Associate Relations Investigator - 1st Shift

Associate Relations Investigator

Human Resources Department

Company Overview:

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. or “SIA”, located in Lafayette, Indiana, is the only Subaru vehicle manufacturing facility outside of Japan. SIA is a 4.4 million square foot automotive OEM – meaning our manufacturing process begins with coils of steel and ends with the high-quality vehicles you see out on the roads. We employ 6500+ Associates, both production and administrative, all under one roof.

SIA is the safest automotive manufacturing plant in the United States and is also a pillar in the community due to its numerous fundraising activities held onsite, donations to local charities and plentiful volunteer opportunities. SIA is a frontrunner in environmental conservation being the first Zero-Landfill automotive manufacturing plant and the first to have its campus designated a backyard wildlife habitat. SIA has grown tremendously since its 1989 beginnings and continues to be an example of success within the automotive industry.

Position Overview:
The Associate Relations Investigator is responsible for partnering with both area Associate Relations Representatives and organizational leadership leading AR investigations into alleged violations of SIA’s policies and procedures. Further, this role is responsible for presenting findings to HR leadership and making recommendations resulting from investigation conclusions to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of Associates while maintaining all investigation documentation in alignment with SIA’s recordkeeping practices.

Primary responsibilities:

• Attend meetings, follow up on announcements / communications, conduct investigations, and research & develop reports as needed to support the AR Section’s function.
• Be a strategic partner who is an agent of change.  Coach, guide, advise members of leadership (Team Leaders, Group Leaders, and Managers) in the following areas: building collaborative relationships between associates and leadership; interpersonal relations; fostering a positive work environment; HR related issues, policies, and procedures; one on one meetings between SIA leadership and Associates.
• Be present on the Manufacturing floor in assigned area; participate in onboarding and introductions of new Associates.
• Assist with bridging gaps in communication that lead to misunderstandings between Associates, Team Leaders, Group Leaders, and Managers by building rapport with those in assigned coverage area.
• Assist Associates with the understanding and filing of complaints through the appropriate process, investigate concerns and make recommendations for resolution; be a champion for Associate issues and concerns regarding complaints, conflict, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws.
• Operate as a liaison between HR and other areas in matters pertaining to benefits, safety, health, and security.
• Serve as spokesperson for SIA’s position regarding unions.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field and 2 or more years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, trust, and discretion in dealing with confidential witnesses, documents and other matters resulting from the investigation process.
• Strong mediation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to act professionally under highly emotional situations.
• Ability to investigate complaints of alleged discrimination and/or harassment impartially.
• Possession of effective writing skills, including the ability to clearly articulate (both in writing and verbally) based on facts and information gathered during investigations.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to both solicit and evaluate information given by parties involved in the investigation process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field and 5 or more years of relevant experience
• Relevant certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP
• Manufacturing experience
• Verifiable leadership experience

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse workforce.