The HR Business Partner (HRBP) - Employee Relations will act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to Montgomery County departments, aligning human resources initiatives with Montgomery County's objectives. Reporting to the Employee Relations Manager, this role serves as a point of contact for employee relations matters, providing day-to-day guidance and support on workplace issues, policy interpretation, and performance management. The HRBP plays a key role in fostering a positive workplace culture by proactively addressing employee concerns, supporting managers through complex employee situations, and ensuring consistent and compliant application of HR policies and practices. In addition to a strong focus on employee relations, the HRBP partners with leadership to support talent management, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness across the business. Serve as a point of contact for employee relations matters throughout the County. Provide guidance to managers and employees on performance concerns, workplace conflict, complaints, and policy interpretation. Conduct and/or support workplace investigations, ensuring objective, thorough, and well-documented outcomes. Advise managers on disciplinary actions, performance improvement, and corrective measures in a consistent and compliant manner. Assist with grievances, complaints, and unemployment claims as needed. Maintain accurate documentation and records for employee relations matters to ensure consistency and compliance. Advise and support managers in all HR-related matters. Promote and support initiatives that drive a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture. Support employee engagement and exit surveys and initiatives aimed at improving morale, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Identify trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive solutions in partnership with leadership. Use data-driven insights to recommend improvements to HR processes and strategies. Ensure HR policies, procedures, and practices are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Bachelor's degree preferred; or high school diploma and equivalent work experience. 3+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong emphasis on employee relations. SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred. Strong knowledge of HR best practices, labor laws, and regulations. Ability to influence and build strong relationships with leaders and employees at all levels. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HCM (Human Capital Management) software. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.