Employee Relations Specialist - Contractor

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support - it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.

Scope of Position

We are currently seeking an Employee Relations Specialist Contractor to play a meaningful role in cultivating a fair, consistent, and supportive workplace by partnering closely with HR Business Partner team onsite in Franklin, NH on employee relations initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers, guiding performance conversations, resolving workplace concerns, and contributing to HR processes that enhance engagement and strengthen the overall employee experience.

The ideal candidate is an approachable and trusted HR professional with sound judgment and strong communication skills who navigates employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion while making a meaningful impact on the employee experience.

This is a temporary role, for a 6-month engagement onsite five days a week in our Franklin, NH facility.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers by providing guidance on workplace concerns, policy interpretation, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Partner with managers to address performance and conduct issues, including identifying areas for improvement, outlining expectations, and supporting accountability efforts.
• Prompt, thorough and impartial internal investigations related to employee complaints, misconduct and/or policy violations; document findings and provide recommendations for review by HR leadership.
• Prepare, maintain, and safeguard accurate, timely, and confidential employee relations records in accordance with firm practices and applicable laws.
• Communicate with employees in a professional, empathetic manner, ensuring concerns are heard, appropriately reviewed, and addressed in a timely way.
• Advise managers on best practices related to employee relations, documentation, difficult conversations, and compliance with firm policies and employment laws.
• Assist with HR initiatives and projects that support employee experience, engagement, and workplace culture.
• Assist with administering the introductory and annual performance evaluation process.
• Review, understand and apply firm policies and practices, and provide employees with clear, consistent explanations of policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Maintain a thorough understanding of business professional positions and expectations to effectively support performance coaching and employee relations needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Human Resources or similar is required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of employee relations experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Strong business writing skills are required.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the appropriate discretion.
• Ability to understand unconscious bias and its effect on employee relations and employment decisions.
• Excellent active listening and comprehension skills.
• Intermediate technology skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as but not limited to Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, as well as strong database management skills.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and thoroughness.
• Action oriented to seek additional work to maintain high productivity.
• Ability to prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate professionally and effectively by e-mail, telephone, and in person.

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR or SHRM-CP certification is preferred.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions:

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the Franklin, NH location (Monday – Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• 
  Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

#LIOnsite

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.