Vice President; Employee Relations Business Partner
Current***Started in role November 2021 at Bank of the West, merged with BMO in early 2023***Engages as a trusted partner and subject matter expert with employees and managers on work related issues including, but not limited to, performance management, workplace concerns, requests for reasonable accommodation (ADA), wage and hour concerns, complex labor law matters and involuntary terminations. Provides consultation, guidance and coaching to managers so they can appropriately address employee behavior and performance concerns based on policy/procedure, past action, and business practice. Excellent problem solving capabilities and responsive to employee level concerns.Conducts investigations for a wide variety of team member complaints; as well as, manage other complex, high risk, or sensitive ER cases to include gathering and analyzing evidence and applying relevant laws, policies and practices to reach conclusions. These cases may include, but are not limited to, complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace violence, whistleblower, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies and procedures.Builds and leverages inclusive and collaborative relationships with the Employee Relations team and business partners to develop proactive strategies, solutions, programs and policies.Ability to identify trends, analyze data, and offer solutions and recommendations by applying policies, past/best practices, or through a root cause analysis.Proficient communicator that listens and is able to influence and convey opinions and recommendations, both verbally and in writing; ability to maintain neutrality and a calm demeanor in tense/conflict-ridden situationsAligns with HR Business Partners to provide counsel and guidance for department re-organizations or other strategic initiatives. Provides senior level guidance to Employee Relations team members and/or act as a mentor to other ER/HR team members