Sr Associate Relations Specialist-Remote

At Staples, our people are at the center of everything we do. The Associate Relations (AR) team is a critical Center of Excellence (COE) dedicated to fostering a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We partner closely with leaders and associates to deliver a consistent, positive employee experience while protecting the integrity, reputation, and assets of the company. You'll join a collaborative and purpose-driven team committed to doing what's right-for our associates, customers, and communities. You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful outcomes, drive consistency across the organization, and play a key role in shaping the associate experience.

As a Sr. Associate Relations Specialist, you will serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, managing complex employee relations matters across US Retail, including Home Office, Stores, Distribution Centers, Print Facilities, and remote teams.

This role requires strong judgment, investigative expertise, and the ability to balance associate advocacy with business and legal considerations.

What You'll Do

  • Serve as an expert on associate relations matters including:

  • Harassment, discrimination, and workplace conduct concerns

  • a broad-spectrum of critical incidents and workplace violence

  • Recommend Progressive discipline and terminations

  • Participate in team- calibration discussions to ensure consistent advice is delivered

  • Lead thorough impartial investigations in partnership with HR, Legal, Loss Prevention, and Risk Management

  • Provide consistent, compliant guidance to leaders through calibration and consultation

  • Manage a high-volume caseload, ensuring cases are prioritized, documented, and resolved in a timely manner

  • Facilitate resolution of complex associate and leader concerns, acting as a neutral and trusted resource

  • Analyze trends across cases to identify risks and drive process improvements and HR initiatives

  • Develop clear, detailed documentation and communications aligned with company standards and legal requirements

How You''ll Make an Impact

  • Mitigate organizational risk through proactive and compliant case management
  • Drive fair and consistent outcomes across the business
  • Strengthening associate engagement and trust through responsive and thoughtful issue resolution
  • Contribute to continuous improvement within the Associate Relations function

Basic Skills and Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in Employee Relations, including investigations
  • Broad HR knowledge across core functions
  • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to navigate difficult conversations
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally with HR and business leaders
  • Strong investigative, documentation, and case management skills
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
  • Self-directed with a strong sense of urgency and accountability
  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in HR, Organizational Psychology, Business, Legal Studies, or related field
  • Deep knowledge of EEO regulations and federal/state employment laws
  • Strong project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • PHR/SPHR certification

Get Great Perks

  • Bonus plan and generous amount of paid time off, including one Floating Holiday each year
  • Flexible work arrangements, including flexible work hours
  • 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance with many more optional benefits
  • Associate store discount and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.)
  • Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
  • Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate''s experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.

#LI-KA1

The world of working and learning has changed. This is your opportunity to be a part of a brand transformation and growth strategy within the retail industry. Staples is helping our customers and community discover innovative products, services, and inspiration that unlock what's possible, while empowering you to unlock your potential. Our people are the heart of our success and there has never been a better time to join us as we lead the way in a new era of working and learning.

Want to learn more about Staples Stores? Visit RetailCareers.Staples.com for information and to learn about our career opportunities.

Click here to learn more about the employee benefits, programs and perks offered at Staples!

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Staples is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 1-888-490-4747 for more information.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act; as well as with any other state and local Fair Chance Ordinance/Act regulations.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.


Remote

Skills:
Accounts Receivable, Calibration, Case Management, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Disability Insurance, Distribution Services, Documentation, Employee Relations, Establish Priorities, Geography, Interpersonal Skills, Legal, Legal Standards, Life Insurance, Loss Prevention, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, Organizational Psychology, Organizational Skills, PHR (Professional in Human Resources), People Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Regulatory Requirements, Retail, Retail Strategy, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Time Management, Trend Analysis, Writing Skills


About the Company:
Staples Inc


We’re more than simply paper, ink, and toner. At Staples, we provide the supplies that thousands of businesses around the world need to succeed. We’re the experts in technology and conferencing equipment, cleaning products, furniture, and even breakroom items like snacks and coffee, too. (After all, innovation requires plenty of fuel!) This is a company of more than 13,000 smart, insightful experts who believe in the power of what can be and are driven to make business easier for our customers.

Company Size:
10,000 employees or more


Industry:
Retail


Founded:
0


Website:


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