Sr. Employee Relations Partner

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job; it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We are seeking a strategic Senior Employee Relations Partner to join our People Experience organization in Newport Beach, CA. This role can be hybrid or remote (depending on location).

This role ensures fair and consistent employee treatment by investigating complex concerns, coaching leaders, and identifying trends to mitigate risk and support business goals. The position reports to the AVP, Employee Relations and focuses primarily on the U.S., with opportunities to gain international experience. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and brings deep employee relations expertise. In this role, you will serve as a neutral party to investigate and facilitate the resolution of concerns of employees and managers.

How You’ll Help Move Us Forward:

Investigations & Conflict Resolution

• Lead and conduct objective, thorough, and timely investigations into complex and high-risk employee relations complaints, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and Pacific Life policy violations.
• Independently manage assigned casework, bringing investigations to closure timely and thoroughly.
• Mediate conflicts between employees and management, facilitating fair resolutions, and restoring workplace relationships.
• Document and prepare comprehensive investigative reports and recommend appropriate corrective or disciplinary measures.
• Assist with all involuntary terminations.
• Maintain high-quality ER documentation to support legal defensibility, trend analysis, and case consistency.
• Work both autonomously and with others, including HR Business Partners, Legal, key stakeholders, managers, and employees.

Advisory and Coaching

• Provide strategic consultation and coaching to people leaders and HR Business Partners regarding performance management, policy interpretation, workplace accommodations, and complex behavioral issues.
• Guide managers on interpreting and applying HR policies and procedures fairly and consistently.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all employment practices and disciplinary actions comply with federal, state, and local labor laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA, etc.).
• Assist internal legal and compliance with third party inquiries or government agency charges (e.g., EEOC, DOL) and collaborate with legal counsel when necessary.

Data Analytics & Proactive Strategy

• Maintain accurate, highly confidential records in the ER case management system.
• Analyze ER data and metrics to identify recurring workplace trends, recommending proactive strategies to reduce risk and improve company culture.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and other stakeholders to update and implement HR policies.

Training & Development

• Develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on various ER topics, such as respectful workplace conduct and performance improvement.
• Support the development of scalable performance enablement tools such as templates and guidance documents. Leverage the use of AI to modernize employee relations capabilities.

The Experience You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Relations, or related field. A master’s degree or Juris Doctor is a plus.

• Ten years of progressive employee relations experience conducting workplace investigations and handling complex cases.
• In-depth, practical knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to analyze information, navigate ambiguity, and make sound, objective, and strategic decisions.
• High degree of empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate complex concepts, deliver difficult feedback and influence without authority.
• Experience supporting business leaders within designated business units/areas and working in close partnership with HR Business Partners.
• Proficiency with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), electronic case management systems (e.g., Navex – Ethics Point), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to collaborate easily across all organizations at Pacific Life.
• Professional certification (SHRM, Cornell, AWI) highly preferred.

You can be who you are.

People come first here. We’re committed to an inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.