Employee Relations Manager

Overview

California, Irvine, IEC - Irvine, CA 92618

Salary Range: $95,000.00 - $ Salary

• Lead sensitive internal investigations regarding alleged policy violations and employee relations matters.
• Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on issues such as grievances, disputes, disciplinary actions, layoffs, and terminations.
• Partner closely with in‑house counsel regarding sensitive employee relations matters when necessary.
• Draft and execute disciplinary letters and investigation reports.
• Build and facilitate trainings related to management development, performance management, and other ER‑related topics.
• Track and analyze data to identify employee relations trends, diagnose issues, and design and implement remediations.
• Balance organizational risk with employee experience by assessing risks and ensuring alignment with business decisions while maintaining commitment to final outcomes.
• Oversee and manage the annual performance review process, providing guidance to managers on employee development and supporting career growth initiatives.
• Provide guidance on the interpretation of policies and procedures, counseling, disciplinary action, staffing, and performance appraisals.
• Assist in the development and implementation of employee engagement and retention strategies.
• Provide input and solutions to help improve and/or introduce policies and programs that impact the employee lifecycle, from hiring through offboarding.
• Provide strategic support, thought partnership, and coaching to all levels of the organization.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including CFRA, PAGA, and wage‑and‑hour laws.
• Ensure alignment with accreditation standards and requirements.
• Collaborate with HR teams and business leaders to proactively address employee concerns and mitigate risks.
• Initiate exit interviews with employees leaving the company to assess overall success of the employment relationship and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• Provide support and backup to other areas of the Human Resources department as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 5+ years experience leading complex investigations.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills, demonstrating an ability to earn trust and work successfully across all employee relations issues.
• Experience managing grievances and conducting investigations in a multi‑site, multi‑state organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels and across functions within the organization.
• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and composed in controversial and/or confrontational situations.
• Experience designing, implementing, and delivering effective learning strategies and employee development programs preferred.
• Strong analytical abilities with a data‑driven approach to decision making and results.
• Thorough understanding of state and federal employment laws.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of key HR concepts and practices (employment law, compliance, engagement, retention, and performance).
• Bachelor’s degree in Employee Relations, Human Resources, or related field preferred.

International Education Corporation (IEC) is the parent company for U.S. colleges and educational institutions. Our mission is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and community transformation. We seek compassionate professionals dedicated to student success across a team driven by growth, quality, compliance, excellence, and financial effectiveness.

We are committed to diversity and actively welcome candidates of all backgrounds. Our team values a wide range of perspectives, fostering inclusive and innovative solutions.

We are engaged in meaningful and purposeful work that transforms lives and communities daily. In addition to a dynamic work environment, we offer:

• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) granting ownership shares for every employee.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance.
• A generously matched 401(k) plan.
• Accrued paid‑time‑off and 10 company holidays per year.

At IEC, we don't just embrace diversity; we crave it. We cultivate talent with diverse ethnic, cultural, and professional backgrounds that bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our mission of student empowerment.

Our students invest in their future—and joining the IEC team is an investment in yours. As an employee‑owned company, we provide mentoring, training, and career pathways across every department. Chart your own success at IEC.