Senior Manager HR Associate Relations

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Associate Relations and Labor Relations (AR/LR), will partner with associates and leaders across the organization to help us create an environment where the best people come to do their best work. We are looking for a credible leader to focus on investigative matters, including partnering with associates and leaders in situations that include conflict resolution, high-risk performance management, sensitive associate exits, and navigating workplace dynamics that require thoughtful, strategic support.  This role is a fit for someone who adapts quickly, thrives in uncertainty, and is seen as an expert in their field.

This work requires exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to connect across all levels, build trust quickly, and guide leaders with clarity and confidence. You should be comfortable in a high-growth, fast-changing environment, making sound decisions with imperfect information. You bring expertise in navigating high-tension, highly escalated associate situations, and remain calm, clear-headed, and grounded under pressure. This individual must approach their work with urgency, empathy, and strong judgment, serving as a collaborative partner and steady presence in nuanced moments. This role helps to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and associate empowerment and supports leaders and teams in doing their best work through times of growth and complexity.

This role may supervise one or more associates and work closely with other members of the HR team.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Coach, influence and guide managers, HR Strategic Advisors, HR Managers, and cross-functional partners through complex or high-risk associate situations, including conflict resolution, interpersonal friction, performance challenges, and difficult conversations
• Partner closely with our Legal and HR teams on strategic performance management, offering guidance on performance improvement plans (PIPs), documentation, and exit strategies. This role is responsible to ensure decisions prioritize fairness to the individual while also supporting overall team health and business needs
• Investigate sensitive associate complaints and preparing thorough and concise investigation reports and relevant documentation.  Ability to manage a high-volume caseload
• Lead or support sensitive, high-touch associate exits while preserving dignity, ensuring compliance, and maintaining cultural alignment are all essential.
• Help build scalable tools, templates, and frameworks that strengthen the AR/LR muscle across the company
• Build and refine a centralized workplace accommodation process.
• Use data and insights to identify trends and advise on systemic solutions that promote trust, engagement, and long-term cultural health
• Navigate ambiguity with a proactive, calm, creative, and solutions-oriented mindset, helping to clarify issues and move toward resolution in a dynamic, evolving environment
• Exceptional leadership abilities and prepared to coach direct reports and broader HR team
  
  

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• Masters Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations or related field preferred
• A Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience in employee relations or other People experience roles, ideally in high-growth, fast-paced, and highly dynamic environments. Experience in manufacturing, union environments and working with an hourly workforce is a plus.
• Proven experience managing high-tension, highly escalated associate situations with discretion, empathy, and calm under pressure. Ability to de-escalate effectively, build trust in difficult moments, and support leaders through emotionally charged or high-stakes scenarios.
• A proven track record of handling complex performance management, sensitive exits, and conflict resolution with a steady, thoughtful, and pragmatic approach.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills—building trust quickly, communicating with warmth and clarity, and connecting with associates, managers, and senior leaders alike.
• A low-ego, high-ownership mindset. An ability to work both strategically and in day-to day situations that require hands-on support and a roll up your sleeves mentality.
• Strong instincts for people and culture, with the ability to read situations, understand organizational dynamics, and offer grounded, empathetic guidance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially when navigating sensitive or high-stakes conversations.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and rapid change, with the ability to move quickly and decisively while staying aligned with Acuity's brand and mission
• A commitment to fairness, discretion, and principled decision-making. Providing thoughtful, balanced, and clear-eyed guidance, even under pressure.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• 3+ years in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience with hourly workforce in union and non-union environments preferred
• Ability to travel domestically and/or International up to 25%