Panera Bread · 2 weeks ago
Associate Relationship Manager
Newton, MA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$120K/yr - $167K/yr
3+ years expPanera Bread is seeking an Associate Relationship Manager to serve as a trusted resource for addressing employee concerns and ensuring fair workplace practices. This hybrid role involves conducting investigations into employee complaints and collaborating with HR and legal teams to foster a respectful and compliant work environment.
BakeryCateringFood and BeverageRestaurants
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary contact for handling employee referred to the Associate Relations Team and ensure appropriate triage, investigation, and resolution of cases
Conduct fair and unbiased, thorough, independent, and timely investigation into employee complaints, including concerns related to workplace misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and policy violations
Analyze and make appropriate recommendations regarding complex associate relations issues filed internally; exercise influence appropriately
Utilize the case management system to maintain detailed records of all complaints, investigations, findings, and resolutions in compliance with company standards and legal requirements
Utilize the Associate Relations Case Management System to correspond with the complainants, defendants, and witnesses in a timely manner in order to document cases from intake to resolution
Review, understand, and apply Panera’s policies
Apply and maintain knowledge of employment harassment and discrimination laws, whistleblowing laws, rules of evidence, and other laws pertaining to investigation plans, investigations, reports and recommendations
Timely responding to inquiries from employees and managers regarding matters involving employment practices, policies, employment laws and compliance guidelines
Collaborate and consult with Legal and HR leadership to assist in the investigation high-risk associate cases and charges of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation filed through government agencies (EEOC, DOL, etc.)
Ensure proper follow-up with involved parties to confirm resolution and address any lingering concerns
Provide coaching, counsel, and direction to associates, managers, and leaders to ensure fair employment practices
Collect and analyze investigation results to help identify trends and areas of opportunity
Partner with HR and operational leadership on proactive associate relations and labor activity
Assist in managing projects and studies to proactively improve workplace engagement, retention, and risk mitigation
Partner with the HR Compliance team to ensure adherence to Company policy as well as local, state, and federal laws
Ability to manage longer term projects that respond to findings or trends discovered during the investigation process
Develop and deliver targeted training sessions for managers to handle employee concerns effectively, maintain compliance, and foster a respectful workplace culture
Provide anecdotal data to HR leadership in an effort to develop training materials
Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Minimum 3-5 years of investigation, human resources, and/or employee relations experience required at a company with more than 20,000 employees
Experience in managing employee hotline complaints and conducting investigations
Proficiency in conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and preparing detailed investigation reports
Thorough understanding of state and federal laws concerning labor relations
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies
Strong business acumen and the ability to analyze statistical data to identify areas of focus
Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management and organizational skills
Ability to analyze and present investigation data to stakeholders
Ability to responsibly use AI tools to help improve the efficiency of the investigation process
Ability to remain tactful and calm in controversial and confrontational situations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and experience using matter management software
Demonstrated experience working effectively and accurately in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
Capable of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with all levels of the organization
Prior experience providing confidential counseling and coaching to all levels of the organization
Able to work successfully and self-motivated in an independent and remote setting
Preferred
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline
Bilingual – English/Spanish
Company
Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a bakery-cafe chain restaurants offers a wide array of pastries and baked breads. It is a sub-organization of JAB Holding Company.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$100M2017-04-05Acquired
2014-06-16Post Ipo Debt· $100M
1991-01-14IPO
Leadership Team
Earl Ellis
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mark Shambura
Chief Marketing Officer
Recent News
2026-01-16
2026-01-14
2025-12-18
Company data provided by crunchbase