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Manager, Employee Relations

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Job Title

Job Description Summary

Proactive, solutions-focused employee relations

We are seeking an Employee Relations Manager to serve as a strategic partner in fostering a positive workplace culture, ensuring fair and consistent employee relations practices, and proactively identifying and addressing workplace concerns. This role has a strong emphasis on engagement, issue resolution, and risk mitigation.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of employee relations best practices, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work closely with employees and managers to build trust, enhance communication, and promote a positive work environment. In addition, this person will play a key role in identifying potential labor relations risks and partnering with leadership to proactively address workplace challenges.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Employee Relations & Workplace Engagement:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, and leadership, providing guidance on workplace concerns, policies, and best practices.

• Lead employee relations investigations, addressing concerns such as workplace conflicts, performance issues, and disciplinary matters in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner.

• Develop and implement employee engagement initiatives to foster an open, communicative, and inclusive work environment.

• Train and coach managers and supervisors on effective leadership, performance management, and handling employee relations matters with empathy and consistency.

• Monitor workplace trends and employee feedback to identify opportunities for enhancing morale, retention, and job satisfaction.

Proactive Employee Relations & Risk Mitigation:

• Assess workplace dynamics and identify early warning signs of employee dissatisfaction or potential labor relations risks.

• Educate and train managers on union awareness, workplace communication strategies, and leadership practices to maintain a direct and engaged workforce.

• Work closely with HR and leadership to develop proactive engagement strategies that address employee concerns before they escalate.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and advise leadership on best practices for maintaining a positive, union-free work environment.

• Respond to labor-related inquiries or concerns while maintaining a fair, balanced, and legally compliant approach.

Compliance & Policy Development:

• Ensure company policies and procedures align with employment laws, company values, and employee relations best practices.

• Provide guidance on performance management, corrective action, and workplace investigations, ensuring consistency and fairness.

• Partner with legal and HR teams to assess labor and employment risks and develop appropriate action plans.

• Stay informed on emerging labor and employment trends and proactively recommend policy updates or training initiatives as needed.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in an employee relations or HR role with exposure to labor relations risk assessment.

• Strong experience handling workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management.

• Exceptional relationship-building, problem-solving, and coaching skills to support employees and managers at all levels.

• Knowledge of employment laws and labor relations best practices with a focus on proactive employee engagement.

• Ability to balance employee advocacy and company priorities to drive positive outcomes.

• Ability to work on-site and travel as necessary to various locations.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.

The compensation for the position is: $93,500.00 - $110,000.00

C&W Services is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email HRServices@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: “C&W Services”

Average salary estimate

$101750 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$93500K

$110000K

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What You Should Know About Manager, Employee Relations, cw

Cushman & Wakefield is looking for a dynamic Manager of Employee Relations to join our team in beautiful San Francisco, California. In this engaging role, you will serve as a vital partner in nurturing a positive workplace culture and ensuring fair employee relations practices throughout the organization. We need someone proactive and solutions-focused who can effectively manage workplace concerns while fostering an environment of trust and open communication. You will lead investigations into employee-related issues, tackling conflicts and performance matters head-on while maintaining compliance with applicable labor laws. Your ability to build strong relationships and provide insightful coaching to managers will be crucial in enhancing overall employee engagement and satisfaction. You'll monitor workplace dynamics and employ strategic initiatives to address any concerns before they escalate, working in tandem with leadership and HR to develop proactive solutions. If you have a strong foundation in employee relations best practices, a knack for problem-solving, and a passion for creating a thriving workplace, we want to meet you. Plus, at Cushman & Wakefield, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being alongside competitive compensation ranging from $93,500.00 to $110,000.00, all designed for your success and satisfaction in this important role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Manager, Employee Relations Role at cw

What are the key responsibilities of the Employee Relations Manager at Cushman & Wakefield?

The Employee Relations Manager at Cushman & Wakefield is responsible for providing guidance on workplace concerns, leading employee investigations, developing engagement initiatives, training managers on effective employee relations practices, and monitoring workplace trends to enhance job satisfaction and retention.