Senior Employee Relations Business Partner
(Non-union / Salary)

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Employee Relations Manager

Location: Edwardsville, IL

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Range + other compensation components: $65,000-85,000

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, Thrift, Life Insurance

Shift (if applicable): Regular office hours. Travel Expectation

Position Overview

The Senior Employee Relations Business Partner (Senior ERBP) serves as a key link between the Employee Relations Business Partner, Regional Senior Human Resources Managers, and Employee Relations Manager roles. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this position supports employee relations activities across the organization.

The Senior ERBP provides guidance to managers and Human Resources teams on corrective action, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and investigations, while supporting the Employee Relations Manager through strategic insights, process improvements, and initiative leadership. This role helps strengthen manager capability, improve employee experience, and reduce organizational risk.

Success in this role requires strong communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to remain effective in high-pressure situations.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations Support

Serve as a primary point of contact for employee relations matters within assigned territories, providing consultation on disciplinary actions, grievances, workplace conflicts, investigations, and escalated issues while ensuring consistent application of company policies and recommending solutions to emerging concerns.

Strategy, Insights & Initiative Leadership

Identify emerging employee relations risks and partner with the Employee Relations Manager to implement proactive mitigation strategies.
Translate trends and insights into actionable recommendations, including policy enhancements, manager development, and process improvements.
Present findings and recommendations to support decision-making, reduce organizational risk, and address recurring issues through scalable, consistent solutions.
Partner with the Employee Relations Manager and HR leaders to anticipate workforce challenges and implement preventative interventions.

Policy Development & Interpretation

Lead or support the development, communication, implementation, and interpretation of HR policies and procedures while ensuring compliance with internal guidelines and external regulations.
Educate managers and employees on policy applications and best practices.

Investigations & Case Management

Conduct investigations into employee complaints, misconduct allegations, and policy violations, document findings, recommendations, and corrective actions with professionalism and confidentiality.
Identify process or documentation gaps and recommend improvements to strengthen compliance and consistency.
Maintain accurate records in the HR Case Management system (ServiceNow), support case tracking, and lead or assist with escalated or high-risk cases.

Unemployment Claims Management

Review and assess unemployment claims within assigned territories to determine protest eligibility, gather supporting documentation, and file timely responses with state agencies.
Maintain accurate claim records in ADP and the HR Case Management system while tracking ongoing cases and outcomes.
Represent the company in unemployment hearings by presenting evidence, coordinating witness testimony, and preparing management.
Analyze hearing outcomes and claim trends, including win/loss rates, to improve documentation, compliance, risk mitigation, and overall case success strategies.

Additional Responsibilities

Drives proactive employee relations initiatives that strengthen manager and Human Resources capabilities and improve the employee experience.
Support Regional Sr. HR Managers with escalated employee relations concerns.
Lead or assist in employee relations projects and initiatives as assigned.
Collaborate with other segments of HR, departments, and locations to ensure alignment and consistency.
Ability to lead or support development and improvement of employee relations processes and procedures.
Partner with labor relations and legal teams as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma, or equivalent.
Bachelor's degree or 4+yeaers of equivalent relevant experience.
Minimum two years of Human Resources experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in employee relations or human resources.
PHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP
Management experience

Required Skills/Abilities:

Ability to proficiently operate computers with experience using Microsoft Suites (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint)
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain comprehensive records and notes.
Ability to identify issues and concerns as they arise and assist in developing plans for resolution.

Required Soft Skills:

Ability to be a self-starter and work without direct supervision.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
The ability to collaborate and engage with others outside of the department.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and on the phone.

Competency

Exceptional written communication, including documentation, reports, and presentations.
Strong verbal communication and confidence presenting to groups.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to remain calm, composed, and professional in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
Strong decision-making skills with the ability to act quickly and effectively.
High sense of urgency, responsiveness, and follow-through.
Strong organizational and time-management skills; highly efficient and self-directed.
Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
Strong customer service orientation and ability to build trust with stakeholders.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to support and purpose ER initiatives.
Ability to lead projects and influence with authority.

Working Conditions

(S)he will be required to sit and stand for long periods of time.
Will be required to lift and move large amounts of paperwork (boxes of files).
Will be required to stoop, bend, and reach above the head and below the knees to file and retrieve data.
Must have the ability to travel for multiple days. Travel is estimated at around 25% -30%

About Prairie Farms – “Farmer Owned. Locally Produced. Since 1938.”

We are a farmer-owned cooperative. This means we are owned and operated by over 800+ farm families who are critical members of society. They have selflessly taken on the tremendous task of producing nutritious, high-quality milk for a growing population, which requires being on the job 24/7, 365 days a year.

We have represented American agriculture since our founding in 1938. Many of our dairy farms are operated by several generations of family members with roots dating back to the 1800s. On average, each farm milks around 120 cows and everyone pitches in to keep them happy and healthy - which means around-the-clock care!

Our Mission:

To produce dairy products of the highest quality
To conduct our business with professional integrity
To exceed expectations of our customers and consumers
To support our communities in a positive, sustainable manner
To deliver exceptional patronage to our network of farm families
To simply “do right” for our farm families, employees, and communities

EEO Statement

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.