Employee Relations Partner

As an Employee Relations Partner, you'll serve as a trusted advisor and investigator within the Employee Relations Team to ensure fair and consistent application of People Policies. You'll provide Employees with a safe, unbiased space to voice concerns, conduct objective investigations into workplace issues such as harassment, discrimination, and policy violations, and offer guidance that supports compliance and fosters belonging. You'll also use strong communication and sound judgment to navigate sensitive situations and help create a positive employee experience.

Additional Details

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.

• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough and in-depth interviews related to alleged violations to Southwest Airlines People Policies

• Provide advisement and consultation to Leaders working through investigations and Employee Relations matters on approach and best practices with practical implementation strategies

• Assess the necessary level of collaboration and involvement for all investigations. Compile and analyze investigation information, prepare a detailed written report of the investigation, and notify the appropriate Leaders of the outcome of the investigation

• Testifies in Boards of Adjustment, arbitrations, and/or litigation as needed

• Maintains accurate documentation in Employee Relations files

• Enters and updates cases in the Company database of all Employee Relations inquiries and investigations accurately and timely.

• Attends unemployment hearings and provides necessary documentation and support as required

• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of Employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of labor relations, employment law, related regulations, principles, policies and best practices

• Knowledge of Technologies and tools used to maintain ER investigations and other related ER matters

• Skilled in listening and oral communication skills necessary to conduct inquiries and investigation interviews face-to-face, virtual, and by telephone

• Skilled in exercising solid judgement when evaluating and handling investigations and Employee Relations issues

• Skilled in time management and organization; able to prioritize under tight deadlines

• Skilled in public speaking and storytelling

• Skilled in maintaining professionalism and meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information

• Ability to assist with training and facilitation functions in both large and small group settings.

• Ability to remain completely objective when gathering and reviewing information during the inquiries and investigation process and provide an objective narrative

• Ability to work through ambiguous and complex situations with minimal oversight from Employee Relations Leader and/or Senior Employee Relations Partner

• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, and policies

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with Leaders, Co-workers, and Stakeholders, and influence at all levels of the organization

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Intermediate-level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in:

  • Employee Relations and Human Resources

Licensing/Certification

• N/A

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time

• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job

• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

Other Qualifications

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines

• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines

• Must be able to travel, including overnight stays, and work varying schedules, including extended hours

Pay & Benefits
* Competitive market salary from $89,450 per year to $97,500 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you'll love
* Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
* Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
* Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
* Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
* Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
* Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.
**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting
schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.