Employee Relations Manager, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

People & Culture Department

The People & Culture (P&C) Team at Vantage is lean, effective, well-respected, and growing, with the vision of designing and ensuring an exceptional employee experience from application to alumnus. The team is distinguished by its innovative and strategic approach, working in close partnership with business leaders to develop practical and business-minded solutions that keep the development and growth of our people at the center. Each member of our P&C team plays a pivotal role on the team and in the business. Trust, Agility, Respect, and Accountability are the Vantage core values-and we seek to live every value, every day, while thinking creatively to make Vantage the employer of choice and power our people.

Position Overview

This position is based in West Texas, Texas or willing to relocate.

The Employee Relations Manager leads the design, implementation, and delivery of employee relations programs, policies, and practices to ensure a fair, consistent, and legally compliant workplace. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, NA, this role serves as the primary subject matter expert for complex employee relations issues, including investigations, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws. This position partners closely with leaders, managers, legal, and the broader People & Culture team to mitigate risk, promote a positive workplace culture, and ensure that all employee relations matters are handled with fairness, integrity, and discretion. The Employee Relations Manager will also contribute to organizational effectiveness by developing proactive training, tools, and processes that enhance manager capability and strengthen employee engagement across the organization.

Essential Job Functions:

Labor Law & Compliance:

• Assist in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, company policies, and procedures.

• Support company leaders on legal and compliance issues, ensuring that all People & Culture practices adhere to relevant regulations.

Business Partnership & Leadership Coaching:

• Advise company leaders and coach managers and employees in assigned client group on strategies, policies, programs, and best practices.

• Consult with managers and employees on organizational design, goal setting, and strategies for success.

• Work closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity.

Change Management & Culture Leadership:

• Support change initiatives to help the organization evolve to meet business objectives and turnaround high-risk situations.

• Promote and demonstrate behaviors consistent with the company's core values of Trust, Accountability, Respect, and Agility.

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders throughout the company to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

HR Services & Project Management:

• Manage and support a variety of general People & Culture projects as needed, such as: onboarding, performance management, talent assessment, succession planning, engagement surveys, local training & development, policy updates and creation, audits, compensation, and employee communication.

• Work with business groups to assess, create, and implement innovative solutions for employee engagement initiatives within the client group.

• Analyze trends and metrics in partnership with the HR organization to develop solutions, programs, and policies.

Employee Relations & Talent Retention:

• Exercise tact and diplomacy in handling sensitive, complex, and confidential personnel issues.

• Provide guidance and support to managers on all aspects of leadership and talent retention.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees, helping them navigate HR processes and ensuring a positive employee experience.

• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Employment Law, or a related field; or equivalent experience.

• HR Certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) strongly preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3+ years specializing in employee relations, including complex case management and workplace investigations.

• Expert-level knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; experience with multi-state or global employment law preferred.

• Proven ability to conduct thorough, impartial investigations and document findings clearly and accurately.

• Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and delivering difficult messages with empathy and professionalism.

• Experience developing and delivering training programs for managers on employee relations, compliance, and workplace culture.

• Strong business acumen and ability to partner with leaders to assess organizational risk and recommend practical solutions.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex issues to senior leadership.

• Proficiency in HRIS systems (Workday preferred), Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

• Willingness to travel up to 15%, with flexibility for occasional off-hours needs.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

#LI-GS1 #LI-Hybrid

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!