Employee Relations Specialist

About the Team/Role​:

Working collaboratively with the HRBP team and partnering with our internal legal team, the Employee Relations Specialist will assess and resolve employee relations matters ensuring consistency across the region and alignment with WEX policies and practices. This position will help to ensure a fair and consistent approach, promoting a positive culture while minimizing risks.

​How you’ll make an impact:

The Employee Relations Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Counsel and provide assistance to employees and all levels of management in employee or management issues, including, but not limited to, performance management, corrective action, restructuring, legal issues, investigations, terminations, conflict management

• Working in partnership with HR Business Partners (HRBPs), assist managers with addressing performance concerns, including reviewing performance expectation summaries and performance improvement plans, sitting in on meetings between managers and employees, and advising managers on appropriate courses of action.

• Collect, prepare and analyze Employee Relations data including case tracking, performance trends, exit interviews, etc., and provide insights and recommendations to key stakeholders.

• Work in partnership with the Employee Relations team and key stakeholders on the progression of continuous improvement initiatives and special projects.

• Conduct assigned investigations regarding policy violations, Helpline complaints, discrimination, bullying, general work environment and hostile work environment concerns, etc.

• Make recommendations to the HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and appropriate business leaders on actions to be taken following investigations.

• Assist in development, modification and roll out of HR policies and procedures.

• Provide policy interpretation to employees, managers and HR team.

• Monitor employee engagement and make recommendations to HRBPs and management regarding improving employee morale and culture.

• Partner with external vendors, internal stakeholders, and managers to support employees with accommodation requests, leaves and transitional return to work requests.

• Manage relations with local labor unions, supporting collective bargaining negotiations and ensuring compliance with relevant agreements.

• Serve as subject matter expert for compliance related topics (legislative updates, policy updates)

• Provide written and oral advice to management regarding key policy, employment legislation issues and emerging employment relations trends.

• Work closely with HRBPs to lead and develop a psych safety culture with development of strategy and supporting activities to support execution.

• Effectively lead and/or manage investigations or processes in response to discrimination, harassment & bullying complaints through end-to-end case management.

• Provide advocacy, or lead support, for contested matters in the Justiça do Trabalho (Labor Courts) or relevant Regional Labor Courts.

• Support other regions as needed.

​Experience you'll bring:

• Senior experience in Employee Relations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business or related field.

• Working knowledge of state and federal employment laws (Brazil).

• Advanced proficiency in English language (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Employment law/labor relations degree.

• HR certification and/or advanced HR degree.

• Proficiency in Google Sheets/Microsoft Excel, Data Systems such as Jira and HR Acuity.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Brazilian labor law (CLT), with some working knowledge of other countries in Europe and Americas.

• Demonstrated proficiency in conflict resolution.

• Strong attention to detail with disciplined approach to documentation.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to deliver tough messages with tact and empathy.

• Demonstrated flexibility, composure under pressure, and respect for the highly confidential nature of the work.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and effectively to meet frequently changing business-driven timelines.