Employee Relations Manager

General Summary

As Penumbra’s Employee Relations Manager, you will be responsible for conducting prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into employee allegations of misconduct or violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct or its internal policies, including claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, bullying, and workplace violence or safety issues, as well as handling other sensitive employee relations issues.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct prompt and appropriate investigations in response to complex employee relations concerns including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, bullying, workplace violence or safety issues, privacy concerns, conflicts of interest, misconduct, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. *

• Apply investigation best practices, interviewing and documentation techniques; maintain accurate and confidential records regarding all investigations; maintain confidentiality of investigations through appropriate coordination with the Legal and HR partnering teams.*

• Synthesize and analyze complex facts, witness statements, documents, and data to draw well-supported conclusions and assess credibility. Apply relevant policies to the facts to ensure fair and consistent outcomes. *

• Draft investigative reports with objective, impartial findings and supporting documentation in a timely fashion, addressing all relevant issues. *

• Communicate effectively across all employee levels, various geographic boundaries and cultural differences. *

• Set realistic expectations with internal teams and provide regular updates on ongoing investigations to internal counsel/Legal and HR management, as requested. *

• Manage and assist with other employee relations concerns. *

• Develop, enhance, or recommend resources and tools to aid management and HR in employee relations as well as performance management. *

• Provide reports and analyze employee relations trends to business leaders and HR teams; develop proactive strategies and solutions in collaboration with others. *

• Partner with Legal to review complex laws, regulations, and other employment legislation to ensure Company compliance. Support any mediation, arbitration, or litigation by providing investigation documentation, as needed.

• Adhere to the Company’s Quality Management System (QMS) and domestic and global quality system regulations, standards, and procedures. *

• Understand relevant security, privacy and compliance principles and adhere to the regulations, standards, and procedures that are applicable to the Company. *

• Ensure other department members follow the QMS, regulations, standards, and procedures.*

• Adhere to entrance and exit of clean room environment rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Perform other work-related duties as assigned. *

*Indicates an essential function of the role

Position Qualifications

Minimum education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant HR or employment law experience, such as conducting and managing investigations or employment law litigation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

Additional qualifications:

• MS, MBA, or JD a plus

• Experience litigating labor and employment law a plus

• Membership in HR or Association of Workplace Investigators Certification a plus

• Experience conducting thorough investigations or advising on employment-related matters that withstand legal scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions.

• Recent experience managing complex employee relations situations and investigations that include one or more of the following: workplace safety, equal employment opportunity, harassment, discrimination, hostile work environment, bullying, retaliation, workers’ compensation, leaves of absence, ADA, claims of being treated differently, reference to protected classes, criminal misconduct (e.g., theft), and/or violation of Company policies, rules and standards of conduct.

• Experience conducting a full investigative cycle including intake, scoping, information gathering, analyzing and summarizing findings, and providing high-quality investigative reports with clear and concise findings, substantiated with appropriate evidence, notes, and related documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and analyze complex and often conflicting facts, data, and documentation to form objective, well-reasoned conclusions and apply relevant policies and performance standards to those facts.

• Must be comfortable presenting findings and recommendations to leadership, or those with a dissenting opinion.

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and pending regulations, as well as best practices regarding the investigative process.

• Must be able to assess witness credibility.

• Critical thinking and sound judgment in high-stakes, ambiguous, or emotionally charged situations. Nimble and adaptable to changing priorities with the ability to prioritize assignments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be an articulate and persuasive communicator with the ability to influence partners and business leaders.

• A strong work ethic and a reputation for being discreet, respectful, and empathetic when facing difficult and uncomfortable situations surrounding an investigation. Able to manage confidential data and remain compliant with laws and regulations.

• Experience coaching employees and management through complex, challenging, and emotional issues.

• Solid understanding and knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Annual Base Salary Range:  $107,000 - $150,000

We offer a competitive compensation package plus a benefits and equity program, when applicable.

Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. 

What We Offer

•A collaborative teamwork environment where learning is constant, and performance is rewarded.

•The opportunity to be part of the team that is revolutionizing the treatment of some of the world's most devastating diseases.

•A generous benefits package for eligible employees that includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, an employee stock purchase plan, paid parental leave, eleven paid company holidays per year, a minimum of fifteen days of accrued vacation per year, which increases with tenure, and paid sick time in compliance with applicable law(s).

Penumbra, Inc., headquartered in Alameda, California, is a global healthcare company focused on innovative therapies. Penumbra designs, develops, manufactures, and markets novel products and has a broad portfolio that addresses challenging medical conditions in markets with significant unmet need. Penumbra sells its products to hospitals and healthcare providers primarily through its direct sales organization in the United States, most of Europe, Canada, and Australia, and through distributors in select international markets. The Penumbra logo is a trademark of Penumbra, Inc.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you reside in the State of California, please also refer to Penumbra's Privacy Notice for California Residents.

For additional information on Penumbra’s commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, please see Penumbra's AAP Policy Statement.