Manager, Employee Relations - Strategic Partner to ESPN Leadership & Employees

Join the Team that Brings Sports Fans Closer to the Action

ESPN, Inc., the Worldwide Leader in Sports, is seeking an experienced Manager, Employee Relations to join its HR team. As a strategic partner to ESPN leadership and employees, you will play a critical role in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, ensuring compliance with company policies and state/federal employment laws, and driving business outcomes through effective employee relations practices.

About ESPN and the Employee Relations Team

ESPN is a multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a broad portfolio of sports assets with over 50 business entities. With a rich history dating back to 1979, ESPN has grown to become a global leader in sports media, televising over 5,100 live and/or original hours of sports programming annually. The Employee Relations Team is responsible for providing mentorship to leadership and employees on company policy, practices, and state/federal employment laws, conducting internal workplace investigations, and handling employee performance issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Counsels and guides managers and employees in all areas of employee relations administration, policy interpretation, employee complaints, corrective action procedures, performance management, and medical and other accommodations.
• Leads investigations into employee concerns and complaints relating to various employee policies (including discrimination and harassment) and recommends appropriate action.
• Counsels employees regarding a wide range of issues and complaints, including employees in crisis (e.g., death in family, medical issues, mental or emotional issues).
• Participates in establishing Human Resources/Employee Relations strategy and influences assigned client group strategies.
• Acts as a liaison between managers and employees regarding performance issues and management (e.g., performance improvement plan process).
• Crafts and delivers trainings for employees and managers relating to employee policies and legal issues.
• Analyzes ER data/metrics for themes, trends, and root cause identification. Shares findings with key partners.
• Builds summaries and other documents related to the ER function. Assists with project work as needed, including training, facilitation of classes, research, and other projects that support the business.
• Interacts and works with team members outside the HR organization, including Legal, Security, Communications, Health and Safety, and Disney Management Audit.
• Engages with ER team members across The Walt Disney Company to assist with advancing case work and other ER initiatives as needed/advised.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• 3 years or more of responsible experience as an HR/legal professional with a concentration in employee relations work.
• Confirmed strong written/verbal communication and facilitation/presentation skills.
• Consultative and credibility assessment skills. Ability to quickly assess witnesses and documents and make decisions based on limited information.
• Ability to assess sensitive and sophisticated employee relations issues in a confidential, objective, and detailed manner.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and influence at all levels within the organization, and make decisions while keeping partners and leaders advised.
• Demonstrable experience in balancing multiple projects with strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of all aspects of employment and human resources-related laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts, and practices, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, ADAAA, and FMLA.
• Experience with data and analytics and sophisticated PowerPoint skills.
• Experience crafting interactive training sessions.
• Law Degree (JD) preferred.
• Labor Relations experience/expertise preferred.

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.

What We Offer

As a member of the ESPN team, you will be part of a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. You will have access to a comprehensive rewards package, including health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Our benefits and perks are designed to help you live your best life, and you can learn more about them at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Career Growth Opportunities

As a Manager, Employee Relations, you will have opportunities to grow and develop your skills and expertise in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You will work closely with senior leaders and HR partners to drive business outcomes and shape the future of ESPN. You will also have access to training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement possibilities.

Work Environment and Company Culture

ESPN is committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive, diverse, and respectful of all employees. We value our employees' unique perspectives and experiences and strive to create a culture that is collaborative, innovative, and supportive. As a remote worker, you will be part of a distributed team that is connected through technology and a shared commitment to excellence.

Join Our Team

If you are a motivated and experienced HR professional looking to join a dynamic and fast-paced organization, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Manager, Employee Relations, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of ESPN and driving business outcomes through effective employee relations practices. Don't miss out on this chance to join our team and be part of a company that is passionate about sports and committed to excellence.

Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career with ESPN!