Description

Schnabel Engineering is an employee-owned, professional consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in dam, geotechnical, geostructural, and tunnel engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities they live in, and support are a vital part of who we are and what we offer. Founded in 1956, Schnabel has experienced tremendous success and growth through its dedication to excellence in client service, high quality, and value-added solutions. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm and Top 10 Dams and Reservoirs Design Firm with over 600+ employees in 28 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, life and disability. Engagement in Schnabel’s wellness program offers incentives for employees to pursue a healthy lifestyle, and the firm rewards employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Flexible spending accounts

• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)

• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)

• Long-term disability

• Supplemental life insurance

• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan

• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

• Bonus program

• Paid time off

• 9 Paid Holidays

• Wellness program

• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead our employee relations function at Schnabel Engineering, a professional services engineering firm. This role will focus on cultivating a positive workplace culture, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and handling complex employee relations issues with expertise and professionalism. The Employee Relations Manager will support our HR strategies, foster productive management-employee relationships, and ensure compliance with all relevant federal and state labor regulations. The Employee Relations Manager will play a critical role in supporting organizational performance, employee retention and employee engagement.

Job Responsibilities:

• Employee Relations Strategy : Develop, implement, and oversee employee relations strategies, policies, and processes to maintain a positive, productive work environment aligned with our company’s mission, vision, values and culture.

• Case Management : Manage and resolve routine and complex employee relations issues, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and performance management cases, ensuring they are handled thoroughly, professionally, and with the utmost confidentiality.

• Compliance & Risk Management : Ensure that employee relations policies and actions comply with all relevant federal, state, and local employment laws, particularly those affecting government contractors (e.g., EEO, ADA, FLSA, OFCCP compliance).

• Labor Law & Regulatory Compliance : Keep current with changes in employment law and workplace trends affecting government contractors. Provide guidance on compliance with labor regulations and support audits as needed.

• Conflict Resolution : Provide consultation to managers and employees on resolving disputes, encouraging open communication, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques to foster a collaborative work environment.

• Manager Coaching & Support : Partner with managers to develop employee management skills, improve communication, and create a positive work culture that minimizes employee relations issues.

• Policy Development & Training : Develop, review, and update employee relations policies. Lead training sessions for managers and employees on workplace policies, conflict resolution, performance management, and regulatory compliance.

• HR Metrics & Reporting : Track and analyze employee relations metrics to identify trends, areas for improvement, and risk mitigation strategies, reporting findings to HR leadership.

• Employee Engagement & Culture : Lead initiatives to support employee engagement, work-life balance, and workplace satisfaction, ensuring alignment with our values and goals as a professional services firm with government contracts. This may include stay and exit interviews as well as reward/recognition program design, implementation, and management.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or certification(s) (e.g., MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP) is preferred.

• Experience : Minimum of 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5-7 years specifically in employee relations. Previous experience in government contracting or professional services sectors is highly preferred.

• Knowledge : Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations, particularly those relevant to government contractors (e.g., OFCCP, EEO compliance). Familiarity with engineering or technical industry environments is an asset.

• Skills :

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across all organizational levels.

• Excellent conflict resolution, problem-solving, negotiation, and mediation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases with confidentiality and integrity.

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain documentation in accordance with HR best practices and compliance requirements.

• Strong analytical skills with experience using HR metrics and software to drive decisions.

• Program design and implementation experience.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

• Attributes :

• High degree of integrity, discretion, and judgment.

• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.

• Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.

• Customer service orientation with respect to internal and external clients.

• Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

• Occasional travel may be required (approximately 10-15%)

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check.

• Ability to pass a pre-employment screening.

The compensation range for this position is between $90,000 to $140,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)