Associate Relations Consultant
At Panda, we all share a common mission: "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." We invest in our people because great people run great operations that will exceed our guests' expectations. Talk to any of our associates and you will experience a culture dedicated to its mission and our five fundamental values- Proactive, Respect/Win-Win, Growth, Great Operations, and Giving.
Panda Restaurant Group includes the original Panda Inn fine dining restaurants, Panda Express, our Gourmet Chinese food concept served in a fast casual environment, and Hibachi San, our Japanese grill concept. The family owned and operated company is still run by founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng.
Panda offers competitive benefits and rewarding opportunities, from entry-level positions to management. We have restaurant positions available nationwide and support center positions in Rosemead, CA. Come join the nation's largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant company.
The Manager, Associate Relations is responsible for managing a team of Associate Relations associates engaged in investigating and resolving associate complaints or concerns. This position works with Operations leaders, Field HR, and Legal to develop and implement positive workforce practices and strategies aligned with the company’s Mission, Values, and Culture.
Essential functions:
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this job’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Collaborates with Operations leaders, Field HR, and Legal to develop and implement positive workforce practices and strategies aligned with the company’s Mission, Values, and Culture. Coaches and advises Operations leadership on associate relations to achieve problem resolution without litigation.
- Leads and develops a team of Associate Relations associates. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff and for developing and elevating associate performance to support the company’s business and growth strategies.
- Responds to and investigates associate or guest complaints related to associate relations issues, such as discrimination, harassment, wage and hour laws, or unfair treatment. Maintains accurate records in compliance with company procedures and recommends actions to be taken following federal, state, and local laws and company policies. Collaborates with Legal team to prepare formal written responses and documentation. Attends EEO hearings, mediations, or settlement negotiations.
- Reviews and revises formal written responses and documentation prepared by members of the Associate Relations team for complaints handled by team members. Participates in actions (hearings, mediations, etc.) related to these cases as needed.
- Reviews and investigates all requests for suspension, corrective action, and termination to ensure requested action complies with company policy and legal requirements.
- Leads or participates in special projects related to legal compliance involving Support Center departments and Operations
- Bachelor’s degree required; business and/or HR majors and PHR/SPHR or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum five to seven years HR Generalist experience in employee relations, training and development, recruiting, and people management, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment.
- Successful completion of annual store training
- Bilingual preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to demonstrate and teach Panda’s Mission, Values, and Culture
- Strong knowledge of associate relations
- Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to employment
- Knowledge of Panda Operations
- Strong analytical, research, and project management skills
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication (written and oral), listening, presentation, facilitation, assessment, and training skills
- Strong leadership, people management, and team building skills
- Strong relationship building skills applied internally and externally
- Ability to lead, develop, and coach other associates
- Ability to solve complex problems and resolve conflicts
- Ability to manage complex projects
- Ability to foster and encourage diverse viewpoints
- Ability to influence others and facilitate processes
- Ability to review/prepare written reports
- Ability to effectively communicate the values of the organization and to exemplify the highest level of interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively with Operations leadership, providing guidance on company policies and procedures related to associate relations
- Ability to embrace change and continuous learning
