60082278 - Manager - Associate Relations
Apply Job ID R-11532 Date posted 07/28/2025If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!
We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.
Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.
A Brief Overview
The Associate Relations Manager serves as a thought partner, strategist, and subject matter expert on employee relations matters. Minimizes legal exposure for MLH as a result of effective employee relations consultation and knowledge of employment laws, HR policies and high level of employee relations expertise. Provides a wide variety of both complex and routine consultative services to associates and leaders in assigned HR function. Applies comprehensive understanding of HR laws, rules, and regulations to complex situations. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
What you will do
- Partners with Director, Associate Relations on Workday, policy and process revisions, data analytics, projects and team education and career growth.
- Gives expert consultation and guidance to Associate Relations Team, employees, management, and HR partners in the interpretation of HR policies, procedures, programs and application of related laws and regulations.
- Ensures efficient and effective resolution of high level, high-risk matters.
- Focuses on leader and employee education to mitigate risk while growing organizational capability to successfully enable business-driven change of people, organization, and culture.
- Advises and trains leaders in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing Associate matters and employee grievances. Developing further training as needed.
- Detect and Mitigate Risks: Apply employee and labor relations expertise to successfully identify trends, gaps, and challenges; execute solution-focused strategies and programs to mitigate risk
- Analyze and Interpret Data: Exercise strong analytical skills using data and anecdotes to develop persuasive narratives and recommendations; demonstrated ability to define and measure success of programs
- Applies best practice employee relations concepts, policies, and procedures to promote a positive employee experience.
- Develops, maintains, and delivers effective communication to managers and employees. Identifies and recommends strategies to address current and future employee relations needs.
- Conducts high level, thorough and intensive investigations in a neutral way that represents the employee, management, and the institution.
- Documents decisions in keeping with best practices and to reduce risk in employee relations situations.
- Assists in the preparation of required and supporting documentation for: unemployment claims, conflict resolution claims, federal and state agency claims and employment related litigation.
- Partnership in measuring, assessing, and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of employee relations services.
- Examines employee relations data to identify trends and offer solutions to manage problematic trends.
- Assists with internal audits of employee relations issues and make recommendations to resolve issues in accordance with policies, practices, and procedures.
- Recommends changes to policies and practices to respond to regulatory changes, environmental changes, and changes due to advancements in the field of Human Resources.
- Interprets policies and counsels on responsibilities and rights of MLH employees; proactively identifies, manages and helps the equitable resolution of job-related complaints and concerns; and conducts internal investigations and report findings as appropriate.
- Leads the day-to-day operations of the Associate Relations Team as aligned with strategic objectives.
- Provides coaching and professional development for the Associate Relations Partners.
Education Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree Human Resources
Experience Qualifications
- 5-7 years Human Resources
- Preferred: Healthcare Industry/Hospital Experience
Skills and Abilities
- Experience working in a complex organization.
- Experience in a consulting type role, showing the ability to objectively assess and influence outcomes.
- Has a reputation as responsible, reliable, and trustworthy; demonstrates a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with emphasis on listening and communicating clearly and succinctly.
- Ability to utilize logic and analytic discipline to solve difficult problems and identify viable solutions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all levels of Associates and managers, possibly in an adversarial setting.
- Ability to influence others and exhibit leadership to address challenging issues with stakeholders and team.
- Knowledge of governmental rules and regulations affecting the employee/employer relationship and have demonstrated ability in conflict resolution.
- Knowledge of Title VII, FMLA, FLSA, ADEA, ADA, OWBPA, USERRA, etc.
- Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of field to the completion of moderately difficult assignments.
- Strong knowledge of laws, regulations and best practices related to Human Resources
- Strong technical knowledge, research, analysis, problem-solving, decision-making skills
- Ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple tasks, organize tasks, and maintain control of workflow.
- Ability to make decisions guided by policies, practices, procedures, and business plan
- Exceptional leadership and development skills
Licenses and Certifications
- Preferred: SHRM (CP or SCP),
- Preferred: Certified in Healthcare Human Resources (CHHR) - American Hospital Association
- Preferred: HRCI (PHR or SPHR)
Supervision Provided by this Position
- Manages Associate Relations Partners.
Physical Demands
- The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
- Must have good balance and coordination.
- The physical requirements of this position are light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
- The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
- The conditions to which the Associate will be subject in this position: The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.
Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.
Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.