We are seeking a skilled and experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our global Human Relations team. Based in Durham, NC, this role is responsible for managing employee relations across multiple international offices, including the UK, US, South Africa, and Singapore. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring consistent policy application, legal compliance, and proactive engagement with employees and leadership teams.

This position supports the stewardship of a respectful and policy-aligned workplace culture, contributes to strategic people initiatives, and provides expert guidance on employee matters during periods of organizational change. The role requires a balance of strategic insight and hands-on execution, with a strong focus on professionalism, confidentiality, and responsiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Engagement

Act as the primary contact for employee relations matters across global offices, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
Develop and implement regionally tailored employee engagement strategies that reflect cultural and legal contexts.
Facilitate feedback channels such as surveys and listening sessions to surface and address workplace concerns.
Support initiatives that promote values-based behaviors and a positive organizational culture.
Provide coaching and guidance to managers on handling sensitive employee issues and fostering inclusive leadership practices.

Policy & Compliance

Ensure consistent interpretation and application of HR policies in alignment with local labor laws and global standards.
Monitor employment legislation across jurisdictions and advise leadership on required policy updates.
Conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints or misconduct, ensuring thorough documentation and resolution.
Collaborate with internal teams or external providers to support awareness and understanding of HR policies and workplace conduct expectations.

Organizational Change & Strategic Support

Advise on employee impact during organizational changes, including restructures and leadership transitions.
Contribute to transparent change communication strategies and support alignment with broader talent and organizational goals.
Support leadership development initiatives by embedding employee relations principles into change management and team effectiveness efforts.

Data & Reporting

Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases and investigations.
Analyze trends across regions to identify systemic issues and recommend proactive interventions.
Prepare reports and dashboards to inform leadership on engagement levels, case outcomes, and compliance risks.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Employment Law, Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
6–8 years of progressive experience in employee relations or HR generalist roles, with international exposure.
Strong understanding of employment legislation in the UK, US, South Africa, and Singapore.
Proven experience managing employee relations cases and conducting investigations.
Demonstrated ability to support organizational change and culture initiatives.
Experience designing and delivering training programs.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coach and influence across diverse teams.
Comfortable working in a matrixed, multicultural environment.

Duke Corporate Education

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Employee Relations Specialist