Employee Relations Specialist

Petco Sr. Employee Relations Specialist

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets, people and our planet.

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We're focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what's good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

Key Accountabilities

The incumbent must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Management of high-level ER cases (typically related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, or other high-risk areas) from beginning to conclusion, when appropriate. This includes an initial assessment of the risk posed by the complaint, identifying the appropriate methodology to investigate such issue(s), seeking out the correct tools and resources to obtain evidentiary information / facts, and maintaining factual, supported, and detailed written accounts of the investigation. Candidate must be able to identify key risk areas and summarize risks and / or findings in an articulate and concise manner for need-to-know leaders, up to the Executive level. Strategize with legal counsel, Partner Relations Manager, and other key business partners regarding high risk / sensitive matters and provide input on recommended investigative process and / or resolution.
• Offer subject matter expertise and thought partnership to HR colleagues and / or business leaders throughout the organization (at various levels) who are addressing an HR matter that has an element of risk to the Company. Influence for the best outcome which mitigates risk to the company, is defensible in a court of law, minimizes ongoing risk, exposure, liability and costs, and promotes Petco culture and values. Includes advising leaders on disciplinary action, up to and including termination, where applicable.
• Interact with the Leave and Accommodation and / or Risk Management departments in discussing leave and accommodation matters. Must have knowledge of ADA and other applicable state and federal laws, be able to make recommendations, and determine areas of legal risk.
• May prepare responses to formalized complaints filed with State or Federal agencies under the oversight of the Manager, Partner Relations. This may include drafting formal responses and / or communicating with government officials.
• Assist in representing Petco in employee-related legal and compliance matters to include but not limited to; mediation hearings with various state, federal, local entities (CCRD, EEOC / DOL, etc.), depositions in which opposing counsel is interviewing Petco partners, attend depositions as the subject matter-expert and be deposed on Petco practices and policies and be the point-contact for DOL onsite wage and hour audits / inspections
• Interpret policies and procedures and advise on fair and equitable employment practices that are in alignment with State and Federal law, consistent with past practice, and supportive of Petco values and culture.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Education and Experience

A 4-year college degree or the equivalent work experience is required. A minimum of 5 years of exempt level Partner (Employee) Relations experience is required, preferably in a multi-state and high volume environment. Must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current employment law. Previous experience writing position statements in response to administrative / agency claims is a plus.

After initial introductory period where policy, procedure and past practice is learned and understood, general guidance is provided on an as-needed basis, but daily tasks are completed without supervision. Senior Manager, Partner Relations is consulted when no policy, procedure or past practice precedent exists or where more complex areas are evident. Non-routine tasks may be assigned which may last several days without supervisory direction or guidance.

Most job duties are conducted while seated indoors, with little or no exposure to hazards. Some travel may be required.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.