Director of Employee Relations

At SPS, we believe in the "Power of Possibility" creating meaningful workplace experiences that elevate organizations and the people who power them.

We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and people-centered Director of Employee Relations to lead our ER function across a dynamic, multi-state environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Employee Relations leader who thrives at the intersection of compliance, culture, and business impact.

If you are a confident advisor, a thoughtful investigator, and a steady leader who can navigate complex employee matters with professionalism and care in which this could be your next chapter.

The Director of Employee Relations is responsible for leading SPS’s Employee Relations strategy and execution across multiple states. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, provides expert guidance on workplace matters, and partners with leadership to foster a fair, respectful, and compliant work environment.

This position requires expertise supporting both frontline/operational employees and corporate staff, along with experience leading a small team.

This is a hybrid role, the ideal candidate is to perform in office duties in one of these areas of their choosing: New York NY, Los Angeles CA, or San Jose CA.

Hybrid refers to some in-office presence will be required based on business needs.

• Provide expert guidance and oversight on employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective actions, performance management, and terminations.

• Lead and develop ER/HR team members handling day-to-day employee relations issues.

• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making in sensitive and high-impact matters.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on complex workforce concerns.

• Conduct and oversee thorough, compliant workplace investigations.

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws across a multi-state workforce (including CA and other key jurisdictions).

• Prepare the organization for employment-related matters such as claims, agency inquiries, and litigation in partnership with counsel.

• Mitigate risk through proactive guidance and strong documentation practices.

• Develop, review, and maintain employment policies and practices aligned with legal standards and operational best practices.

• Deliver training and guidance to leadership teams on policy interpretation and compliance expectations.

• Partner with the Benefits Manager to support SPS’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.

• Support and advise on Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and best practices.

• Oversee pre-employment background check processes and ensure full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

• Act as an advisor across Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Health & Safety, and broader HR programs.

• Partner with business leaders to align ER strategy with company growth and operational goals.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Employee Relations within mid-sized to large, multi-state organizations (fast-growing environments preferred).

• Prior experience in retail, hospitality, facilities management, or service-based industries is a plus.

• Strong working knowledge of employment laws across multiple states, including but not limited to CA, OR, WA, NV, NY, TX, and IL.

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting workplace investigations and managing compliance matters.

• Experience supporting both hourly/frontline and corporate workforces.

• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in high-stress situations.

• Results-oriented with exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work independently while also serving as a collaborative partner to leadership.

• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

• Deep understanding of HR principles, labor/EEO laws, fair pay practices, and state-specific regulations.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance risk mitigation and operational practicality.

• Knowledge of Canadian employment and labor laws including but not limited to Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

• Ability to perform general office tasks requiring fine and gross motor skills.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.

• Must be capable of effectively working from home and collaborating with a remote team.

• Some in-office presence required in the North America (predominantly New York City NY) based on business needs for travel.

• This hybrid role will work in our New York City Office.

• SPS North American Headquarters is located in New York City; the role must be open to working across North American time zones as needed.

• Travel to SPS work sites may be required based on business needs.