Senior Investigator and Employee Relations Consultant

About this role

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.
Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.
Under limited supervision, the Sr. Investigator & Employee Relations Consultant has primary responsibility for leading and conducting highly complex, high-risk workplace investigations involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unfair treatment, violations of company policy or law, leaves of absence/ADA, conflicts of interest, workplace conduct, and other matters involving significant legal or organizational risk.
This position independently leads investigations from intake through conclusion, including developing investigative strategy, conducting interviews, analyzing evidence, determining findings, preparing investigative summaries, and communicating findings. Effectively partners cross-functionally with Legal, Employee Relations Consultants, HR Business Partners, Compliance, and business leadership to ensure thorough, impartial, and legally defensible investigations.
Additionally, this position provides consultation and guidance to management on complex employee relations issues, including disciplinary actions, involuntary terminations, coaching, conflict resolution, performance concerns, and other employment-related matters.
What You Will Do

• Lead and independently manage all Title VII, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other complex, high-risk workplace investigations from intake through final resolution, including defining investigative strategy, interviewing reporting parties, respondents, witnesses, and other involved individuals; gathering and analyzing relevant documentation; and reaching objective, legally defensible conclusions.

• Determine and apply the appropriate legal standards in assessing and investigating allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other violations of company policy while ensuring investigations are conducted objectively, impartially, timely, and consistently.

• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative summaries that accurately capture allegations, evidence, analysis, factual findings, conclusions, and recommended actions. Present investigation findings through effective oral and written communication to Human Resources, Legal, and business leadership.

• Exercise discretion, sound judgment, critical thinking, and analytical skills while managing highly sensitive and confidential investigations involving allegations of discrimination, retaliation, Title VII policy violations, and other complex employment matters.

• Independently manage a significant caseload of complex investigations while balancing competing priorities, maintaining confidentiality, meeting established timelines, and ensuring a positive employee experience throughout the investigative process.

• Partner with and provide consultation to management on employee relations matters, including investigating complaints, evaluating performance concerns, initiating disciplinary actions (including involuntary terminations), and conflict resolution.

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and municipal employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance, mitigate organizational risk, and support sound employment decisions.

• Provide coaching and conflict resolution to managers and employees by utilizing a strong understanding of business needs, company culture, employment law, and organizational objectives.

• Analyze employee relations and investigation data to identify trends, systemic concerns, and organizational risks. Develop recommendations and proactive solutions to reduce future risk.

• Foster collaborative partnerships with Centers of Excellence (COEs), HR Business Partners, Legal, Compliance, business leaders, managers, and associates to build trusted relationships and drive consistent, fair, and compliant employment practices.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Employment Law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 6–8 years of progressively responsible experience conducting complex workplace investigations involving Title VII, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other high-risk employment matters, including strong Human Resources Employee Relations experience, preferably within a financial services or other highly regulated industry.

• Demonstrated experience leading independent workplace investigations from intake through conclusion, including interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses; analyzing evidence; preparing investigative summaries; and presenting findings to leadership.

• Employee Relations consulting experience supporting managers on complex employment matters, disciplinary actions, involuntary terminations, and conflict resolution.

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and other applicable employment and non-discrimination laws.

• Ability to independently manage highly complex and confidential matters, organize work effectively, prioritize competing responsibilities, exercise sound judgment, and make objective decisions based on facts, applicable law, and company policy.

• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information, conduct impartial investigations, and independently manage a significant investigative caseload.

• Excellent writing…