Senior Employee Relations Partner

Pacific Life

Senior Employee Relations Partner ensuring fair treatment of employees while leading investigations and coaching HR at Pacific Life. Collaborating to support business goals and improve workplace culture.

Posted 5/20/2026full-timeNewport Beach • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $152,010 - $185,790 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and conduct objective, thorough, and timely investigations into complex and high-risk employee relations complaints, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and Pacific Life policy violations.
Independently manage assigned casework, bringing investigations to closure timely and thoroughly.
Mediate conflicts between employees and management, facilitating fair resolutions, and restoring workplace relationships.
Document and prepare comprehensive investigative reports and recommend appropriate corrective or disciplinary measures.
Assist with all involuntary terminations.
Maintain high-quality ER documentation to support legal defensibility, trend analysis, and case consistency.
Provide strategic consultation and coaching to people leaders and HR Business Partners regarding performance management, policy interpretation, workplace accommodations, and complex behavioral issues.
Ensure all employment practices and disciplinary actions comply with federal, state, and local labor laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA, etc.).
Collaborate with key stakeholders to update and implement HR policies.
Develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on various ER topics, such as respectful workplace conduct and performance improvement.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Relations, or related field.
Ten years of progressive employee relations experience conducting workplace investigations and handling complex cases.
In-depth, practical knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Proven ability to analyze information, navigate ambiguity, and make sound, objective, and strategic decisions.
High degree of empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate complex concepts, deliver difficult feedback and influence without authority.
Experience supporting business leaders within designated business units/areas and working in close partnership with HR Business Partners.
Proficiency with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), electronic case management systems (e.g., Navex – Ethics Point), and Microsoft Office Suite.
Professional certification (SHRM, Cornell, AWI) highly preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs.
Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents.
Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off.
Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program.
Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

employee relationsworkplace investigationscase managementperformance managementpolicy interpretationbehavioral issue resolutiontrend analysisconflict mediationinvestigative reportingemployment law compliance

Soft Skills

empathyemotional intelligenceconfidentialityverbal communicationwritten communicationstrategic decision-makinginfluence without authorityproblem-solvingconflict resolutioncoaching

Certifications

SHRMCornellAWI