Director, Employee Relations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Maryland.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement GeneDx’s first dedicated Employee Relations function.

• Formulate investigation protocols, case management systems, documentation guidelines, and escalation processes.

• Create an ER operating model that allows PBPs to concentrate on strategic business collaboration.

• Generate quarterly ER reports detailing case trends, risk indicators, hotspots, and recommendations for senior management.

• Oversee approximately 130 annual ER interactions, encompassing investigations, performance-related terminations, complex coaching situations, and policy interpretation.

• Personally conduct workplace investigations and guarantee legally sound processes and documentation.

• Manage termination recommendations and discussions regarding legal outcomes; escalate VP+ and precedent-setting cases as necessary.

• Act as the main ER liaison with Legal, translating legal advice into actionable operational steps.

• Develop manager-oriented playbooks, toolkits, and training resources for performance management, progressive discipline, and challenging conversations.

• Mentor managers and PBPs to independently manage performance issues and escalate when needed.

• Offer immediate employee-relations guidance to managers and PBPs.

• Mitigate legal risks through consistent case management and thorough documentation.

• Identify and address ER hotspots within commercial production laboratories and sales teams.

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws while keeping abreast of regulatory changes.

• Report directly to the VP of People Experience.

• Function as an individual contributor without direct reports at the outset, with potential for future team expansion.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• Over 8 years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years dedicated to employee relations.

• Proven experience in establishing or significantly enhancing an Employee Relations function.

• Demonstrated ability to personally manage and conduct workplace investigations.

• Experience supporting both production/operations and commercial/sales teams.

• Experience working as a solo or near-solo ER resource while independently managing a complete caseload.

• Strong collaboration with employment law counsel, translating legal risks into business actions.

• Evidence of measurable ER achievements, such as reduced claims, faster resolution times, or enhanced manager capabilities.

• Preferred: background in life sciences, biotech, diagnostics, or healthcare.

• Preferred: experience in a high-growth, mid-sized company undergoing operational transformation.

• Preferred: knowledge of ER within regulated environments such as CLIA, CAP, or FDA.

• Preferred: certifications such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or AWI.

• Preferred: familiarity with ER case management systems and HR analytics/reporting tools.

• Ability to communicate effectively via phone and video calls.

• Capacity to perform sedentary computer-based tasks, including prolonged sitting, repetitive typing and mouse usage, and visual screen work.

• Occasionally able to lift up to 10 pounds.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits aligned with local market practices and legal standards.

• Reasonable accommodations provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Purpose-driven work that assists patients in receiving earlier diagnoses.

• High expectations, strong teamwork, and significant ownership opportunities.

• Opportunities for collaboration and ongoing improvement.