Associate Relations Specialist

Employer

Job Description

This is a unique and exciting time to join Express. Since launching our EXPRESSway Forward strategy in 2020, we have been steadily advancing a transformation from being known as a store in the mall to a brand with a purpose, powered by a styling community. We believe that clothes can serve a higher purpose to make people look the way they want to look and feel the way they want to feel, and our Express brand purpose – We Create Confidence & Inspire Self-Expression – speaks to the role our brand can play in their lives. In 2021, we introduced our innovative Community Commerce program, inviting brand fans and style enthusiasts to take their passion for fashion to the next level by working with us.


Today, we are building, activating and amplifying the Express styling community, and we invite you to join us. Our culture is defined by three values – Express Yourself, Express Together, Express Success – and every associate at every level in every department is an important part of our transformation and our future.


For more information about Express, Inc. please visit www.express.com .


Responsibilities


The Associate Relations (AR) Specialist is focused on ensuring that all associate relations concerns are documented, assessed, and resolved appropriately. The AR Specialist will review low/medium workplace concerns, assist in discovery and manage to resolution across the enterprise.


  • Applies consistency and sound judgement to evaluate risks and seek advice when appropriate
  • Engage with all levels of associates regarding their concerns, managing emotionally charged situations, understanding corporate policies, and applying them equitably and consistently
  • Resolve medium level workplace issues with associates
  • Owns medium level cases to completion leveraging support of Associate Relations Consultants and leader as needed
  • Effectively document all concerns and communicate to appropriate parties
  • Manage adjudication process for background check following up with candidates and key stakeholders. Partnering with legal team as needed
  • Builds standard operating processes for AR specialist work
  • Supports store operations and field leaders with store closings
  • Comply with all Federal, State, and Local reporting requirements
  • Build strong and effective relationships with critical stakeholders and peers to share identified themes and/or information, influence change, and leverage resources to deliver results. i. e.: Legal, Benefits, LOA, HR Operations and HR Business Partners


Required Experience & Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Psychology, Industrial Relations or a related field, additional years of experience considered in lieu of degree
  • Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills
  • Effectively able to work in a high volume, fast-paced, rapidly changing, results-oriented work environment
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships with leaders


Critical Skills & Attributes


  • Retail Industry Experience/Retail Environment
  • Minimum of 1 year of associate relations experience


Early entry


Closing


As an equal opportunity employer, Express does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment on the basis of any federal, state, or locally protected class. Express only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.


Notification to Agencies: Please note that Express does not accept unsolicited resumes or calls from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement and approval from HR to submit resumes for a specific requisition, Express will not consider or approve payment to any third-parties for hires made.