Employee Relations Manager II

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About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

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

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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC21 $70,627 - $137,724

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Experience interpreting State and Federal and Departmental employee relations laws, regulations, and other policies
• Experience communicating effectively and professionally verbally and in writing with people of various educational, vocational, and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage the work of direct reports.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically, exercise judgment, and maintain discretion in the application and development of ER policies, procedures and programs

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree, typically in Human Resources or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and at least 5 years of experience in human resources, including 2 years of experience in an HR leadership position; or equivalent combination or education and experience.

In accordance with the Governor’sExecutive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

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[email protected]