Employee Relations Specialist en Tatte Bakery & Cafe

The Employee Relations (ER) Specialist serves as a trusted advisor and key partner in fostering a positive, compliant, and engaging workplace culture. This role is responsible for managing employee relations cases, advising leaders on policy and employment law, investigating workplace concerns, and ensuring fair, consistent application of company standards. The ER Specialist will play a critical role in minimizing risk, enhancing employee experience, and reinforcing our values through effective people practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations Case Management

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations issues, including performance, conduct, and workplace concerns.
• Manage investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace misconduct, or policy violations.
• Document cases thoroughly, ensuring consistent process and adherence to legal/regulatory requirements.

Policy & Compliance

• Interpret and apply company policies, practices, and employment laws across multiple jurisdictions.
• Provide guidance to managers on corrective actions, progressive discipline, and policy application.
• Partner with HR, Legal, and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, predictive scheduling, etc.).

Advisory & Coaching

• Support managers in addressing performance issues, conflict resolution, & building effective team dynamics.
• Coach leaders on best practices to promote fairness, inclusion, and accountability.
• Serve as a culture ambassador, reinforcing values-based leadership in decision-making.

Data, Reporting & Risk Mitigation

• Track trends in employee relations cases and provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Recommend proactive solutions to reduce ER issues, such as manager training or process changes.
• Contribute to reporting on compliance, risk, and employee sentiment.

Collaboration & Projects

• Partner with HRBPs, Talent Acquisition, and L&D to align ER work with broader People & Culture strategy.
• Contribute to policy development, ER toolkits, and training programs for leaders and team members.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to improve the employee experience and workplace culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of HR/Employee Relations experience with demonstrated case management expertise.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance across multiple states.
• Proven ability to conduct thorough, fair, and confidential investigations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to balance business needs with employee advocacy.

Preferred:

• Hospitality, retail, or multi-unit industry experience.
• Experience supporting hourly and management-level populations.
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent).
• Experience with HRIS systems (UKG, Workday, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Spanish language proficiency (spoken and written).

Success Profile

• Problem Solver: Approaches complex issues with fairness, clarity, and pragmatism.
• Culture Champion: Models values-based leadership and reinforces a positive workplace.
• Trusted Partner: Builds credibility with leaders and team members at all levels.
• Detail-Oriented: Ensures documentation, compliance, and follow-through are meticulous.
• Proactive: Identifies trends and recommends solutions before problems escalate.

Our Benefits and Perks: 

• Competitive Pay ($75,000 - $90,000)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• 401(k) (with vesting match)
• Free EAP employee assistance programs
• Heath, dental, and vision insurance
• Generously discounted meals and drinks
• Exciting potential for growth

Please note that Tatte is an E-Verify employer.