Business Partner Manager - Employee Support

Summary/Objective

The Business Partner Manager (BPM) is a strategic HR leader responsible for overseeing Employee Relations, Leave Administration, Workers’ Compensation, and the Employee Relations Generalist team. This role ensures compliance, drives operational excellence, and fosters a culture of trust, safety, and accountability. The BPM will supervise relevant team members and collaborate across departments to support employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee Relations

- Lead resolution of employee relations issues, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.

- Supervise and develop the Employee Relations Generalists, providing coaching, guidance, and escalation support.

- Conduct investigations and recommend appropriate actions aligned with organizational values and legal standards.

- Partner with managers to address performance, conduct, and engagement concerns.

- Monitor ER trends and proactively address systemic issues through policy, training, or culture initiatives.

Leave Administration

- Oversee administration of FMLA, ADA, and internal leave programs.

- Supervise Leave Administrator and ensure accurate documentation and compliance.

- Develop and update leave-related policies and procedures.

- Provide training and resources to managers and employees on leave rights and responsibilities.

Workers’ Compensation

- Manage workers’ compensation claims and coordinate with TPAs, legal counsel, and healthcare providers.

- Ensure OSHA compliance and lead return-to-work and modified duty programs.

- Monitor trends and conduct audits to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

- Serve as a strategic partner to the Director of People & Culture and other HR leaders.

- Analyze data across ER, leave, WC, and generalist domains to inform decisions and improve outcomes.

- Collaborate with legal, risk management, and operations to align HR practices with business goals.

- Stay current on federal, state, and local employment laws and ensure organizational compliance.

- Lead initiatives that support retention, engagement, and inclusive practices across the employee lifecycle.- Adheres to company policies and procedures in addition to regulations, laws and other requirements from applicable governing bodies, certification, licensure and/or accreditation entities, etc.

- Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position, requiring flexibility to work both remotely and on-site.

Other Responsibilities

- Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Duties

Direct supervision of:

- Employee Relations Generalists

- Leave Administrator

May provide dotted-line support or mentorship to other P&C team members.

Workload Management & Prioritization

- Assign task., manage workloads, and prioritize team projects to ensure efficient handling of employee relations cases and other People & Culture responsibilities.

Review and adjust team priorities based on organizational needs, ensuring timely and effective responses to employee relations issues.

Education, Skills, Experience and Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s preferred.

- Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations, leave administration, and workers’ compensation.

- At least 2 years of direct supervisory experience, preferably overseeing HR generalists or program coordinators.

- Strong knowledge of employment law, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, and workers’ compensation regulations.

- Proven leadership and coaching skills, with a track record of developing team members and managing performance.

- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

- Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR).

Experience in unionized or multi-state/global environments.

Familiarity with ER case management tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Workday).

- Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record, if applicable.

Competencies and Attributes

Competencies:

Attributes:

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Approachable and Trustworthy

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

Confidentiality and Integrity

Problem -Solving Mindset

Physical Demands/% of time

Sitting

51-75%

Standing and/or walking

<25%

Bending

<25%

Verbal communication

>75%

Work Hours: Monday thru Friday 8am-4:30pm

Travel Requirements: This position requires approximately 20% travel.