Director, Employee Relations

We believe that difference sparks brilliance, so we welcome people and ideas from everywhere to join us in stretching what’s possible.

At Tapestry, being true to yourself is core to who we are. When each of us brings our individuality to our collective ambition, our creativity is unleashed. This global house of brands – Coach, Kate Spade New York, Stuart Weitzman – was built by unconventional entrepreneurs and unexpected solutions, so when we say we believe in dreams, we mean we believe in making them happen. We’re always on a journey to becoming our best, but you can count on this: Here, your voice is valued, your ambitions are supported, and your work is recognized.

A member of the Tapestry family, we are part of a global house of brands that has unwavering optimism and is committed to being innovative and wholly inclusive. Visit Our People page to learn more about Tapestry's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. 

Primary Purpose: As part of our North America Employee Relations (ER) team, the Employee Relations Director works to continuously improve our employee relations practices through supporting proactive strategies and using qualitative and quantitative analyses. The Employee Relations Director oversees and manages the successful resolution of ER cases and serves as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert to management, business partners and HR. The role collaborates cross-functionally when completing investigations and the accommodation process.

This individual contributor role reports to the Sr. Director of Employee Relations. The role is designated as Hybrid, with work being conducted in-person three days (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) a week in the New York corporate office. Travel to stores and fulfillment centers required approximately 10% of the time.

The successful individual will leverage their proficiency in Employee Relations to... 

• Recommend and implement employee relations strategies and process improvements to support the company's goals and bolster the employee experience.
• Identify legal, financial and reputational risks and help ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies
• Stay informed of labor laws and emerging legal trends (US, Canada & Puerto Rico) and collaborate with the legal department to educate stakeholders and ensure compliance.
• Provide ER related training to HR colleagues, managers and employees at all levels
• Manage investigations (i.e., claims/concerns of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and workplace violence).  Complete impartial investigations and conduct fact findings including in-person, telephone or video interviews of parties involved.
• Provide written investigative reports and implement action steps.
• Oversee HR related Ethics Hotline reports, track open cases, enter self-reported cases, maintain database and conduct periodic quality assurance audits.
• Contribute to formal responses to outside state, local and federal agencies.  Follow-up with stakeholders and decision makers on remedial action and preventative efforts.
• Support accommodations process for health or religious reasons.  Respond and document accommodation inquiries and accommodation interactive process.  Provide consultation about accommodation options and identities cases for follow-up and/or to be escalated for further dialogue or partnership.
• Contribute to the growth and development of HR Business Partners ER skills.
• Complete ER trend analysis, trend reporting and related strategic and action planning
• Lead initiatives to promote a positive workplace culture, including employee engagement programs and equity, inclusion and diversity efforts
• Monitor external trends, research best practices and provide recommendations to leadership and cross functional partners.
• Guide and assist in response to natural disasters, emergencies and critical incidents including employees at risk (domestic violence and suicidal ideations).
• Provide severance policy and program administration. Play key role in RIF/Group Layoff - support of departure phase.
• Serve as trusted advisor to support human resources partners to diffuse escalated/sensitive situations, manage difficult conversations and resolve conflicts.

The accomplished individual will possess...

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of work and education will be considered.
• Juris Doctor preferred.