Team Relations Specialist

Overview

The Team Relations Specialist (TRS) serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to leaders and team members, fostering a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace culture across Sun Communities. This role is responsible for supporting team member relations initiatives and providing guidance on a broad range of human resources matters, including employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, workplace investigations, compensation, benefits, and employment practices. The TRS partners closely with leaders to proactively address workplace concerns, resolve team member relations issues, mitigate organizational risk, and ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment laws. Through effective coaching, counseling, and problem-solving, the TRS helps leaders navigate complex people matters while promoting accountability, engagement, and professional development.

Job Duties

• Supports and promotes the culture, values, and mission of Sun Communities by fostering a safe, inclusive, positive, and productive work environment. (Essential)
• Serves as a trusted resource to team members and leaders by providing guidance and support on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation; escalates complex, high-risk, or sensitive issues as appropriate. (Essential)
• Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and performance trends within the team relations case management system and other HR databases. (Essential)
• Coaches and develops leaders on effective people management practices, including performance management, conflict resolution, communication, team member engagement, and accountability. (Essential)
• Reviews, advises on, and partners with leadership to administer corrective action and performance improvement processes, ensuring consistency and compliance with company policies and employment laws. (Essential)
• Conducts prompt, thorough, and objective investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and other workplace concerns. (Essential)
• Documents investigation findings timely, recommends appropriate corrective actions, and facilitates resolution. (Essential)
• Responds to team member and leadership inquiries regarding compensation, benefits, leave programs, and HR policies, and partners with subject matter experts as needed to ensure accurate and timely resolution.
• Builds and maintains strong partnerships with operational leaders by attending department, regional, and company meetings to provide HR guidance, communicate policy updates, and support business objectives.
• Advises on employee relations best practices, policy application, risk mitigation strategies, workplace trends, and relevant federal, state, and local employment law updates.
• Partners with hiring managers to gather position requirements and organizational needs, ensuring the accurate creation and posting of internal and external job opportunities within the applicant tracking system.
• Prepares, analyzes, and maintains HR metrics, reports, and workforce data to identify trends, support decision-making, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Administers exit interviews, analyzes feedback, identifies recurring themes and retention risks, and provides recommendations to leadership to improve the team member experience.
• Conducts timekeeping and payroll-related audits to ensure compliance with company policies and applicable wage and hour regulations; documents findings and partners with management to implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Identifies opportunities to enhance team member engagement, workplace culture, overall quality of work/life, and provides recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Assists with the development, review, and maintenance of job descriptions to ensure alignment with business needs, organizational structure, and compliance requirements.
• Participates in special projects, process improvement initiatives, and other HR-related activities that support organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (Required)
• 3 years in progressive, hands-on experience working directly in employee relations (Required)
• 3 years in Human Resources experience with demonstrated knowledge of core HR functions (Required)
• 3 years in experience conducting workplace investigations, including allegations of harassment & discrimination (Required)
• 3 years in experience interpreting and advising management on federal, state, and local employment law (Required)
• 3 years in guiding & interpreting HR policies, procedures, & compliance requirements to team members (Required)
• 3 years in experience leading managers and team members through comprehensive performance management processes (Required)
• 3 years in experience interpreting and applying FLSA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, NLRA, and related statutes (Required)
• Ability to respond to business needs after normal business hours
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting end-to-end workplace investigations with sound judgment, objectivity, and legally defensible documentation practices
• In-depth understanding of employee relations compliance, including disciplinary procedure integrity, progressive discipline application, and retaliation-prevention protocols
• Comprehensive understanding of FLSA requirements including exempt/non-exempt classification analysis, minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping obligations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise investigation reports and legally sound documentation
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex investigations and employee relations matters simultaneously
• Excellent presentation skills with proven ability to interact with and influence all levels of the organization, including senior leadership
• Strong interpersonal, investigative, and mediation skills with demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive and high-stakes situations with professionalism
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters related to employee relations, investigations, and personnel actions
• Advanced computer proficiency including the ability to use Microsoft applications, HRIS platforms, case management systems, email, and internet
• Ability to travel for on-site visits and leadership conferences.
• Preferred Certifications/Licensures:(Professional in Human Resources (PHR))
• Preferred Certifications/Licensures:(Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR))
• Preferred Certifications/Licensures:(SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification)