Manager, Employee Relations

About the Role & Team

At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, interactive experiences and products, and media networks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join our Corporate Employee Relations team.

As a Disney ER Professional, you are key to shaping a consistent employee experience by engaging with employees and leaders at critical moments in the lifecycle of the employment relationship. ER professionals help promote an equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace that aligns with Disney’s policies, values, and culture.

What You Will Do

Located in Burbank, CA or Orlando, FL and reporting to a Senior Manager, Employee Relations, this Manager, Employee Relations role will support Disney’s Corporate Segment by providing employees, leaders, HR Business Partners, and other stakeholders with ER expertise and services, including:

• Investigations, Conflict Resolution & Litigation Support – Conduct thorough, impartial investigations when actual or perceived employment policy and business conduct violations are reported; advise on best practices for conflict management; partner with Legal to respond to agency charges and requests for information and serve as a witness in deposition, as needed.
• Performance Management – Provide HR partners and business leaders with the philosophy and tools to effectively manage employee performance; review performance management matters, as needed, for fairness and accuracy.
• Strategic Partnership – Partner with internal stakeholders on matters that directly impact company policy or employees (e.g., reduction in force, reorganization, support for employee responses to social/political events, internal partner for other types of investigations involving employees).
• Restrictions and Accommodations – Engage with employees and leaders regarding medical and religious accommodation requests.
• Employee Care & Support at Critical Moments – Provide care and support to employees in crisis response, suicide prevention, highly sensitive leaves of absence, and other highly impactful work/life events. 
• Employee Policy – Help to create, advise, train, and influence compliance with Disney policies and procedures.
• Workplace Threats – In partnership with Global Security, help to prevent and mitigate workplace violence and threats to help with necessary incident response and after care. 
• Employee Onboarding & Departures – Lead the background check adjudication process, evaluate requests for change in rehire eligibility, and review involuntary termination requests.
• Project Work – Assist with other ER project work related to creating an inclusive and respectful employee experience.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 4 years in Employee Relations, or 2 years in legal practice required. 
• Strong decision making, problem solving, critical thinking and root cause/analysis skills 
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with courage, compassion and equity. 
• Demonstrated investigative, consultative, and credibility assessment skills, leading with curiosity. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and influence decisions at all levels within the organization
• Strong understanding of all aspects of employment and human resources related laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts and practices, including Title VII, ADA, ADAA and FMLA 
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strong time management and prioritization skills 
• Strong written/verbal communication and facilitation/presentation skills 
• Outstanding listening skills, proven consultative skills, and the ability to assess sensitive and complex employee relations issues in a confidential, objective, systematic, and proactive manner   

Education

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) required with emphasis in Human Resources or Psychology preferred.
• JD preferred.

Disability accommodation for employment applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.