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. 

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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

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.