experience working closely with Legal and People Business Partners on employee relations matters.
• Ability to identify patterns and trends in employee relations data and translate them into actionable insights.

Additional Requirements:

• This role may require occasional travel for investigations, meetings, or other business needs.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends occasionally to support critical mission milestones or urgent employee relations matters.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive employee and company information.