Employee Relations Specialist

At over 50 years old and counting, B&H has built a reputation as the trusted resource for photography and videography enthusiasts via its NYC SuperStore and its award-winning website. Long known as "The Professional’s Source", B&H is recognized by savvy consumers worldwide for its honest, knowledgeable guidance, expert tips and articles… and always-great prices.

B&H offers competitive salaries, medical benefits, a 401K plan, employee discounts and opportunities to grow within a high-energy, low-attitude environment. Make your move to B&H today!

Job Overview:
The Employee Relations Specialist interacts with employees and managers regarding conflict at work. The Specialist ensures all actions taken on behalf of an employee, manager and the company are compliant with Federal, State, and Local legal requirements. The Specialist manages leaves of absence and oversees the accommodation process. Additionally, the Specialist coordinates the communication of proper procedure between all involved parties in the event of an issue or general change in company policy. During any disciplinary process, the Specialist makes sure the company acts in a way that minimizes risk as much as possible.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manages workplace harmony through investigating complaints, disputes, policies to boost engagement at work.
• Interprets and enforces company policy. Assists in development of HR policies and procedures.
• Administers employee rights’ initiatives to ensure Federal, State, and Local compliance (Title VII, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, etc.).
• Partners with and provides guidance to management to resolve complex employee relations issues and to assist in increasing the overall engagement, morale, and productivity of staff.
• Educates managers and directors on how to deal with employee relations issues.
• Performs case investigations and analysis for employee complaints and grievances.
• Coaches and guides employees in regard to manager-employee or employee-employee relations.
• Acts as a liaison between various functional areas of HR and bridges gaps in communications between managers and employees.
• Leads disciplinary process and discussions including performance improvement plans
• Understands and takes deliberate action to minimize risks during the discipline and termination process.
• Remains informed of current HR trends and latest updates in federal/state regulatory changes.
• Maintains confidential records of related matters and generates various progress reports, as needed.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills
• Possess up-to-date knowledge of all HR laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of basic workplace psychology and motivation, preferably in retail and/or office environments
• Understanding of sensitivity and confidentiality of employee and company information
• Displays proven ability to take ownership of a process/project and of prioritizing tasks
• Experience in successfully interacting with various levels of management ranging from line supervisors to executives
• Analytical thinker and quick problem solver
• Computer skills (i. e. MS Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is a plus

Preferred Education, Experience and Licenses:

• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in a HR generalist or similar role with emphasis on Employee Relations or Industrial Psychology

Physical Environment

• Working in a typical office environment with a possibility of visiting other local worksites (store, warehouses, etc.) as needed

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons shall have the opportunity to be considered for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex or gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please let us know.