Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you'll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist is responsible for all aspects of employee relations investigations. This person handles the detailed, confidential investigative process from start to finish in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures. This position partners with the Human Resources Managers and management teams to effectively manage complex employee relations situations across all regions. This position involves access to confidential information and requires discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Serve as a strategic employee relations (ER) partner to HR Managers and management teams in assessing, managing, and resolving complex, sensitive, high-risk, and potentially high-liability employee relations matters
• Lead and conduct complex, high-risk, sensitive, and time-critical workplace investigations from intake through final disposition, including matters involving allegations of serious misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, threats, ethics concerns, and other issues requiring advanced investigative expertise
• Own the investigation process for complex matters, including developing investigative strategies, determining appropriate scope, identifying and interviewing witnesses, reviewing relevant documentation and evidence, assessing credibility and facts, and reaching objective, well-supported findings
• Establish, implement, and continuously improve standardized investigation processes and protocols to ensure investigations are thorough, timely, consistent, objective, well-documented, and appropriately escalated based on risk
• Prepare comprehensive, objective, and legally defensible investigative reports that clearly document the allegations, investigative steps, evidence reviewed, factual findings, credibility considerations, conclusions, and recommendations
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive process for tracking investigations, outcomes, and related disciplinary actions to identify trends, systemic issues, compliance gaps, recurring concerns, and opportunities for corrective action or training
• Partner closely with the Senior HR Manager on complex investigations, emerging ER trends, findings, risk assessments, and recommended actions
• Provide accurate, timely, and risk-based updates to the Senior HR Manager regarding the status, findings, and recommended resolution of complex investigations
• Partner with SVP of HR and Legal Counsel on complex HR claims, investigations with significant legal or business risk, litigation-related matters, and preparation for potential legal proceedings, in partnership with the Senior HR Manager. Following Attorney-client privilege and work-product protocols as directed
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in workplace investigations, providing specialized guidance regarding investigative strategy, interviewing techniques, documentation, legal requirements, risk mitigation, and industry best practices for handling sensitive and complex matters
• Provide guidance to Region HR Managers and HR Managers on investigation methodology, documentation, and best practices, and serve as a backup investigator for matters requiring additional expertise, complexity, or independence
• Analyze investigation data and findings to identify organizational trends, root causes, policy or process gaps, and opportunities for proactive intervention
• Develop and deliver training to managers and employees on employee relations, workplace conduct, investigation-related topics, and other HR matters as needed
• Perform other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will not manage employees

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Advanced ability to lead complex, sensitive, and high-risk investigations from intake through resolution
• Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills to assess evidence, credibility, risk, and findings
• Strong knowledge of Employee Relations, HR practices, and employment laws
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills
• Exceptional confidentiality, organization, and attention to detail while managing multiple investigations
• Strong business acumen and judgment to identify trends, assess risk, and recommend appropriate action
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, HRIS, and investigation tracking systems, with strong computer and data management skills

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• Bachelors degree in HR related field, or equivalent education and experience
• 5-7 years employee relations and complex investigatory experience is required
• Possess and maintain current knowledge of laws related to Human Resources
• Waste industry experience is a plus

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 10 lbs
• Frequently working inside; rarely working outside in wet/humid conditions
• Rarely working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
• Frequently sitting/standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Exposure to residential and commercial waste
• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must be available for 24-hour emergency calls
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver's license (if applicable)
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke's policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.