Summary of Job Description:
The Manager, Associate Relations is responsible for managing a team of Associate Relations associates engaged in investigating and resolving associate complaints or concerns. This position works with Operations leaders, Field HR, and Legal to develop and implement positive workplace practices and strategies aligned with the company's Mission, Values, and Culture.
You'll get a chance to:

• Respond to and investigates associate or guest complaints related to associate relations issues, such as discrimination, harassment, wage and hour laws, or unfair treatment.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with company procedures and recommends actions to be taken following federal, state, and local laws and company policies.
• Collaborate with Legal team to prepare formal written responses and documentation.
• Attend EEO hearings, mediations, or settlement negotiations.
• Manage a team of Associate Relations associates engaged in investigating and resolving associate complaints or concerns.
• Review all recommended actions developed by members of the team to resolve associate relations issues in the field.
• Collaborate with Operations leaders, Field HR, and Legal to develop and implement positive workforce practices and strategies aligned with the company's Mission, Values, and Culture.
• Coach and advise Operations leadership on associate relations to achieve problem resolution without litigation.
• Responsible for hiring and retaining staff and for developing and elevating associate performance to support the company's business and growth strategies.
• Review and revise formal written responses and documentation prepared by members of the Associate Relations team for complaints handled by team members.
• Participate in actions (hearings, mediations, etc.) related to these cases as needed.
• Review and revise formal written responses and documentation prepared by members of the Associate Relations team for complaints handled by team members.
• Participate in actions (hearings, mediations, etc.) related to these cases as needed.
• Lead, strategize, or participate in special projects and/or training related to legal compliance involving Support Center departments and Operations.

How we reward you:

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates
Your background & experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; business and/or HR majors and PHR/SPHR or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum five to seven years HR Generalist experience in employee relations, training and development, recruiting, and people management, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment.
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required training
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.
• If hired, completion of annual store training.
• Successful completion of GMIT training.

Pay Range: M2: $112,500 - $158,000 / Annual
* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.
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ADA Statement:
While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.
Panda Strong since 1983:
Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it's impacting our team or the communities we work in, we're proud to be an organization that embraces family values.
You're wanted here:
We value diversity in all forms and know the strength it brings. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of view to be heard, and improves overall happiness. We like the sound of that.
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodations.If there is a reason you believe you require an accommodation, please reach out to our accommodation team vie email at