Employee Relations Manager

Innovative Dining Group (IDG) is seeking a strategic, people-focused Employee Relations Manager to lead employee relations initiatives across our growing restaurant portfolio. This role reports into the Vice President of Human Resources and partners closely with restaurant leadership to navigate day-to-day employee relations matters, respond to workplace concerns, conduct investigations, provide coaching and guidance, ensure consistent application of company policies, and foster a culture of accountability, respect, and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Manager leads all employee relations initiatives across Innovative Dining Group, serving as the organization's primary resource for workplace investigations, employee relations, performance management, and employment practices. This role partners closely with Operations and Human Resources to foster a positive employee experience, coach leaders through complex employee matters, mitigate organizational risk, and ensure the consistent application of company policies and employment laws while strengthening organizational culture and engagement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

• Lead all employee relations matters across Innovative Dining Group, serving as the primary resource for workplace concerns, employee complaints, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct prompt, thorough, and objective workplace investigations involving policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and other employment-related matters.
• Oversee complaint resolution and recommend appropriate corrective actions while ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant employment practices.
• Coach managers through employee performance concerns, corrective action, performance improvement plans, terminations, and other complex employee relations matters.
• Review disciplinary documentation to ensure consistency, compliance, and alignment with company policies and employment laws.
• Advise and coach managers on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution, documentation, and effective performance management strategies.
• Develop and execute employee relations initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, accountability, retention, morale and organizational culture.
• Develop and implement positive employee relations programs, recognition initiatives, and engagement strategies that foster a culture of respect and accountability, enhance the employee experience, and support long-term retention.
• Analyze employee feedback, exit interviews, turnover trends, and other workforce data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Human Resources and Operations to proactively resolve workplace issues, support restaurant leaders, and strengthen positive employee relations across all restaurant locations.
• Partner with the Director of Training to develop and deliver manager training on employee relations, workplace investigations, documentation, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, employment practices, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Partner with legal counsel to interpret employment laws, navigate complex employee relations matters, respond to employment-related claims, support litigation, and ensure compliance while minimizing organizational risk.
• Monitor employee relations trends and recommend proactive solutions that reduce turnover, strengthen compliance, and improve workplace practices.
• Partner with the Vice President of Human Resources and Operations leadership on strategic people initiatives that support organizational objectives and company culture.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee relations documentation, investigation files, and employment records.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.