Employee Relations Manager Jobs in California
Employee Relations Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and logistics, with openings from associate-level coordinators through senior director roles. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring metros, where employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Apple, and Walt Disney Company maintain substantial employee relations functions. The most consistent demand is for professionals who specialize in California labor law compliance, workplace investigations, and union and labor relations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and strategic Employee Relations Manager to oversee and enhance the employee experience within our non-profit healthcare organization. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of human resources management, employment law, and employee relations strategies. In this role, you will lead initiatives that foster a positive workplace culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and support organizational goals through effective communication, conflict resolution, and talent management. Your leadership will be instrumental in promoting employee engagement, managing complex employee issues, and aligning HR practices with our mission-driven values.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement employee relations policies that promote a respectful and inclusive workplace environment aligned with healthcare regulations and organizational values.
- Lead investigations into employee misconduct allegations, ensuring thoroughness, confidentiality, and compliance with legal standards.
- Manage employee engagement programs and initiatives to improve morale, retention, and overall organizational health.
- Provide guidance to managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and employee evaluation processes.
- Oversee compliance with employment laws such as FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), workers' compensation regulations, and HR legal standards.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to design organization structures that support strategic growth, succession planning, and workforce development.
- Utilize HR systems like UKG for data collection, analysis, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.
- Facilitate training sessions on HR policies, diversity & inclusion, conflict management, and regulatory compliance to foster a knowledgeable workforce.
- Manage benefits administration processes including wellness programs and employee assistance initiatives to enhance overall well-being.
- Lead HR sourcing efforts for talent acquisition in collaboration with recruiting teams to attract qualified candidates aligned with organizational needs.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field required; Master's preferred
- 5+ years of HR experience with a focus on employee relations and compliance
- Demonstrated experience managing complex ER cases and California leave administration
- Experience with HRIS platforms; UKG strongly preferred
- Strong working knowledge of California employment law
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred:
- SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent HR certification
- Experience in a nonprofit, behavioral health, or healthcare setting
- Experience working in a union environment
Why This Role
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision
- 16 days PTO in year one, plus 9 paid holidays and 5 health & wellness days
- 403(b) retirement plan with agency match
- 10% pay differential for community-relevant second language fluency
- Continuing education and professional licensing reimbursement
- Career advancement opportunities and retention bonuses
- Verified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
- Employee Assistance Program, commuter benefits, FSA, pet insurance, and more
Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Francisco, CA 94116
Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and strategic Employee Relations Manager to oversee and enhance the employee experience within our non-profit healthcare organization. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of human resources management, employment law, and employee relations strategies. In this role, you will lead initiatives that foster a positive workplace culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and support organizational goals through effective communication, conflict resolution, and talent management. Your leadership will be instrumental in promoting employee engagement, managing complex employee issues, and aligning HR practices with our mission-driven values.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement employee relations policies that promote a respectful and inclusive workplace environment aligned with healthcare regulations and organizational values.
- Lead investigations into employee misconduct allegations, ensuring thoroughness, confidentiality, and compliance with legal standards.
- Manage employee engagement programs and initiatives to improve morale, retention, and overall organizational health.
- Provide guidance to managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and employee evaluation processes.
- Oversee compliance with employment laws such as FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), workers' compensation regulations, and HR legal standards.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to design organization structures that support strategic growth, succession planning, and workforce development.
- Utilize HR systems like UKG for data collection, analysis, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.
- Facilitate training sessions on HR policies, diversity & inclusion, conflict management, and regulatory compliance to foster a knowledgeable workforce.
- Manage benefits administration processes including wellness programs and employee assistance initiatives to enhance overall well-being.
- Lead HR sourcing efforts for talent acquisition in collaboration with recruiting teams to attract qualified candidates aligned with organizational needs.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field required; Master's preferred
- 5+ years of HR experience with a focus on employee relations and compliance
- Demonstrated experience managing complex ER cases and California leave administration
- Experience with HRIS platforms; UKG strongly preferred
- Strong working knowledge of California employment law
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred:
- SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent HR certification
- Experience in a nonprofit, behavioral health, or healthcare setting
- Experience working in a union environment
Why This Role
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision
- 16 days PTO in year one, plus 9 paid holidays and 5 health & wellness days
- 403(b) retirement plan with agency match
- 10% pay differential for community-relevant second language fluency
- Continuing education and professional licensing reimbursement
- Career advancement opportunities and retention bonuses
- Verified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
- Employee Assistance Program, commuter benefits, FSA, pet insurance, and more
Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Francisco, CA 94116
See All 53 Employee Relations Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsEmployee Relations Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Employee Relations Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Education
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in employee relations manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, business administration, or a related field
- Working knowledge of California-specific employment laws including FEHA, CFRA, and PAGA
- Three or more years of employee relations or HR generalist experience in a California workplace
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred by most California employers
- Experience conducting workplace investigations under California fair employment standards
- Demonstrated ability to advise managers on disciplinary processes consistent with California at-will and just-cause frameworks
Employee Relations Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a employee relations manager in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, or business, and several years of progressively responsible HR or employee relations experience. California does not issue a state license for this role, but earning a SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR credential substantially strengthens your candidacy. Deep familiarity with California-specific laws such as FEHA, CFRA, and PAGA is treated as a near-mandatory qualification rather than a bonus by most in-state employers.
How much do employee relations managers make in California?
Employee relations managers in California earn a median of about $170,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $96,430 for the lowest 10% to over $307,600 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire employee relations managers in California?
Employers hiring employee relations managers in California right now include TikTok USDS Joint Venture, ASML, and Vast, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's technology, healthcare, entertainment, and logistics sectors generate the most consistent volume of employee relations manager openings in the state.
Which California cities have the most employee relations manager jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland have the most employee relations manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its scale across entertainment, healthcare, and retail headquarters, while San Francisco and San Jose reflect the dense concentration of large technology employers in the Bay Area, and San Diego is driven by its biotech, defense, and healthcare industries.
Are there remote employee relations manager jobs in California?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical roles because employee relations work often requires direct engagement with employees, managers, and investigation sites. About 58% of employee relations manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026. Tasks such as policy development, documentation review, and management coaching are the functions most often performed remotely when hybrid arrangements are offered.
How can I get hired as a employee relations manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing an HR coordinator or HR generalist role at a mid-size or large California employer, then building employee relations exposure through casework, investigations support, and California-specific compliance projects. Large California employers such as Kaiser Permanente, county and state government agencies, and major public university systems frequently post HR assistant and HR analyst openings that serve as structured on-ramps. Earning your SHRM-CP or PHR while in an entry role and developing practical knowledge of FEHA and CFRA investigation procedures gives you a measurable edge when applying for your first dedicated employee relations title.
Where can I find and apply to employee relations manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to employee relations manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 53 Employee Relations Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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