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Discover a path to a brighter future

for you and our furry friends

Employee Relations Specialist

654 Richland Hills Drive, San Antonio, TX 78245-2149 United States

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  • Human Resources
  • R326206
  • Full time
  • Remote
  • 654 Richland Hills Drive, San Antonio, TX 78245-2149 United States

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people and our planet.

  • We love all pets like our own
  • We’re the future of the pet industry
  • We’re here to improve lives
  • We drive outstanding results together
  • We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We’re focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what’s good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

KeyAccountabilities

The incumbent must be able to perform allof the followingdutiesandresponsibilitieswith or without a reasonableaccommodation.

  • Management of high-level ER cases (typically related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, or other high-risk areas) from beginning to conclusion, when appropriate. This includes an initial assessment of the risk posed by the complaint, identifying the appropriate methodology to investigate such issue(s), seeking out the correct tools and resources to obtain evidentiary information/facts, and maintaining factual, supported, and detailed written accounts of the investigation. Candidate must be able to identify key risk areas and summarize risks and/or findings in an articulate and concise manner for need-to-know leaders, up to the Executive level. Strategize with legal counsel, Partner Relations Manager, and other key business partners regarding high risk/sensitive matters and provide input on recommended investigative process and/or resolution.

  • Offer subject matter expertise and thought partnership to HR colleagues and/or business leaders throughout the organization (at various levels) who are addressing an HR matter that has an element of risk to the Company. Influence for the best outcome which mitigates risk to the company, is defensible in a court of law, minimizes ongoing risk, exposure, liability and costs, and promotes Petco culture and values. Includes advising leaders on disciplinary action, up to and including termination, where applicable.  

  • Interact with the Leave and Accommodation and/or Risk Management departments in discussing leave and accommodation matters. Must have knowledge of ADA and other applicable state and federal laws, be able to make recommendations, and determine areas of legal risk.

  • May prepare responses to formalized complaints filed with State or Federal agencies under the oversight of the Manager, Partner Relations. This may include drafting formal responses and/or communicating with government officials.

  • Assist in representing Petco in employee-related legal and compliance matters to include but not limited to; mediation hearings with various state, federal, local entities (CCRD, EEOC/DOL, etc.,), depositions in which opposing counsel is interviewing Petco partners, attend depositions as the subject matter-expert and be deposed on Petco practices and policies and be the point-of contact for DOL onsite wage and hour audits/inspections

  • Interpret policies and procedures and advise on fair and equitable employment practices that are in alignment with State and Federal law, consistent with past practice, and supportive of Petco values and culture. 

OtherDuties and Responsibilities

  • Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment laws as well as monitor employment law trends. Use up-to-date knowledge to articulate recommendations and educate leaders on potential risks.

  • Proactively conduct review of current processes/policies and initiate steps to avoid/eliminate potential Company exposure.

  • Work on other partner relations projects, as needed (e.g., training support/administration, review of processes and policies, knowledge of local ordinances that impact business practices, etc.).

EducationandExperience

A 4-year college degree or the equivalent work experience is required. A minimum of 5 years of exempt level Partner (Employee) Relations experience is required, preferably in a multi-state and high volume environment. Must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current employment law. Previous experience writing position statements in response to administrative/agency claims is a plus.

Nature of Supervision

After initial introductory period where policy, procedure and past practice is learned and understood, general guidance is provided on an as-needed basis, but daily tasks are completed without supervision.  Senior Manager, Partner Relations is consulted when no policy, procedure or past practice precedent exists or where more complex are evident.  Non-routine tasks may be assigned which may last several days without supervisory direction or guidance.

Work Environment

Most job duties are conducted while seated indoors, with little or no exposure to hazards. Some travel may be required.

#LI-AT2

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

To translate this webpage to Spanish or other languages on your internet browser, click the translate button to the right of your browser address bar. Additional instructions can be found here: Google Chrome Help .

Para traducir esta página web al español u otros idiomas en su navegador de Internet, haga clic en el botón de traducción a la derecha de la barra de direcciones de su navegador. Puede encontrar instrucciones adicionales aquí: Google Chrome Ayuda.

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Our Commitment to People, Pets and Planet

We believe the passion for pets is universal. To better serve our diverse customers across our 1,500 Pet Care Centers, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals and 1700+ weekly Vetco vaccination clinics, we are intentional about bringing the skillsets and experiences that help us meet the needs of all pets and pet parents. From attracting bilingual talent needed to serve multicultural market segments to leveraging a variety of perspectives to help us innovate in a competitive and changing industry, we know diversity and inclusion are critical business drivers to help Petco meet the needs of all pet families.

  • Planet

    • Began transitioning in-store habitats from fluorescent to LED bulbs, resulting in energy savings.
    • Reduced energy usage by more than 4 million kWh through our lighting curtailment program.
    • In 2024, our recycling initiatives diverted nearly 400 tons of plastic from landfills.

  • People

    • Provided career or skills-related training to 98% of all employees.
    • Sponsored more than 150 scholarships through our Petco/Penn Foster Scholarship Program and Latinx Veterinary Medical Association.
    • Nearly 600,000 hours of training delivered to pet care center partners.
    • Over 40% of General Manager and District General Manager positions filled by internal promotions.

  • Pets

    • Reunited more than 100,000 pets with their pet parents through Petco Love Lost.
    • Helped save nearly 7 million animals through adoptions in Petco pet care centers
    • Distributed more than 3.2 million free vaccines to pets via Petco Love.
    • Invested nearly $410 million in lifesaving animal welfare work.
    • Helped more than 4,000 animal welfare partners.
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