Manager, Employee Relations & Governance

Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life!Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesEmployee Relations Case Management & InvestigationsOversees the end-to-end investigations framework, including intake, triage, investigative protocols, documentation standards, and outcome consistency, ensuring a fair and objective approach across the organization.Lead and conduct complex employee relations investigations, including allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violationsProvide investigation planning guidance and coaching to Plant HR ManagersPrepare clear summaries, findings, and recommendations for review and escalation as appropriateMaintain confidentiality, documentation standards, and defensible processesGovernance, Policy Interpretation & ConsistencyPartners with Legal, Compliance, and senior HR leadership to interpret employment laws and regulatory requirements, translating them into scalable policies, procedures, and operational practices.Serve as the enterprise expert on employee relations policies and governanceAssists in defining and maintaining HR policy governance standards, including the development, review, and modernization of policies and the employee handbook to reflect evolving regulatory, market, and organizational needs.Ensure consistent application of policies across plants and corporate functionsAdvise HR and leaders on appropriate corrective action, performance discipline, and outcomesIdentify situations that require escalation due to legal, reputational, or precedent riskPartner with Legal as needed on high‑risk or sensitive mattersDesigns and implements frameworks for consistency and quality assurance in investigations and policy application, including audit mechanisms, documentation standards, and governance processes.Plant HR Coaching & Capability DevelopmentCoach Plant HR Managers on collective bargaining concerns, employee relations judgment, documentation, and investigation practicesServe as the primary escalation point for non‑routine or high‑risk plant ER issuesSupport development of ER capability and confidence within plant HR teamsReinforce escalation triggers and enterprise standardsRisk Identification & Trend AnalysisIdentifies emerging trends, systemic risks, and root causes across investigations and employee relations matters, driving enterprise-level insights and recommend preventative and corrective actions.Partner with TSEL and OD to recommend proactive interventions, training, or organizational actionsSupport data‑informed decision‑making while maintaining appropriate confidentialityPartnership & Integration Collaborate closely with:Talent Strategy Enablement Leader on trend‑based risk and leadership effectivenessOrganizational Development Manager on change impacts and leader enablementHR Operations on policy documentation and recordkeeping standardsParticipate in enterprise HR initiatives as a subject‑matter expert when employee relations considerations are involvedSkills And Work Experience Requirements7–10 years of progressive HR experience with a strong emphasis on employee relationsDemonstrated experience conducting complex investigationsStrong knowledge of U.S. employment laws and ER best practicesExperience supporting hourly and manufacturing environments preferredProven ability to exercise sound judgment and escalate appropriatelyManufacturing or multi‑site experienceExposure to labor‑sensitive environmentsSkills & CompetenciesSound judgment and risk awarenessStrong investigation and interviewing skillsClear, concise written communicationAbility to coach and influence without formal authorityHigh degree of integrity and confidentialityCalm, professional demeanor in sensitive situationsAbility to recognize when escalation is requiredTravel & Work EnvironmentTravel to plant locations as needed (25-30%)Combination of corporate office, remote work, and plant environmentsExposure to plant conditions during site visitsEducationBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fieldSHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, SPHR, or equivalent certificationA reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at the time of posting is below. The base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. The actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, education, certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.Salary Range $125,000-$145,000Benefits: Blommer understands that our employees are our biggest assets. With this in mind we offer a generous benefits package.Health, Dental & Vision- eligibility begins day 1 of hire!401(K)Pet insuranceTuition reimbursement10 pounds of free chocolate for your birthdayBlommer Chocolate Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms: Blommer Chocolate Company does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be considered as a valid submission.