Director, Employee Relations & Compliance

Overview:

SageSure is seeking an experienced Director, Employee Relations & HR Compliance to join the People Team, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer. This leader will shape and champion our employee relations philosophy and compliance framework, partnering closely with our People Business Partners (PBPs) and senior leaders to foster a fair, inclusive, people-first culture. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing employee relations practices, workplace investigations, and HR compliance programs that protect our people and business, build trust, and enhance SageSure’s reputation as an employer of choice.

What you’d be doing:

Employee Relations & Workplace Culture

• Develop and implement comprehensive employee relations strategies, policies, and programs aligned with organizational values, employment laws, regulations, and company policies
• Manage the complete employee relations process, conducting thorough and impartial investigations to address employee issues, complaints, and workplace conflicts
• Track, triage, and resolve all employee-related issues through the Navex System with detailed documentation
• Lead workplace investigations, including misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, substance abuse, and policy violations
• Conduct and manage all employee terminations, ensuring proper documentation, legal compliance, and consistent application of company policies in partnership with PBPs and managers
• Serve as a strategic advisor and coach to PBPs, equipping them to handle day-to-day employee relations matters effectively
• Identify trends in employee relations matters and proactively partner with PBPs and leaders to address root causes, mitigate risk, and improve workplace experience
• Prepare comprehensive reports and metrics on employee relations trends, compliance status, and program effectiveness

Legal Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and FSLA
• EEOC requirements and Affirmative Action
• Create, review, and maintain current employee handbooks, policies, and procedures benchmarked against statutory requirements and best practices
• Interpret and provide guidance on human resources policies and applicable employment laws to all management levels
• Draft employment-related legal documents, including contracts, offer letters, separation agreements, and job descriptions
• Partner with internal and external counsel on employment litigation matters
• Investigate and respond to EEOC claims and regulatory agency requests
• Conduct HR risk assessments and internal audits, implement process improvements and escalate compliance risks
• Prepare and maintain annual HR compliance calendar, ensuring timely reporting and deadline adherence
• Manage immigration processes, background check reviews, and ensure legally required forms, notices, and posters are current

Training & Development

• Develop and deliver HR compliance-based communications and training programs
• Ensure up-to-date compliance training programs adhere to employment law best practices
• Collaborate across the organization to ensure annual compliance adherence
• Create educational materials and process documentation to support compliance initiatives

AI & Technology Impact Management

• Oversight of AI-related workplace policies and ethical guidelines
• Managing employee concerns about AI implementation and job security

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Legal Background: Juris Doctor (JD) with approximately 2-3 years of employment law experience, or bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant HR experience focused on employee relations and workplace conflict management
• Deep domain expertise in employee relations, workplace conflict resolution, and performance management
• Expertise in California Employment Law is highly preferred
• Strong business acumen and consulting skills with demonstrated conflict resolution and facilitation capabilities
• Proven ability to build rapport swiftly while fostering trust and credibility
• In-depth understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and their application to employee relations
• Comprehensive knowledge of US employment laws, regulations, policies, and practices
• Proven ability to solve complex challenges resulting in high-impact outcomes
• Demonstrated operational rigor and comfort with HR technology tools and case management systems
• Excellent communication skills at all organizational levels with the ability to influence and lead cross-functionally
• Specific experience managing employee relations in hybrid and remote work environments
• Enhanced focus on HR analytics and trend analysis for predictive employee relations management
• Use of data to drive proactive intervention strategies
• Experience managing employee relations during organizational crises or major business disruptions
• Development of crisis communication strategies for employee relations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion
• Project management skills with the ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple initiatives
• Change management experience with the ability to drive process improvement