Lead Employee Relations Specialist

UFG Insurance

. Lead the build-out and ongoing development of UFG's employee relations function, including the operating model, service standards, intake and escalation protocols, investigation practices, case management, documentation requirements, and governance routines .

Posted 10/20/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $123,000 - $163,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in employee relations, workplace investigations, and performance management, with a strong understanding of employment law and regulatory requirements. Proven ability to build partnerships across functions and lead complex employee relations initiatives while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Employee Relations ExpertiseWorkplace InvestigationsPerformance ManagementEmployment Law KnowledgeHuman Resources Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Case ManagementDocumentation StandardsConflict ResolutionAnalytical SkillsInvestigative SkillsRisk AssessmentPolicy InterpretationTraining DevelopmentData AnalysisProcess Improvement

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingConsultative SkillsProblem-SolvingCommunication SkillsProject Management

Certifications & Qualifications

SHRM-CPSHRM-SCPPHRSPHR

Industry Keywords

Property and Casualty InsuranceEmployment Risk ManagementWorkplace EthicsOrganizational RestructuresCompliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the build-out and ongoing development of UFG's employee relations function, including the operating model, service standards, intake and escalation protocols, investigation practices, case management, documentation requirements, and governance routines
Serve as the senior Human Resources subject matter expert for employee relations, workplace investigations, corrective action, performance improvement documentation, conflict resolution, and employment risk management
Establish consistent employee relations frameworks, templates, decision guides, manager resources, and quality standards
Partner with UFG's Legal Department on complex employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, ethics hotline reports, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and employee complaints
Lead and conduct objective workplace investigations; prepare investigation plans, interview documentation, findings, recommendations, and supporting materials
Develop and maintain a centralized employee relations case management approach, including case categorization, documentation standards, record retention, service-level expectations, and reporting practices
Analyze employee relations data and trends to identify recurring issues, organizational risk, policy or process gaps, and opportunities for proactive intervention
Provide consultation and coaching to leaders and Human Resources Business Partners regarding workplace concerns, employee conduct, policy interpretation, performance management, corrective action, and complex employment matters
Apply sound judgment with Legal to interpret employment laws, company policies, and Human Resources procedures
Build partnerships with leaders, Human Resources Business Partners, Legal, Compliance, and other cross-functional stakeholders
Provide employee relations expertise and risk assessment for organizational restructures, workforce transitions, and reduction-in-force activities
Support unemployment claims, administrative agency responses, ethics and compliance matters, and employment-related documentation
Lead development and facilitation of manager and Human Resources training on employee relations topics
Identify and implement continuous improvements to Human Resources policies, procedures, manager resources, employee relations practices, and the overall employee experience

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
Professional Human Resources certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) preferred
7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience with significant responsibility in employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and employment law
3+ years of Human Resources experience within a property and casualty insurance carrier required
Demonstrated experience independently leading complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on sensitive, high-risk employee relations matters
Experience building or maturing employee relations infrastructure, including intake and escalation processes, case management, documentation standards, reporting, manager tools, and training
Experience partnering directly with business leaders, Human Resources Business Partners, Legal, and Compliance to resolve complex employment issues and drive consistent practices across an organization
Advanced knowledge of employee relations principles, workplace investigations, employment law, performance management, and Human Resources best practices
Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory requirements
Working knowledge of property and casualty insurance operations, organizational structures, and business functions
Excellent investigative, interviewing, documentation, analytical, and case-management skills
Strong conflict resolution, mediation, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to assess employment risk, identify patterns and root causes, and provide practical, business-focused recommendations
Strong consultative, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to establish new practices and lead through partnership without direct authority
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to build sustainable processes while managing multiple complex cases, priorities, and deadlines
Ability to exercise sound judgment while balancing legal compliance, employee experience, and business objectives

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual incentive compensation
Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
Retirement plans with employer contributions
Generous time-off program
Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security