We feel a special obligation to the employees who comprise our Taco family. We are committed to offering employees access to the tools necessary to live long and productive lives. We strive to instill in all of our employees:

A positive mental attitude that helps us to be a leader in the industry
A commitment to building strong relationships, both inside and outside the organization
A desire to learn, grow, and contribute to moving our strategy forward
A need to create and to innovate

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Shift: 1st Shift

Work Status: Onsite

Position Summary

The Sr. Employee Relations Specialist serves as the primary employee relations advisor and escalation resource for the Cranston plant and warehouse operations, providing senior-level guidance on complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, performance management, conflict resolution, and organizational change initiatives. Working closely with employees, supervisors, managers, HR partners, and business leaders, this role assesses workplace concerns, identifies and mitigates risk, and ensures the fair, consistent, and legally compliant application of company policies and employment practices. The position requires a high degree of independent judgment, emotional intelligence, confidentiality, and professionalism while fostering trust, credibility, and a positive employee experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment. The Sr. Employee Relations Specialist demonstrates resilience and composure when navigating complex, high-pressure situations. They build trust and credibility with employees while maintaining objectivity, confidentiality and professional judgement in all interactions.

This is an onsite position supporting a large-volume manufacturing environment as well as office staff, with significant engagement on the plant floor in the Cranston facility and serving as a back-up to the employees at the Fall River facilities.

Measures of success:

Complex employee relations matters are addressed promptly, documented thoroughly and resolved consistently with minimal organizational risk within established service-level expectations.
95% workplace investigations are completed objectively, professionally and within established guidelines.
Supervisors, managers, and key stakeholders receive practical, consistent guidance that supports policy compliance and effective employee relations outcomes as measured by a decrease in recurring employee relations issues year over year.
Policies and practices are applied consistently across supported facilities, as demonstrated through annual Employee Relations case reviews and disciplinary action analysis.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Serve as the primary employee relations advisor for complex employee relations issues, providing consultation and guidance on workplace concerns, policy interpretation, employee relations matters, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Lead complex and sensitive employee relations matters and workplace investigations, including employee complaints, misconduct allegations, performance concerns, and fair and equitable treatment issues; assess risks, conduct thorough fact-finding, document findings, and recommend appropriate actions and outcomes.
Partner with HR leadership, business leaders, and senior management to identify, assess, and mitigate employee relations, compliance, and organizational risks while supporting business objectives and workforce effectiveness.
Support HR leadership and business leaders to implement action plans that improve organizational effectiveness and employee experience.
Influence outcomes without direct authority by driving stakeholder alignment, resolving roadblocks, facilitating difficult conversations, and promoting accountability for employee relations action plans, investigations, and corrective measures.
Work with leaders to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, company policies, regulatory requirements, and workplace practices through consultation, coaching, and proactive risk identification.