Employee Relations Lead

The Employee Relations Investigator plays a critical role in cultivating a fair, inclusive, and high-trust workplace. You’ll handle sensitive employee matters with care, consistency, and integrity—conducting impartial, thorough investigations and partnering across teams to promote accountability and belonging.

We’re looking for an insightful, empathetic, and results-oriented professional who thrives in complex situations, applies sound judgment, and upholds Affirm’s mission and values every day.

What You’ll Do

• Lead impartial investigations into employee concerns including unprofessional conduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and policy violations.
• Apply Affirm policies and employment law knowledge to ensure investigations are fair, consistent, and timely.
• Analyze and synthesize information—interviews, documentation, and data—to develop balanced, evidence-based findings.
• Recommend equitable outcomes aligned with Affirm’s values, compliance obligations, and business needs.
• Partner cross-functionally with People Business Partners, Legal, and other stakeholders to recommend and drive timely, effective resolutions and process improvements.
• Identify trends and insights from case data and produce meaningful visualizations and summaries to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.
• Coach and empower managers to set clear expectations, provide actionable feedback, and address performance matters with empathy and consistency.

How You’ll Contribute

• Draft thoughtful, well-structured documentation, including investigation reports, People Business Partner talking points, and corrective action guidance.
• Offer strategic, solutions-oriented recommendations that strengthen trust and reduce risk across the organization.
• Exercise sound, discerning judgment to balance employee fairness, legal compliance, and business priorities.
• Partner collaboratively with ER leadership, PBPs, Legal, and the broader People Team to ensure consistent, values-aligned approaches.
• Drive continuous improvement in ER practices, systems, and tools to enhance Affirm’s employee experience. 

What We Look For

• 5+ years of Employee Relations, HR Business Partner, or related experience.
• Proven ability to conduct fair, comprehensive workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR practices, and compliance frameworks.
• Exceptional analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across all levels and locations.
• Demonstrated discretion, empathy, and resilience when handling confidential and sensitive issues.
• Comfort using HR systems (e.g., HR Acuity) and proficiency in Google Workspace tools.
• Adaptable and proactive mindset; ability to manage multiple priorities with composure and professionalism.
• Curious and continuous learner who seeks feedback and growth opportunities.
• Collaborative teammate who values diverse perspectives and acts with integrity and accountability.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced, scaling tech or startup environment.
• Background in designing or enhancing ER frameworks, policies, or playbooks.
• Formal investigator training (e.g., Association of Workplace Investigators – AWI).

Pay Grade - J
Equity Grade - 5

Employees new to Affirm typically come in at the start of the pay range. Affirm focuses on providing a simple and transparent pay structure which is based on a variety of factors, including location, experience and job-related skills.

Base pay is part of a total compensation package that may include equity rewards, monthly stipends for health, wellness and tech spending, and benefits (including 100% subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision for you and your dependents.)

USA base pay range (CA, WA, NY, NJ, CT) per year: $130,000 - $170,000
USA base pay range (all other U.S. states) per year: $115,000 - $155,000

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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