Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Northern Trust

. Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, workplace behavior concerns, disciplinary actions, leave and accommodation issues, and involuntary separations .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $95,600 - $162,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Employee Relations, including conducting complex workplace investigations, advising on compliance with employment laws, and implementing effective conflict resolution strategies. Proven ability to analyze data and trends to drive proactive solutions and enhance employee relations practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Employee Relations ExpertiseWorkplace InvestigationsEmployment Law ComplianceConflict Resolution SkillsAnalytical Problem-Solving

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Workplace InvestigationsEmployee Relations AnalysisPolicy InterpretationPerformance ManagementRisk AssessmentCompliance KnowledgeData AnalysisDocumentation SkillsOrganizational Change AdvisoryNegotiation Skills

Soft Skills

Coaching SkillsConsultation SkillsInfluencing SkillsTrust BuildingCommunication Skills

Industry Keywords

EEOADAFMLAAnti-HarassmentEmployment LegislationLegal PartnershipHR Best PracticesRisk ManagementOrganizational RiskEmployee Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, workplace behavior concerns, disciplinary actions, leave and accommodation issues, and involuntary separations
Lead and manage complex workplace investigations involving misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and policy violations
Partner with Legal as appropriate, including matters requiring attorney-client privilege
Conduct fact-finding, documentation, risk assessments, and investigations while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring timely resolution
Provide coaching and guidance to managers and HR partners on performance concerns, corrective action, and conflict resolution
Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and HR stakeholders to ensure consistent policy application and employment-law compliance
Analyze employee relations data, case trends, and organizational risks to identify proactive intervention and continuous-improvement opportunities
Recommend enhancements to policies, procedures, and employee relations practices based on investigation findings and industry best practices
Advise leaders on employee relations implications and risk mitigation during organizational change initiatives
Participate in cross-functional HR projects focused on employee experience, risk management, compliance, and process improvement
Mentor junior Employee Relations team members and contribute to ER best practices
Lead or participate in strategic projects and process improvements that enhance the effectiveness and scalability of employee relations programs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience in Employee Relations
Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on sensitive employee matters
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, wage and hour, anti-harassment, and related employment legislation
Experience partnering with Legal and Compliance teams on employment-related matters
Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
Exceptional consultation, coaching, and influencing skills
Ability to build trust and credibility with leaders and employees at all levels
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy
Sound judgment and ability to assess organizational, legal, and reputational risk
Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment
Ability to identify trends and translate insights into proactive solutions and recommendations
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future

Benefits

Comp & perks

Retirement benefits (401k and pension)
Health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability)
Paid time off
Parental and caregiver leave
Life and accident insurance
Other voluntary and well-being benefits
Discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component
Flexible and collaborative work culture
Hybrid working model with flexibility to work in the office and from home
Internal movement opportunities
Reasonable accommodations during the employment process