Senior Lead Employee Relations Consultant

Location:

726 Exchange Street, Buffalo New York

Job Summary
The Senior Lead Employee Relations (ER) Consultant is an individual contributor role that manages complex employment related issues or allegations for Key employees, including all levels of management, that have been determined to require more in-depth review, consultation, risk mitigation and investigation before resolution. The Senior Lead ER Consultants are assigned by geographic region across Key's footprint and will cover investigations for all lines of business and levels of management within their assigned region(s).
Essential Functions

• Manages a caseload of complex ER matters, provide guidance and advice to clients by interpreting and applying policy, with collaboration and decisiveness that supports business objectives, mitigates risk, strengthens manager effectiveness, and facilitates employee engagement.
• Creates documentation for investigations and employment actions taken in a centralized case system in a thorough, timely, and accurate manner.
• Identifies and escalates issues and/or trending as appropriate and provide recommended actions or enhancements to mitigate or minimize risk.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and good judgment throughout the investigation process and when making and documenting employment recommendations.
• Interprets and applies Key’s policies to provide recommendations and guidance to clients that comply with applicable policies, laws and regulations.
• Coordinates and develops solid working relationships with internal clients, partners, and subject matter experts (e.g., HR Business Partners, Key Legal, Internal Fraud Investigations, etc.).
• Manages high case volume and competing priorities.
• Maintains understanding of current projects and issues in the line of business, HR departments, and corporate HR functional areas by participating in staff meetings, conference calls, and building relationships.
• Delivers high quality service to all clients, display excellent customer service skills and HR knowledge.
• Conducts and facilitates presentations/training to lines of business leaders as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice
• Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience and demonstrated knowledge of employment law and regulations. (required)
• Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent experience (Business Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Psychology, Sociology) (preferred)

Work Experience

• 5+ years Human Resource experience; Employee Relations consultation experience preferred. (required)
• 5+ years proven ability to analyze problems and situations and recommend appropriate courses of action while mitigating risk and supporting line of business strategic initiatives (preferred)
• 3+ years of demonstrated knowledge of Human Resources practices and legal principles. (preferred)

Skills

• Works under limited direction; more autonomy; may occasionally guide or monitor work of others.
• Deep knowledge of employment law and regulations.
• Demonstrated effective mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to interact and communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of management and employees with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to analyze problems and situations and recommend appropriate courses of action by utilizing relevant data and metrics to perform risk analysis and support recommendations while mitigating risk and supporting line of business strategic initiatives.
• Solid presentation development; thoughtful organization of content; strong writing skills; demonstrates creativity in articulating messages that support recommendations.
• Proven relationship-building skills with employees and all levels of management; knows which partners to leverage; strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Proven influencing ability with employees and managers through solid understanding of HR practices and business strategy; advises, challenges and influences clients to make informed decisions while mitigating risk.
• Proven ability to apply active listening and situational analysis in investigations to promote fact-based reporting.
• Demonstrate managerial courage to escalate employment matters that pose risk to Key.
• Works to understand the business priorities of internal and external clients and can describe relevant profitability drivers and considerations
• Ability to support and guide talent development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Focus on enhancing employee engagement, well-being, and workplace satisfaction.
• Strategic collaboration with business leaders to align HR practices with organizational goals.
• Ability to make timely, informed decisions that align with organizational values and risk tolerance.

Core Competencies

• All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands

• General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.

Travel

• Occasional travel to include overnight stay.

Work Location Category

• Hybrid (3+ days)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $71,000.00 - $125,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 07/26/2026 KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].

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