Itochu Building Products (IBP) Holdings has an immediate need for an Employee Relations Manager - California.  IBP is comprised of Master Halco, Alta Forest Products, and US Premier Tube Mills making IBP the largest and leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of fencing products in North America.

Position Summary:

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for building positive relations with employees, providing guidance to managers and employees on navigating employee relations matters, and ensuring compliance with California labor laws through regular site visits, training and proactive engagement primarily for our branch locations and manufacturing facility based in California.

The Employee Relations Specialist will serve as a trusted advisor who balances employee advocacy with business strategy, while fostering a positive work environment and mitigating workplace risk through education, coaching and effective navigation of employee relations matters.

Working With Us Has Its Rewards:

• A culture that values opportunity for growth, development and internal promotion
• Lucrative compensation package of $100,000 to $120,000
• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits programs
• 401K retirement savings program with company match
• Casual Dress
• Company entertainment discounts
• Tuition reimbursement for job related training
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies
• Conduct workplace investigations related to harassment, discrimination, policy violations, and employee grievances, ensuing compliance with California labor laws
• Resolve employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors
• Partner with Sr. Employee Relations Manager on all employee relations matters including disciplinary issues, terminations and investigations
• Proactively identify employee relations trends and recommend strategies to improve engagement, retention, and workplace culture
• Provide coaching and conflict resolution support to address interpersonal and team dynamics
• Work closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention
• Stay up to date on California-specific labor laws, including but not limited to, wage & hour regulations, leaves of absence, pay transparency, and workplace safety
• Assist with administering compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, and certifications.
• Provide HR policy guidance and interpretation; review policies and practices to ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations
• Support change management initiatives, helping managers lead team through transitions effectively
• Perform routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to disciplinary matters, disputes and investigations, performance and talent management, recognition, and training and development
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources OR combination of education and experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of HR experience, with 3+ years in Employee Relations role
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and handling complex employee relations matters
• Solid experience and understanding of HRIS, Benefits Enrollment, and other web-based systems; Experience with ADP Workforce Now a plus
• Computer Skills: MS Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Required Skills / Abilities

• Deep knowledge of California labor laws and regulatory requirements
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
• Strong relationship-building and coaching skills with the ability to influence and gain trust
• Ability to interpret and apply employment laws and HR policies to real-world scenarios
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong customer support experience
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Work Environment: Office setting

Physical Demands: This job requires the ability to sit, stand, lift and/or move.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: Monday through Friday 8 hours a day; at times more than 8 hours. 

Travel: Approximately 50%

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.