1

Employee Relations Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employee Relations Consultant Location: Chicago, IL (Aon Center) Onsite requirement: 3 days in office minimum What this job involves - The Employee Relations Consultant assesses and helps resolve ...

Employee Relations Consultant Location: Chicago, IL (Aon Center) Onsite requirement: 3 days in office minimum What this job involves - The Employee Relations Consultant assesses and helps resolve ...

Our client is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Consultant to provide interim support for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. This consultant will serve as a trusted advisor to HR leadership and ...

Employee Relations Consultant Location: Houston, TX Employment: Contract Hours: M-F 8-5pm Pay: $45.00 - $55.00 / hour DOE Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

New

Position Summary The Employee Relations Consultant provides day-to-day employee relations support for Gifthealth's Columbus, OH location, managing a caseload of workplace concerns and serving as a ...

As an Employee Relations Consultant , you will play a vital role in advancing this mission by supporting both management and employees through the delivery of HR services, initiatives, and programs.

Employee Relations Consultant Location: Houston, TX Employment: Contract Hours: M-F 8-5pm Pay: $45.00 - $55.00 / hour DOE Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

New

Position Summary The Employee Relations Consultant provides day-to-day employee relations support for Gifthealth's Columbus, OH location, managing a caseload of workplace concerns and serving as a ...

As an Employee Relations Consultant , you will play a vital role in advancing this mission by supporting both management and employees through the delivery of HR services, initiatives, and programs.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Employee Relations Consultant information

See salary details

$44K

$74.8K

$116K

How much do employee relations consultant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee relations consultant in the United States is $74,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an Employee Relations Consultant?

An employee relations consultant works with a company’s HR department to manage conflicts between employees. As an employee relations consultant, your job duties are to investigate complaints of harassment, discrimination, or other issues and then work with all parties involved toward resolution of the problem. Your responsibilities also include conducting research about employment regulations and laws, providing advice to HR about performance management and discipline procedures, performing audits and creating reports of employee relations processes, and developing and facilitating training sessions for human resources specialists.

What does an employee relations consultant do?

An employee relations consultant advises organizations on managing employee relationships, resolving workplace conflicts, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. They often conduct investigations, develop policies, and facilitate communication between staff and management to promote a positive work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Employee Relations Consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Employee Relations Consultant, you need expertise in employment law, conflict resolution, and human resources best practices, typically supported by a relevant degree and HR certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), case management tools, and compliance tracking software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to maintain confidentiality help build trust and resolve sensitive workplace issues effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for fostering a fair, compliant, and positive work environment while minimizing organizational risk.

What are the 4 pillars of employee relations?

The four pillars of employee relations are communication, trust, fairness, and engagement. These elements help foster a positive work environment, improve employee satisfaction, and support effective conflict resolution, which are key responsibilities for an Employee Relations Consultant.

Which HR is highly paid?

Among HR roles, Employee Relations Consultants typically earn competitive salaries, especially with experience and certifications such as SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Senior HR managers and HR directors generally have higher pay due to increased responsibilities and strategic involvement.

What are some common challenges faced by Employee Relations Consultants when mediating workplace conflicts?

Employee Relations Consultants often encounter challenges such as navigating sensitive interpersonal issues, managing conflicting interests between employees and management, and ensuring confidentiality throughout the resolution process. Balancing fairness and organizational policies while addressing emotional concerns can be demanding. Successful consultants rely on strong communication, empathy, and a thorough understanding of employment law to guide all parties toward effective solutions.

What not to disclose to HR?

Employee Relations Consultants should avoid disclosing confidential or sensitive information about colleagues, clients, or company operations that are not relevant to their role. They should also refrain from sharing personal opinions or issues unrelated to work, as maintaining professionalism and confidentiality is essential in HR-related functions.
What cities are hiring for Employee Relations Consultant jobs? Cities with the most Employee Relations Consultant job openings:
What states have the most Employee Relations Consultant jobs? States with the most job openings for Employee Relations Consultant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Employee Relations Consultant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,839 per year, or $36 per hour.
Employee Relations Consultant/ Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Employee Relations Consultant/ Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$84K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

What You'll Do

We’re looking for an Employee Relations Consultant to join our Employee Relations team. In this role, you'll provide legal and strategic employee relations advice, counsel and support on common questions and concerns from leaders and employees to determine appropriate resolution based on business and employment law knowledge and expertise, that are aligned with organizational goals and all applicable laws, policies and regulations.

You'll have the opportunity to grow in:

    • Partners with leaders and employees on common employee relations issues to work toward effective resolution. Assists with employee relations investigations and escalated issues, Reductions in Force, and disciplinary actions. Partners with Sr. ERC on complex employee relations concerns. Obtains director approval for termination decisions. Balances business need and risk.
    • Provides proactive and reactive coaching and training on employee relations topics and HR Policy to leaders and employees.
    • Ensures uniform and equitable application of organizational policies and practices.
    • Reviews data/information from employee relations issues as well as external research to understand data and trends. Provide applicable information to Employee Relations Director, HRBPs and leaders as support and planning for future workforce issues/trends as well as to mitigate risk and future ER issues.
    • Partners with other HR staff to keep them informed and leverage corporate resources and expertise.
    • Perform other job related duties or special projects as required. 

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!


Who You Are
    • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required, and 4+ years of experience in HR, with majority in area related to employee relations
    • Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, listening, problem solving, oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to deal with conflicting points of view and demonstrates integrity and fair mindedness
    • Strong organizational, analytical and decision-making skills
    • A high level of confidentiality required
    • Understanding of applicable case and employment laws
 

Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)
$84600 - $187200 / year
Salary Details

The following levels and locations are examples of market-specific salary ranges across different job levels and geographies. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience. 

  • Grand Island, NE:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $84,600 - $114,300 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $104,400 - $140,400 / year
  • Des Moines, IA:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $89,300 - $120,650 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $110,200 - $148,200 / year
  • Charlotte, NC:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $94,000 - $127,000 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $116,000 - $156,000 / year
  • Chicago/Minneapolis:
    • Employee Relations Consultant:  $103,400 - $139,700 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $127,600 - $171,600 / year
  • Los Angeles/New York City:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $112,800 - $152,400 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $139,200 - $187,200 / year

Time Off Program
Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
Pension Eligible
Yes

Work Environments

This role offers in-office, hybrid from a local Principal office (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA.). You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

Job Level

We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills. The Senior Employee Relations Consultant requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and 6+ years of experience in Employee Relations.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Original Posting Date
7/24/2026
Most Recently Posted Date
7/24/2026
 

Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. These AI tools support our human recruiters in the initial review process but do not make final hiring decisions without human involvement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Please review our Workforce (U.S.) Privacy Notice for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.


LinkedIn Remote Hashtag


#LI-Remote

LinkedIn Hashtag


#LI-MT1Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required, and 4+ years of experience in HR, with majority in area related to employee relations
    • Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, listening, problem solving, oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to deal with conflicting points of view and demonstrates integrity and fair mindedness
    • Strong organizational, analytical and decision-making skills
    • A high level of confidentiality required
    • Understanding of applicable case and employment laws
 
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME