Job Description

Job Summary:

The Walt Disney Company's Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) is a new, global business segment for The Walt Disney Company with the mission of providing consumers around the world access to the content they want most, on the latest platforms, at a time of rapidly-evolving consumer habits. Combining the Company's direct-to-consumer streaming services ESPN+, the Disney+ streaming service and its ownership stake in Hulu -- alongside Disney's international media businesses, DMED aligns cutting-edge technology with world-class content and beloved brands to expand the Company's global footprint and deliver highly-personalized entertainment experiences to diverse consumers around the world.

Summary:
The Senior Manager, Employee Relations (ER) will support the DMED function by providing clients (employees, leaders, HR Business Partners, etc.) with ER expertise and services, including: conducting complex investigations related to Company policies, determining investigation findings and recommendations, drafting various investigation-related documents, advising on a wide-range of ER issues, interpreting policies and practices, and reviewing performance management documents. The Senior Manager, Employee Relations will also help on various ER related projects, including assessment of organizational changes, ER data and analytics, and ER training for HRBPs and employees. The Senior Manager, Employee Relations must be able to perform work with little supervision, exhibit superb written and verbal communication skills, handle a wide range of complex and highly sensitive employment situations, and demonstrate strong emotional intelligence to skillfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization with a wide range of personality types and backgrounds.

Responsibilities:

Investigations

* Conduct complex and sensitive employee investigations with little supervision, including determining appropriate investigation strategies, leading witness interviews and any required document review, and determining findings and recommendations for appropriate resolution.
* Where applicable, draft well-written investigation-related documents, including leader/HRBP talking points, written warnings, case executive summaries and other documents with little supervision.
* Partner collaboratively with HRBPs, Legal, Global Security, Information Security, Management Audit, Communications, Diversity & Inclusion and others to execute thorough investigations. Influence decisions where appropriate.
* Input cases into the ER database case management system accurately and timely.
* Assist responding to employee complaints with federal, state and local administrative agencies.

Other Core Employee Relations Work

* Assist in the determination and implementation of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Assist in managing complex situations related to various leave of absences.
* Assist HRBPs with the assessment and review of performance management, including the editing, review and execution of performance advisories and performance improvement plans.
* Assist with the data reporting and analytics of ER cases for themes, trends and root causes to provide insights and recommendations for decision making and prevention of ER risk.
* Promote knowledge and understanding of Company policy and of relevant employment laws through coaching, presentations, and training.
* Assist in ongoing review and updates of the Employee Policy Manual, Teachers Guides, and procedures.
* Assist with the assessment of organizational changes.
* Build relationships with key ER partners, including Human Resources, Legal, Global Security, Information Security, Management Audit, Communications, Diversity & Inclusion and others.
* Assist with other ER project work and consultations related to the employee experience as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

* Minimum of 7+ years Employee Relations experience, with 2-3 years in relevant experience leading others.
* Demonstrated experience leading a wide variety of complex employee investigations with little supervision.
* Experience working with unions
* Experience with OFCCP Compliance
* Excellent decision making, problem solving, critical thinking and root cause/analysis skills.
* Demonstrated investigation and consultative skills
* Advanced understanding of employment and HR related laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts and practices, including Title VII, ADA, ADAA, and FMLA.
* High emotional intelligence and strong people skills
* Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with compassion and equity.
* Ability to work collaboratively, lead and influence at all levels within the organization, and make decisions while keeping all partners and leaders informed
* Experience working with senior executives in an influence-without-authority role.
* Ability to position self as credible, proactive and a trusted thought-partner.
* Independent work style, balancing the need for collaboration with minimal supervision.
* Ability to manage multiple projects with strong time management and prioritization skills
* Excellent communication and presentation skills, including verbal and written

Required Education

* Bachelors Degree Required, Juris Doctorate Preferred