🚀 Director, Employee Relations

Overview

Director, Employee Relations at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.). The Director will lead the Employee Relations (ER) department, partnering with HR and business leaders to manage performance management, investigations, and ER strategy in alignment with company culture and values. The role involves hands-on investigations, policy development, and leading a small ER team while advocating for consistent and equitable practices.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the ER team, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment; provide guidance and mentorship on complex ER issues
• Partner with the business as a trusted advisor on organizational challenges and people-related solutions
• Conduct investigations and supervise a team of investigators; handle concerns such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and other policy violations
• Use effective interviewing and documentation techniques; utilize the designated case management tool for tracking
• Report pending investigations and provide timely investigation reports with supporting documentation
• Identify longer-term impacts of case issues to assess potential risks
• Ensure ER practices comply with employment laws and regulations; stay updated on relevant legislation
• Collaborate with the Core Investigative Committee (CIC) and LRBO team on broader ER and HR issues
• Support performance management processes with HR Business Partners; develop and reinforce ER strategy and clear feedback mechanisms
• Develop and deliver ER-related training for executives, leaders, and staff
• Utilize HR analytics to track ER trends and generate leadership-facing reports

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required (Business, HRM, or related). Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years in Employee Relations with extensive investigative experience; ability to demonstrate outcomes and actionable plans
• Knowledge of HR legal compliance and ER program design; experience in designing ER systems for documentation and reporting
• Pharmaceutical/biotech or healthcare industry experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal, written, organizational, project management, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to partner with all levels of associates and management; thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Influencing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality
• Strategic thinker with experience leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change
• Self-starter with ability to work independently and collaboratively

Location & Travel

This position is based in Princeton, New Jersey and may be remote. Otsuka maintains a hybrid work policy; travel is expected approximately 15% of the time based on business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Minimum $164,530 – Maximum $245,985, plus incentive opportunity. Pay ranges may vary by experience, skills, and internal benchmarks. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) with company match, flexible time off, paid holidays and leave programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Please contact Accommodation Request.

Compliance & Important Notices

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the people assigned to this position and is not intended to include every duty. Otsuka reserves the right to amend responsibilities as necessary. For fraud protection, please apply only through official Otsuka channels and avoid third-party recruitment scams. If you suspect a fraudulent position, contact Otsuka’s call center at or report to appropriate authorities.