Associate Relations Specialist

At Sentry, we are working to make a real impact for our customers and associates. If you are looking to leverage your experience to influence the business and support our associates, this is your opportunity.

The Employee Relations Specialist collaborates with the business unit, HR leadership, HR Business Consultants, Sentry’s corporate security and legal counsel, to ensure the timely and effective resolution of associate relations strategies and processes. You’ll drive the process that helps managers appropriately address performance gaps.

What You’ll Do

As the Employee Relations Specialist, you’ll provide oversight and guidance to leaders and associates in identifying and resolving performance related challenges, while ensuring compliance with Sentry processes and protocols, as well as state and federal employment regulations.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Provides management and associates with information and interpretation of human resources policies, rules and
• procedures.
• Serve as the point of contact for complex and/or sensitive internal workplace investigations and consult with leadership to assure compliance. 
• Manage employee relations with expertise and confidence including conflict resolutions, investigations,
• Code of Conduct violations as well as coaching and counseling of associates, performance management, facilitating
• disciplinary meetings and providing consultative advice.
• Identify and analyze employee relations matters and recommend appropriate action.
• Review initial complaints, conduct investigations, recommend corrective action and provides summary reports as
• appropriate.
• Coach and guide managers in assessing need for and developing associate-related communications.
• Oversee the full cycle of employee exit process

What it Takes

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.  Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Business Management, Organizational Development, Psychology, or related field
• 5 years of related work experience
• Employee relations experience, working through complex situations, investigations, and escalations.
• Understanding of fair employment practices and regulations 
• Demonstrate experience collaborating with business leaders, legal and HR peers.
• Proven ability to navigate and manage complex employee relations issues, including having difficult conversations with managers, employees, and other partners.
• SPHR/PHR preferred
• Ability to deliver results, while balancing urgent and effective action, commitment to excellence, and proven initiative to resolving problems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a professional demeanor.
• Understanding of diversity practices and federal and state employment laws 

What you’ll receive

We take great pride in making Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers since 2017. A lot of different factors go into that honor, many of which contribute to your job satisfaction.  At Sentry, your total rewards go beyond competitive compensation.  Below are some benefits and perks that you’ll receive.

• To best support our associates and our culture, Sentry is happy to offer flexibility through a scheduled work from home (Monday and Friday)/in office days (Tuesday through Thursday) .
• Generous Paid-Time Off plan for you to enjoy time out of the office.
• 401(K) plan with a dollar for dollar match on your first eight percent, plus immediate vesting to help strengthen your financial future.
• Group Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
• Pretax Dependent Care and Health Expense Reimbursement Accounts to ease taxes on health spending.
• Extensive Work-Life Resources to lend a helping hand.
• Sentry Foundation gift matching program to encourage charitable giving.
• Continue your education and career development through Sentry University (SentryU)

About Sentry

We take great pride in making Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers since 2017. A lot of different factors go into that honor, many of which contribute to your job satisfaction.

Our bright future is built on a long track record of success. We got our start in 1904 and have been helping businesses succeed and protect their futures ever since. Because of the trust placed in us, we’re one of the largest and financially strongest mutual insurance companies in the United States. We’re rated A+ by A.M. Best, the industry's leading rating authority.

Our headquarters is in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with offices located throughout the United States. From sales to claims, and information technology to marketing, we enjoy a rewarding and challenging work environment with opportuniti