Employee Relations Manager

JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT

At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.

Employee Relations Manager

Location: Hybrid schedule out of either our Farmers Branch, TX or Memphis, TN office

The Employee Relations Manager is integral in crafting and implementing sophisticated employee relations frameworks and managing HR strategies within Varsity Brands. This role collaborates closely with the broader Human Resources team, Legal, and various business partners to manage complex employee relations matters and investigations in a fast-paced environment. With a focus on equitable resolutions, the Employee Relations Manage supports a high-performance culture and is proactive, service-excellence driven, and agile in embracing innovative approaches to employee relations.

This role will initially function as an individual contributor with potential future opportunities to lead a team of employee relations practitioners.

What You Will Do

• Manage and lead end-to-end employee relations matters including complex investigations, creating investigation memos, executive updates, disciplinary documentation, and utilizing a centralized case management system
• Develop and implement strategic HR policies and processes, ensuring alignment with Varsity Brands’ values and compliance with legal standards
• Serve as a lead investigator for sensitive and complex employee relations issues, ensuring outcomes align with the company’s DE&I priorities and culture
• Drive organizational change through evidence-based recommendations, initiating projects to enhance HR functionalities and employee satisfaction
• Collaborate effectively across functions to support the goals of the Varsity Brands and ensure a consistent employee relations experience
• Utilize data and metrics to drive improvements in HR policies and processes, maintaining high standards and adapting to new regulations and best practices
• Update and manage the Varsity Brands employee handbook and standardized compliance processes like performance improvement plans and corrective actions
• Provide high-quality support in employee relations such as performance coaching, managing separations, and advising on complex HR matters
• Engage and align key stakeholders including HR Business Partners, reviewing existing policies and processes, and updating them to reflect competitive practices and improve the employee experience
  
  

What You Bring

• Discretion and Privacy: Upholds the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information
• Inspirational Leadership: Proficient in leading teams with a motivational approach that fosters growth and maximizes potential
• HR Acumen: Extensive knowledge in HR principles including talent management, employee engagement, and performance optimization
• Relationship Building: Strong ability to build trusted relationships across various business units
• Communication and Influence: Exceptional communication skills (including presentation skills), both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences
• Critical Thinking: Advanced problem-solving skills to handle complex scenarios and devise effective solutions
  
  

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in HR, Business, Law, or related field preferred
• Professional HR Certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred
• Minimum 5 years of employee relations, performance management, employment separations, and investigations experience; global experience preferred
• Minimum 3 years of HR leadership experience leading a team of HR professionals
• High proficiency of U.S. employment laws including Title VII, ADEA, ADA; comprehensive experience in handling state agencies across multiple jurisdictions, including California employment laws
• Proven track record of developing and implementing employee relations frameworks from the ground up; experience with business process modeling/mapping and documentation management
• Experience consulting enterprise business partners as it relates to employee relations initiatives; experience with maintaining an effective level of business literacy
• Confident and proactive, with a focus on superb employee care and empathy
• Strong coaching and facilitation skills, with a proven track record of developing talent and enhancing team performance across various regions and skill levels
• Demonstrated expertise in investigating complex matters and effectively managing risks
• Strong initiative and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated expertise in managing group separation programs, ensuring compliance and sensitivity in execution
• Prior experience with Workday Help or similar case management system
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: MS OneNote, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Word, MS Teams, MS SharePoint, and MS Outlook
  
  

Travel

• Some business travel may be required
  
  

OUR VALUES

Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.

Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.

Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.

Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.

Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.

Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.

Our Benefits

We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Resource Groups
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!
  
  

Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.