HR Business Partner & Employee Relations Manager

We are seeking an experienced and strategic HR Business Partner & Employee Relations Manager to lead employee relations, drive culture and retention initiatives, coach center leadership, and support compliance across our HR function. In this role, you will partner directly with leadership and center directors across our schools to cultivate a proactive, transparent, and effective HR function that supports our employees. As a technology-forward organization, we're looking for someone eager to build real structure, processes, and tools that elevate the employee experience. At the same time, we believe great HR still happens face-to-face, and you'll spend significant time in our centers building relationships with the teams you support. As we continue to grow, you'll play a pivotal role in building a distinguished culture that sets All Around Children apart in early childhood education and positions us as the employer of choice in our industry.

Who We Are

Our family-owned company has been a leader in early childhood education since 2008 and our eight state-of-the-art learning centers are located throughout NE Ohio, with more on the way. As a member of our team, you will have access to generous benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and open communication. We are passionate about providing high-quality learning experiences for children and are looking for an individual who shares our dedication and enthusiasm.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Employee Relations
• Serve as primary point of contact for employee concerns, complaints, and workplace conflict across all centers
• Conduct workplace investigations into grievances, harassment claims, and policy violations
• Mediate disputes between employees and between employees and management
• Build relationships with frontline staff through regular center visits
• Monitor employee morale and proactively identify retention risks
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze turnover trends
• Culture & Retention
• Champion and drive company culture initiatives that position All Around Children as an employer of choice in early childhood education
• Develop and implement retention strategies focused on keeping top educators long-term
• Partner with leadership to define and reinforce organizational values across all centers
• Create programs and practices that foster employee engagement, recognition, and professional pride
• Track retention metrics and use data to identify what is working and where intervention is needed
• Manager Coaching
• Coach center-level leadership on people management, conflict resolution, and team dynamics
• Support managers through performance conversations, progressive discipline, and documentation
• Partner with leadership on termination decisions and disciplinary actions
• Performance Management
• Oversee the company-wide performance review process
• Ensure consistency and follow-through across all locations
• Work with managers to set goals and development plans
• Compliance & Policy
• Own the employee handbook and HR policy development
• Provide oversight for FMLA, ADA, workers compensation, and unemployment claims
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws
• Training & Development
• Oversee training programs and LMS management
• Identify training needs based on employee feedback and investigation findings
• Support leadership development initiatives for center-level management
• Technology & Processes
• Partner with leadership to identify and implement technology solutions and process improvements that enhance the employee experience

Requirements

• 5-8 years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally with exposure to industries such as childcare, education, or related fields, with a strong focus on employee relations
• Demonstrated experience in managing HR compliance processes with a strong understanding of employment laws.
• Direct experience conducting workplace investigations and mediating conflict
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws, and current industry trends.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, workers compensation, and Ohio employment law
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and experience leveraging HR metrics for continuous improvement.
• Experience coaching and developing managers

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent certification
• Experience supporting frontline or hourly workforces in industries such as healthcare, education, childcare, or hospitality
• Experience managing at least one direct report
• Multi-site experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

• Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (with up to 3% Company Match)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Heavily Discounted On-Site Child Care