Employee Relations Manager

Dept of Transportation

Human Resources

Agency HR Manager II (NS)

60022302

NC21

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.

This is a repost. Previous applicants must reapply to be considered.

This position is posted statewide. The selected candidate's work location will be determined based on the nearest NCDOT Division Office to their residence and agency operational needs.

Are you a strategic HR leader with a passion for building fair, consistent, and supportive workplace environments? The North Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead our Employee Relations (ER) Section and ensure the highest standard of employee support, accountability, and organizational integrity across the agency.

In this pivotal role, you'll guide a dedicated team, oversee complex disciplinary and grievance processes, coordinate crucial employee assistance resources, and help shape the policies that define NCDOT’s workplace culture. Your work will make a meaningful impact on thousands of employees statewide.

What You’ll Do

Lead and Develop the Employee Relations Unit
• Set program standards, priorities, and assignments for the ER Section.
• Review and assess complex cases, providing special guidance to staff.
• Coordinate case preparation for the Personnel Discipline Committee (PDC) Review Committee.

Manage NCDOT’s Disciplinary Action Process
• Ensure all disciplinary actions are proportionate, consistent, compliant, and legally defensible.
• Review and approve written warnings, corrective actions, dismissals, and CDL-related disciplinary cases.
• Chair and facilitate the PDC Review Committee with representatives from Legal, HR leadership, and agency executives.
• Provide expert guidance to managers and supervisors on complex disciplinary issues.
• Oversee investigatory placements with pay, disciplinary inactivation processes, and case coordination in the Integrated HR/Payroll System.

Administer the Employee Grievance Process
• Deliver the agency’s grievance process in partnership with the Mediation & Hearings Coordinator.
• Interpret employee relations policies and advise managers, employees, and hearing officers.
• Draft Final Agency Decisions and respond to discovery requests for advanced grievance cases.

Lead NCDOT’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services
• Serve as EAP Coordinator and liaison to MYgroup.
• Approve supervisory and management-directed referrals and fitness for duty recommendations.
• Promote awareness of EAP services and approve content for monthly EAP communications.
• Maintain NCDOT’s suicide prevention resources and coordinate statewide trainings.
• Provide grief, trauma, and crisis support resources for managers and staff following workplace incidents.

Shape Employee Relations Policy and Program Design
• Develop and adjust programs to meet legal, policy, and organizational changes.
• Evaluate the impact of legislation and litigation and recommend strategic solutions.

Direct Workplace Violence Investigations
• Oversee all workplace violence reports and determine appropriate investigative direction.
• Approve investigatory leave placements and review all investigative findings.
• Coordinate disciplinary recommendations and PDC Review Committee approvals for workplace violence cases.

What We’re Looking For
• A strong, thoughtful leader with deep knowledge of employee relations, HR policy, and investigation practices.
• Exceptional judgment, communication skills, and confidence navigating sensitive and complex HR matters.
• A collaborative approach to guiding managers, supporting employees, and ensuring consistency across a large organization.

Join us in fostering a safe, supportive, and accountable workplace for North Carolina’s transportation workforce. Your leadership will help shape the future of employee relations at NCDOT.

Phagan Joe Hudson