Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist

Description Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people. When you join Rumpke, you'll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more. This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team! The Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist is responsible for all aspects of employee relations investigations. This person handles the detailed, confidential investigative process from start to finish in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures. This position partners with the Human Resources Managers and management teams to effectively manage complex employee relations situations across all regions. This position involves access to confidential information and requires discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task. Responsibilities of Position: Serve as a strategic employee relations (ER) partner to HR Managers and management teams in assessing, managing, and resolving complex, sensitive, high-risk, and potentially high-liability employee relations matters Lead and conduct complex, high-risk, sensitive, and time-critical workplace investigations from intake through final disposition, including matters involving allegations of serious misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, threats, ethics concerns, and other issues requiring advanced investigative expertise Own the investigation process for complex matters, including developing investigative strategies, determining appropriate scope, identifying and interviewing witnesses, reviewing relevant documentation and evidence, assessing credibility and facts, and reaching objective, well-supported findings Establish, implement, and continuously improve standardized investigation processes and protocols to ensure investigations are thorough, timely, consistent, objective, well-documented, and appropriately escalated based on risk Prepare comprehensive, objective, and legally defensible investigative reports that clearly document the allegations, investigative steps, evidence reviewed, factual findings, credibility considerations, conclusions, and recommendations Develop and maintain a comprehensive process for tracking investigations, outcomes, and related disciplinary actions to identify trends, systemic issues, compliance gaps, recurring concerns, and opportunities for corrective action or training Partner closely with the Senior HR Manager on complex investigations, emerging ER trends, findings, risk assessments, and recommended actions Provide accurate, timely, and risk-based updates to the Senior HR Manager regarding the status, findings, and recommended resolution of complex investigations Partner with SVP of HR and Legal Counsel on complex HR claims, investigations with significant legal or business risk, litigation-related matters, and preparation for potential legal proceedings, in partnership with the Senior HR Manager. Following Attorney-client privilege and work-product protocols as directed Serve as a subject-matter expert in workplace investigations, providing specialized guidance regarding investigative strategy, interviewing techniques, documentation, legal requirements, risk mitigation, and industry best practices for handling sensitive and complex matters Provide guidance to Region HR Managers and HR Man