Employee Relations Manager

Are you looking to join a dynamic team that provides its people with the tools to be successfull and opportunities to grow?

Universal Logistics is a leading provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services including transportation, value-added, intermodal, and specialized services utilized throughout entire supply chains.

Universal has immediate career opportunities in your area. Apply today to become part of the Universal team!

Universal Management Services is seeking an experienced and proactive Regional Employee Relations Manager to lead employee relations initiatives across a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. This role serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies while fostering a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace culture.

The Regional Employee Relations Manager will oversee workplace investigations, conflict resolution, grievance hearings, performance management support, policy administration, and employee engagement programs. This position works closely with business leaders to mitigate risk, ensure employment law compliance, and drive organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters across multiple business units and locations.
• Investigate employee complaints, workplace concerns, harassment allegations, policy violations, and other employee issues.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations, document findings, and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Partner with local management to handle union grievances, as well as to coordinate and attend local level hearings
• Provide guidance to managers regarding employee performance, attendance, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Partner with leadership to ensure consistent interpretation and application of company policies and procedures.

Performance Management & Coaching

• Advise managers on, corrective actions and progressive discipline steps, and employee development initiatives.
• Support leaders in addressing workplace issues while maintaining compliance and minimizing organizational risk.
• Coach managers on effective communication, documentation, and employee accountability practices.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and related regulations.
• Partner with HR and leadership to Monitor employee relations trends and identify opportunities to reduce turnover, improve engagement, and strengthen workplace culture.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and investigation documentation.
• Partner with legal counsel and HR leadership on complex employment matters as needed.
• Partner with internal legal counsel and Labor Relations leadership to negotiate union Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Employee Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to improve employee satisfaction, retention, and organizational culture.
• Analyze employee feedback, exit interviews, and workplace trends to recommend improvements.
• Support employee recognition and engagement programs designed to enhance employee experience.

HR and Operations Partnership

• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits, and Operations teams to support business objectives.
• Assist with organizational change initiatives, restructuring efforts, workforce planning, and communication strategies.
• Conduct management and employee training on HR policies, employee relations topics, and workplace best practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience with a strong focus on employee relations.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and handling complex employee relations matters.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred

• Fluent in English and Spanish; any other language will be a plus.
• Experience in HRIS platforms.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations within transportation, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, or related industries.
• Experience working within a fast-paced environment supporting hourly and salaried employees.

Key Competencies

• Employee Relations Expertise
• Employment Law Knowledge
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation
• Investigative Skills
• Leadership Coaching
• Policy Development & Interpretation
• Communication & Influencing
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Change Management
• Confidentiality & Professional Judgment

Benefits

We offer benefits including major medical, dental, vision, 401K, and paid time off!