Employee Relations Specialist

The incumbent must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Management of high-level ER cases (typically related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, or other high-risk areas) from beginning to conclusion, when appropriate. This includes an initial assessment of the risk posed by the complaint, identifying the appropriate methodology to investigate such issue(s), seeking out the correct tools and resources to obtain evidentiary information/facts, and maintaining factual, supported, and detailed written accounts of the investigation. Candidate must be able to identify key risk areas and summarize risks and/or findings in an articulate and concise manner for need-to-know leaders, up to the Executive level. Strategize with legal counsel, Partner Relations Manager, and other key business partners regarding high risk/sensitive matters and provide input on recommended investigative process and/or resolution.

• Offer subject matter expertise and thought partnership to HR colleagues and/or business leaders throughout the organization (at various levels) who are addressing an HR matter that has an element of risk to the Company. Influence for the best outcome which mitigates risk to the company, is defensible in a court of law, minimizes ongoing risk, exposure, liability and costs, and promotes Petco culture and values. Includes advising leaders on disciplinary action, up to and including termination, where applicable.

• Interact with the Leave and Accommodation and/or Risk Management departments in discussing leave and accommodation matters. Must have knowledge of ADA and other applicable state and federal laws, be able to make recommendations, and determine areas of legal risk.

• May prepare responses to formalized complaints filed with State or Federal agencies under the oversight of the Manager, Partner Relations. This may include drafting formal responses and/or communicating with government officials.

• Assist in representing Petco in employee-related legal and compliance matters to include but not limited to; mediation hearings with various state, federal, local entities (CCRD, EEOC/DOL, etc.,), depositions in which opposing counsel is interviewing Petco partners, attend depositions as the subject matter-expert and be deposed on Petco practices and policies and be the point-of contact for DOL onsite wage and hour audits/inspections

• Interpret policies and procedures and advise on fair and equitable employment practices that are in alignment with State and Federal law, consistent with past practice, and supportive of Petco values and culture.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment laws as well as monitor employment law trends. Use up-to-date knowledge to articulate recommendations and educate leaders on potential risks.

• Proactively conduct review of current processes/policies and initiate steps to avoid/eliminate potential Company exposure.

• Work on other partner relations projects, as needed (e.g., training support/administration, review of processes and policies, knowledge of local ordinances that impact business practices, etc.).

Education and Experience

A 4-year college degree or the equivalent work experience is required. A minimum of 5 years of exempt level Partner (Employee) Relations experience is required, preferably in a multi-state and high volume environment. Must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current employment law. Previous experience writing position statements in response to administrative/agency claims is a plus.

Nature of Supervision