Senior Manager, Employee Relations

Overview

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company is a global healthcare company focused on pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products that meet unmet medical needs and support everyday health worldwide.

Princeton, New Jersey. The role is hybrid; employees are expected to travel approximately 15% of the time for business.

Senior Manager, Employee Relations champion Otsuka’s culture and values. The role reports to the Director, Employee Relations and works closely with the Employee Relations Committee and HR business partners to investigate and mitigate employee relations issues across the US pharma business.

• Conduct investigations into harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and other violations of laws and company policies.
• Manage investigations and provide recommendations for resolution in collaboration with internal investigation teams.
• Partner with Ethics and Compliance and Legal Affairs to address ER‑related legal concerns and provide counsel.
• Use effective interviewing and documentation techniques and track cases with the online case management tool.
• Regularly report pending investigations and provide timely investigation reports with supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Employee Relations and HR business partners to provide guidance on performance management processes, coaching, counseling, and performance improvement plans.
• Work with the Director to develop and reinforce an employee relations strategy and philosophy that provides clarity of direction, reliable measurement, and clear feedback.
• Identify the longer‑term impact related to case issues to provide a full view of potential risks.
• Work closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, amplify engagement, and increase productivity and retention.
• Demonstrate ability to manage multi‑business employee relations needs.
• Conduct trainings on compliance with policies and procedures.
• Develop effective relationships with HR business partners to promote positive employee relations throughout the organization.
• Partner with HR Centers of Excellence (COE’s) – Operations, Total Rewards, HRIS, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, and DE&I – to share insights that may impact how the organization operates.

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Business, Human Resources Management, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of substantive experience in Employee Relations as a subject matter expert.
• Extensive experience conducting investigations, performance management, making recommendations, and partnering with in‑house counsel.
• Pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industry experience is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, writing, communication, organizational, project management, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Must be able to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment.
• Proven ability and strong influencing skills, decision making, and resilience.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to manage complex strategy discussions.
• Strategic thinker with experience executing complex, cross‑functional projects and programs.
• Compelling oral and written communicator capable of building relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders to drive organizational change.
• Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex, difficult, and emotional issues.
• Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team setting to build a personal brand and develop a network of relationships across the organization.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation.