HR Employee Relations Lead

About Us:

Cardinal Education is a dynamic and collaborative educational consulting company dedicated to providing students and families with superior academic support and admissions expertise.

Culture at Cardinal Education

Collaboration is key to our culture at Cardinal Education, where open communication and diverse perspectives are valued and drive success. We foster innovation and learning through a supportive environment that encourages growth. Our team is passionate about education and creating a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Job Overview:

At Cardinal Education, our people are at the heart of the impact we create for students and families. We’re looking for an HR Employee Relations Lead to own and oversee the full spectrum of Human Resources and Employee Relations, ensuring consistent execution, compliance, and a positive employee experience across the organization.

This role is responsible for managing all facets of HR, from employee relations and performance management to HR operations, policies, compliance, and employee engagement. The ideal candidate is hands-on, solutions-oriented, and capable of independently managing complex HR matters while partnering with managers and leadership to strengthen accountability, support employees, and maintain effective people processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employee Relations: Manage employee concerns, investigations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary matters.
• Policies and Compliance: Develop and maintain HR policies and ensure compliance with applicable labor laws.
• Performance Management: Oversee performance reviews, probationary assessments, and performance improvement plans.
• Employee Lifecycle: Manage onboarding, offboarding, employee documentation, and transitions.
• HR Operations and Payroll: Oversee HR administration, employee records, timekeeping, attendance, and payroll coordination.
• Employee Engagement: Lead engagement initiatives, employee feedback activities, and programs that support employee well-being and retention.
• HR Systems and Process Improvement: Maintain HR systems, ensure data accuracy, and improve HR workflows and processes.
• Manager and Leadership Support: Provide guidance on people management, policy interpretation, and employee-related decisions.
• HR Reporting: Monitor HR metrics and workforce trends to identify risks and recommend improvements.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of HR generalist, employee relations, or related experience covering multiple HR functions.
• Strong knowledge of HR practices, employee relations, performance management, and labor laws.
• Experience handling investigations, sensitive employee matters, HR operations, and payroll coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to independently own HR processes and ensure consistent execution.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with strong judgment and discretion.
• Experience supporting US-based employees and familiarity with US HR practices are highly preferred.

Preferred:

• Experience in education, consulting, or service-oriented environments.
• Familiarity with HRIS, timekeeping, payroll, and case management tools.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses and regular merit reviews.
• Fully remote work environment with structured team support and flexibility.
• Collaborative, high-performing culture offering exposure across functions and departments.
• Hands-on mentorship and career development, empowering you to grow professionally.
• Meaningful, mission-driven work that directly impacts students and families.
• Company events and virtual team-building activities to connect and celebrate achievements.
• Opportunities for growth within client operations, education services, and beyond.