Williams-Sonoma Inc. 
Associate Relations Manager

Job Summary:

The Associate Relations Manager’s purpose is to promote positive, healthy and productive associate relations that foster company values, while serving as a first line resource in minimizing employment-related risks.
 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

· Manages and develops the retail support hotline team (currently 3 direct reports)

· Allocates work and ensures service level agreements are met or exceeded

· Provides regular and constructive performance feedback and evaluations
 

Duties/Responsibilities:

Intake and Resolution

· Leads the centralized collection, investigation and resolution of associate and people manager issues

· Manages the retail support hotline team for the in-take of associate issues and complaints; resolves when appropriate and/or transfers the case to others for resolution

· Partners with HR colleagues to identify and implement interventions/solutions that promote a positive, healthy and productive work environment

· Utilizing a case management tool, monitors and report out on associate cases and resolutions

Analysis and Insights

· Analyzes information and data necessary to identify employee trends and root causes related to challenges with working environment, communication, manager relationships

· Proactively implements actions to promote positive work environment and mitigate risk of employment claims

Risk Management

· Leads the investigation and resolution of medium/high impact associate complaints and assists with gathering information for other investigations

· Advise direct reports regarding how to respond to associate issues such as harassment and discrimination complaints

· Recommends performance improvement policy and process changes

HR Team Member

· Collaborates with stakeholders on policies and communications that impact associates

· Assist with other Human Resource projects as needed

· Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

Analytical and Problem-solving Skills

· Aptitude to collect and analyze data, determine insights for action and develop recommendations for enhancing policies and practices

· Ability to develop and articulate recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues by using sound judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulations and the law

Effective Relationships

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Capacity to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations

· Ability to exercise absolute discretion and manage confidential information in a mature and professional manner

Results

· Sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a demanding and fast-paced environment while meeting quick turnaround requirements

Technical

· Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable employment laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.

· Thorough understanding of dispute resolution methods.

· Knowledge and application of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Education and Experience:

· Four years of professional human resource administration, including two years in employee relations preferred OR its equivalent through training, education, and other experience.

· SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.

· Employee Relations Certification strongly preferred.

· Experience as an HR generalist or Business Partner or prior Employee Relations experience required.

*This role will require travel up to 50%