Employee Relations Specialist I

About Us Cotti Foods (“Cotti”) is a dynamic and fast-growing company. Cotti owns and operates over 200 Wendy’s and Taco Bell restaurants in California, Hawaii, and the Midwest. Most recently Cotti added the 7 Brew coffee brand to its portfolio as it looks to expand its footprint in California. We are looking for a highly motivated, seasoned employee relations professional who is eager to help the company grow. The ideal candidate is thoughtful, highly organized, and eager to apply and further develop their investigative, communication, writing, and analytical skills. This individual should exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and be comfortable managing sensitive matters in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. As part of the Human Resources team, this role will assist with the management and resolution of employee relations matters, workplace investigations, policy administration, compliance activities, and employee relations reporting. The Employee Relations Specialist will partner closely with the Vice President of Human Resources, field operations, Legal professionals, managers, and employees to ensure employee concerns are addressed fairly, consistently, and align with company policies and applicable employment laws. This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Rancho Santa Margarita location. Responsibilities: Employee Relations & Investigations * Assist with employee relations matters from intake through resolution under the guidance of HR leadership. * Support workplace investigations, including scheduling interviews, gathering information, documenting findings, and organizing evidence. * Provide administrative and documentation support for complex and sensitive investigations involving workplace conduct, policy violations, performance concerns, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee relations matters. * Support investigations conducted objectively and consistently in accordance with company policies and applicable employment laws. * Assist in preparing investigation notes, case summaries, timelines, and supporting documentation. * Maintain accurate, thorough, and confidential employee relations case files. * Assist with drafting corrective action and disciplinary documentation for HR leadership review. * Track investigation outcomes and follow-up actions to ensure timely and consistent resolution. * Escalate complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive matters to the Vice President of Human Resources and Legal as appropriate. Manager & Employee Support * Support HR leadership in partnering with field operations and managers to address employee relations concerns and promote consistent application of company policies. * Assist in providing guidance and support to managers on employee relations processes, workplace policies, documentation, and escalation procedures. * Serve as a responsive initial point of contact for employees with questions or concerns related to workplace policies and employee relations processes. * Support conflict resolution efforts and promote productive workplace relationships. * Maintain professionalism, neutrality, and confidentiality when working with employees and leaders on sensitive matters. Reporting & Risk Management * Maintain case tracking data and assist in identifying recurring concerns and potential areas of risk. * Assist in preparing recurring reports, case trackers, and dashboards for the Vice President of Human Resources. * Support HR leadership in identifying proactive solutions to address employee relations trends and mitigate organizational risk. * Support the development and improvement of employee relations processes, tools, and reporting capabilities. Minimum Qualifications: * 1–2 years of experience in human resources, employee relations, HR administration, or a related field. * Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience will be considered. * Exposure to employee relations processes, documentation, or workplace investigations preferred. * Basic familiarity with federal and California employment laws and a willingness to develop knowledge of EEO, ADA, FMLA/CFRA, FLSA, and wage and hour requirements. * Experience handling confidential and sensitive employee matters with discretion and sound judgment. Preferred Skills & Experience: * Interest in further developing investigative skills, including interviewing, fact-finding, documentation, and analysis. * Experience working within an employee relations or HR case management system. * Basic understanding of employee relations principles and workplace practices. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to develop conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. * Ability to remain objective and exercise sound judgment when navigating sensitive situations. * Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. * Ability to organize and track multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced environment. * Ability to establish credibility and build effective working relationships with employees, managers, and cross-functional partners. * Ability to collaborate with Human Resources, Legal, and operations partners as directed. * Ability to maintain accurate data and assist in identifying patterns and trends in employee relations matters. Additional Requirements: * This role may require occasional travel for investigations, meetings, or other business needs. * Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive employee and company information. * Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.  We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply. Physical Requirements:  * Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. * Must be able to occasionally lift 15 pounds.   * Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities