Employee Relations Manager

OPENTEXT - THE INFORMATION COMPANY

As the Information Company, our mission at OpenText is to create software solutions and deliver services that redefine the future of digital. Be part of a winning team that leads the way in Enterprise Information Management.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Part of the OpenText America’s Employee Relations team, reporting to the Senior Director of Employee Relations, the Employee Relations Manager is a key member of the newly developed Employee Relations Centre of Excellence. This can be a hybrid role, part time in either Waterloo or Richmond Hill, Ontario Canada or virtual anywhere in Canada or the US.

The Employee Relations Manager will provide coaching, consulting, expertise and mentorship to Leaders, HR staff, and employees on Employee Relations matters such as performance management, offboarding, policy management, grievance/investigations management, leave management, HR Legal matters, compliance and accommodation, in support of the Employee Relations centralized team model. They will have a high level of expertise in North American Employment Legislation and practices with a particular focus and expertise in U.S. and/or Canadian legislation,

YOU ARE GREAT AT:

• 
  Consulting with Leaders on performance cases, assisting them with delivering feedback in an objective manner that is intended to motivate employees to improve, while also providing solid documentation for performance cases.
• Mainly in a lead capacity, investigating issues by assembling investigation team, gathering all relevant facts, interviewing critical witnesses, reviewing similar cases, and using knowledge, judgment and experience, to recommend course of action to leadership; assisting with the implementation of corrective actions and/or disciplinary procedures
• Handling complex and emotionally charged issues with composure, addressing situations objectively and without bias.
• Mediating issues between employees to minimize workplace conflict.
• Overseeing complex leave situations in collaboration with HR Shared Services, Benefits and other relevant parties, to ensure leaves are handled in accordance with policies, practices and that communication is clear for all parties, including the return to work process.
• Partnering with Legal and in collaboration with relevant HR parties and the business, will analyze facts, provide input and recommend course of action to achieve resolution of HR Legal matters that may arise.
• Interpreting and applying applicable labor and employment laws in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and other countries in the America’s as we continue to grow
• Assisting Leaders with diagnosing and resolving issues through proper questioning techniques, active listening skills and risk assessment.
• Deeply understanding and applying Company policy/procedure/best practices and applicable law while consulting with Leaders, to reduce risk to the Company.
• Collaborating with internal legal counsel on issues as appropriate and external legal when approved and necessary.
• Monthly & quarterly reporting on Employee Relations matters, interpreting data and making recommendations for positive change in the work environment.
• Establishing and maintaining credibility throughout the organization and ensure strict adherence to confidentiality and sensitivity in handling all aspects of private data and confidential matters across the HR team and organizationally.

WHAT IT TAKES:

• 
  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent HR experience.
• 8+ years HR experience with a particular focus, emphasis and strength in Employee Relations.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to utilize exceptional active listening skills to determine issues and formulate and ask appropriate follow up questions.
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively and to mediate in situations where required.
• Ability to conduct investigations in a neutral and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Effective at managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines, ability to prioritize conflicting demands, organize time, collaborate with and lead resources to deliver consistent results and bring initiatives to successful completion.
• Excellent ability to analyze difficult and complex situations with a proven track record of recommending optimal solutions.
• Ability and desire to effectively mentor, develop and coach
• Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously while instinctively keeping all relevant parties properly informed.
• knowledge and understanding of America’s Employment Law with focus on the United States and/ or Canada
• Strong Business Acumen with experience working as part of a large global organization.
• High degree of business ethics and transparency.
• SHRM-SCP or similar certification would be an asset.
• Fluency in French would be a strong bonus
• Fluency in Portuguese and/or Spanish would be an added bonus

This job is expected to pay in the range of $100k to $130k USD in addition to a comprehensive and competitive group benefit and healthcare plan. Individual compensation will be determined based on skills and experience comparable to the job requirements.

#LI_Remote

OpenText's efforts to build an inclusive work environment go beyond simply complying with applicable laws. Our Employment Equity and Diversity Policy provides direction on maintaining a working environment that is inclusive of everyone, regardless of culture, national origin, race, color, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, family status, age, veteran status, disability, religion, or other basis protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact us at 1-800-499-6544.