Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Reporting to the Employee & Labor Relations Manager, the Employee & Labor Relations Specialist is responsible for assisting in the resolution of employee relation issues, conducting investigatory interviews, supporting grievance and disciplinary processes, and ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures. Partners with HR, Legal, and operational leaders to promote a positive employee experience and mitigate risk. Working independently, as well as with a team, this role will provide guidance to managers and team members on the interpretation and application of company policies, and collective bargaining agreements, and contributes to the development of employee relations strategies and programs that align with enterprise goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists in workplace investigations around employee and labor relations matters, including grievances, compliance concerns, and reports received through whistleblower hotlines, or direct HR channels. Provides documentation and recommendations to managers on conflict resolution, performance management, corrective actions, and terminations. Ensures fair, consistent, and compliant outcomes aligned with applicable law and enterprise policies.
2. Advises department managers and supervisors on employment best practices, company policies, and applicable laws. Conducts internal investigations into potential unlawful behavior or policy violations and provides summaries and recommendations for resolution.
3. Supports labor relations by applying knowledge of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to resolve grievances and assist during contract negotiations.
4. Maintains accurate records of employee relations cases and tracks key metrics. Assists in preparing reports and identifying trends to support continuous improvement and compliance.
5. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Psychology or related field is required.
• Minimum four (4) years of broad experience in Human Resources with at least two (2) years direct experience in employee and labor relations within an organization of 500 or more is required. Experience working in Tribal Government and Casino Hospitality, specifically Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is preferred.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Understanding and knowledge of employee relations, labor relations, and employment law.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct confidential investigations on critical employee relations matters and present findings and recommendations to Human Resources.
• Strong investigative, problem solving, conflict resolution, and analytical skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with a high level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain objectivity when working with team member situations without getting too emotionally invested or divested.
• Exhibit diplomacy and acts as settling influence to defuse tensions.
• Able to shift gears easily and comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
• Works to establish personal rapport with internal clients, is easy to approach, and acts with sensitivity and patience with the interpersonal anxieties of others.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• Certification as a Professional Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) or Global Professional Human Resources (GPHR) desired.
• Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.
• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other
• office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings,
• via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!