Job Description

Job Title: Senior Associate Relations Specialist

Location: Corporate

Department: HR Operations

Senior Associate Relations Specialist – Job Description

Overview:
The Senior Associate Relations Specialist plays a key role in fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace by managing sensitive associate relations matters with professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity. This role involves investigating complex employee concerns, advising on policy adherence, mediating workplace conflicts, and identifying and mitigating potential risks to the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Investigations & Case Management:
Conduct thorough investigations into complex and sensitive associate relations issues by interviewing involved parties, gathering and analyzing relevant data, and assessing associated risks. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams as needed to ensure appropriate resolution.Conflict Resolution & Mediation:
Mediate workplace conflicts with the goal of facilitating constructive dialogue, restoring working relationships, and achieving mutually agreeable resolutions among associates and leadership.Corrective Action & Policy Guidance:
Provide expert guidance to managers and HR partners on appropriate corrective actions, ensuring alignment with company policies, the Code of Conduct, and applicable employment regulations.Proactive Risk Mitigation:
Anticipate and identify potential associate relations issues and workplace risks through ongoing engagement with employees and leaders. Recommend and implement preventative strategies to address concerns before they escalate.Policy Compliance & Standardization:
Ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and practices across the organization. Promote compliance with legal and regulatory standards to reduce organizational exposure.Employee Advocacy & Culture Building:
Serve as a trusted advocate for employees by fostering a culture of openness, trust, and inclusion. Engage in active listening, provide coaching to managers, and encourage fair and respectful workplace practices.Insights & Continuous Improvement:
Identify trends and root causes of employee relations issues by analyzing case data and employee feedback. Recommend improvements to processes, policies, or workplace practices to enhance the overall employee experience.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).PHR, SPHR, SHMR-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.5+ years of experience in employee or associate relations, with expertise in investigations and conflict resolution.Comprehensive knowledge of HR laws and applicable local and federal guidelines.Prior experience with unions and the Collective Bargaining process preferred.Proven ability to identify and mitigate potential risks and proactively resolve issues.Strong interpersonal, communication, coaching, and mediation skills.High level of professionalism and discretion in handling confidential matters.Experience with case management systems and HRIS tools (preferred).

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com or 1-800-444-9292.

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.