Sr Manager, Employee Relations

At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, interactive experiences and products, and media networks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join our Disney Employee Relations team.

Who We Are:

As a Disney ER Professional, you are key to shaping a consistent employee experience by engaging with employees and leaders at critical moments in the employment lifecycle. Our ER teams help to promote an equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace that aligns with Disney’s policies, values, and culture.

What you will do:

Reporting to the Director, Employee Relations located in Burbank, CA, this key role is responsible for the establishment and management of employee relations activities according to established guidelines and Employee Relations practices.  This Senior Manager, Employee Relations will support Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology (DEET), Direct to Consumer (DTC), and other organizations by:

• Respond to employee concerns and complaints related to violations of company policies by leading the investigative team in conducting timely internal investigations, either independently or in collaboration with ER supervisors and HR Business Partners. Ensure thorough documentation of investigative findings is prepared and maintained.
• Provide guidance on the performance management process by drafting written warnings, performance improvement plans, and coaching materials.
• Partner with internal stakeholders on sensitive issues like workforce reductions, reorganization, and responses to social or political events ensuring compliance with company policies while considering employee impact.
• Collaborate with Human Resource Business Partners (HRBP), Legal, Labor Relations, Security, Management Audit and Advisory Assurance and other partners to create proactive Employee Relations strategies and processes to positively promote an equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Oversee efforts to work with applicable partners and employees to support the medical accommodation process through coaching, documentation and follow-up.
• Partner with Learning & Development teams to enhance ER-related training programs for managers, leaders, and HR Business Partners.
• Analyze employee relations data to identify trends and develop actionable strategies to address any issues.

How you will do it:

• Authenticity
• Collaboration
• Resilience
• Communication
• Curiosity
• Complex Decision-Making

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7+ years of Human Resources experience, 5 years in Employee Relations, or 4 years in legal practice.
• In-depth knowledge of employment and human resources laws, regulations, policies, and practices, including Title VII, ADA, ADAA, and FMLA.
• The ideal candidate will be proactive, possess exceptional listening skills, and demonstrate strong consultative abilities, with the capacity to objectively and confidentially assess sensitive, complex employee relations issues.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with expertise in facilitation and presentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in consultation, credibility assessment, and investigative techniques.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, lead, and influence at all organizational levels while ensuring key partners and leaders are well-informed.
• Skilled in managing multiple projects with excellent time management and prioritization.
• Outstanding writing, grammar, and punctuation skills.
• Familiarity with international labor practices is a plus.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably with an emphasis in Human Resources or Psychology.

Preferred Education:

• Juris Doctorate with an emphasis in Employment Law

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $163,200 to $199,400 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.