Manager Associate Relations

Job description

Position Overview The Associate Relations Manager (ARM) supports Burlington’s Distribution Centers and Corporate Offices by cultivating a respectful, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace culture. This role leads the resolution of associate concerns reported through the Open Door program, STEPS (alternate dispute resolution), the Integrity Hotline, and HRBP escalations. The ARM conducts thorough investigations, manages risk, partners with leadership on performance and conduct matters, and delivers data driven insights that strengthen trust, engagement, and organizational effectiveness. The role also contributes to strategic initiatives that enhance consistency, compliance, and operational excellence across the enterprise. This is a hybrid position primarily supporting our NJ DCs, corporate office, and occasional travel to support our Savannah, GA DC. A Day in the Life Investigation & Case Management Lead investigations into workplace disputes, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and escalated concerns. Oversee Burlington’s Open Door and STEPS programs for assigned distribution centers. Maintain meticulous documentation in the case management platform, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and defensibility. Drive timely case closure, proactively escalating barriers and ensuring follow‑up communication. Conduct investigative interviews using consistent protocols aligned with AR and Legal guidance. Preserve confidentiality, neutrality, and compliance with all AR guardrails. Compliance & Risk Mitigation Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and Burlington policies. Partner with AR Director on high‑risk, complex, or sensitive matters to manage liability. Involve appropriate COEs when identifying gaps in policies and procedures. Develop revisions or new policies to address emerging risks. Collaborate with COEs to drive enterprise‑level improvements. Identify systemic risks through trend analysis and recommend preventive measures. Leadership Coaching & Support Provide coaching to leaders on performance management, disciplinary actions, and workplace conduct. Partner with HRBPs and leadership to ensure consistent application of policy and corrective action. Strengthen leader capability through real‑time guidance, structured feedback, and strategic recommendations. Facilitate regular touch base meetings with the AR Director to align on trends, risks, and priorities. Training & Development Develop and deliver training on conflict resolution, respectful workplace, investigations, and communication skills. Lead AR onboarding for new leaders, ensuring materials reflect emerging trends and enterprise expectations. Support enterprise learning initiatives that enhance leader capability and AR visibility. Culture & Engagement Promote a workplace culture grounded in trust, respect, and Burlington’s Core Values. Partner with HR and Culture & Community Impact teams to ensure AR practices support an inclusive and equitable environment. Lead or support initiatives that strengthen associate engagement and reinforce Burlington’s values. Data & Insights Analyze case data, feedback, and trends to identify root causes and opportunities for improvement. Deliver actionable insights to HRBPs, leadership, and senior HR leaders through monthly reporting and executive‑level summaries. Benchmark AR metrics against industry standards to support continuous improvement. Technology & Systems Optimization Support implementation and optimization of AR platforms to improve efficiency and data integrity. Ensure systems are leveraged to track, analyze, and report on AR metrics with accuracy and consistency. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with Talent, Compliance, Benefits, Asset Protection, and Operations to address root causes of associate concerns. Support enterprise initiatives that strengthen AR processes, consistency, and risk management. You'll Come With 5+ years of progressive Human Resources, Associate/Employee Relations, or related experience, including extensive experience conducting complex workplace investigations. Experience supporting distribution center, retail, logistics, or other large-scale operational environments preferred. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered. Strong knowledge of employment law, workplace investigations, interviewing techniques, conflict resolution, corrective action, and performance management. Demonstrated ability to independently manage sensitive, high-risk, and complex associate/employee relations matters while balancing legal, operational, and associate considerations. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare timely, thorough, and defensible investigative reports, case documentation, and executive summaries. High degree of integrity, discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive matters. Proficiency with case management systems, HRIS platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis tools. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify trends, root causes, organizational risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention. Ability to manage a high-volume caseload, prioritize competing demands, meet established service levels, and consistently follow through in a fast-paced environment. Proven ability to influence leaders at multiple levels of the organization and provide consultative guidance on associate/employee relations strategy, policy interpretation, and risk management. #LI-KG2 Come join our team. You’re going to like it here! You will enjoy competitive wages, flexible hours, and an associate discount. Burlington’s benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage including life and disability insurance. Full-time associates are also eligible for paid time off, paid holidays and a 401(k) plan. We are a rapidly growing brand and provide a variety of training and development opportunities so our associates can grow with us. Our teams work hard and have fun together! Burlington associates make a difference in the lives of customers, colleagues, and the communities where we live and work every day. Burlington Stores, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity Individual pay decisions will be based on a variety of factors, such as but not limited to, qualifications, education, job-related skills, relevant experience, and geographic location. Compensation Range: $95,000.00 - $125,000.00