Principal Employee Relations Specialist

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 30 Nov 2026
At MiniMed, you can begin a lifelong career of exploration and innovation, while helping make a difference in the lives of people living with diabetes around the globe. You'll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation for a more connected, compassionate world.
About the Role
The Principal Employee Relations Specialist serves as a senior, trusted advisor to leaders, managers, Human Resources partners, and employees across U.S. Field Sales and Canada. This role provides strategic and hands-on guidance on complex employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, performance and conduct concerns, organizational change, policy interpretation, accommodations and leave-related coordination, and risk mitigation. The specialist applies sound judgment, consistent practices, and knowledge of applicable U.S. and Canadian employment requirements while balancing employee experience, business needs, and organizational values.
Preference will be given to Applicants who can work a hybrid schedule (3 days per week in-office) at a MiniMed hub in Northridge, CA or Minneapolis, MN. However, all applicants will be considered, including those seeking a remote position.
Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned.
Strategic employee relations counsel: Advise Field Sales and Canada leaders and HR partners on complex, sensitive, and high-risk employee matters, providing practical options and clear recommendations aligned with policy, law, and business objectives.
Workplace investigations: Lead impartial investigations into allegations involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace conduct, conflicts of interest, policy violations, leadership behavior, and other employee concerns; prepare clear findings and recommendations.
Performance and conduct management: Guide leaders through coaching, corrective action, performance improvement, attendance concerns, and employment decisions, ensuring expectations and documentation are clear, fair, and consistent.
Field Sales partnership: Deliver responsive support to a geographically dispersed, customer-facing workforce, considering sales cycles, incentive structures, territory dynamics, travel, remote work, and the operational realities of field-based teams.
Canada support: Partner with Canadian HR and Legal resources to address employee relations matters in accordance with federal and provincial requirements, local practices, and language or consultation needs, as applicable.
Organizational change: Support restructurings, role changes, workforce transitions, and other business transformations by identifying employee relations risks and advising on consistent, respectful implementation.
Risk assessment and escalation: Identify legal, regulatory, reputational, employee-experience, and business-continuity risks; engage Employment Legal, Compliance, Security, Ethics, Leave and Accommodation, and other partners when appropriate.
Case management: Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential case records; monitor milestones, trends, aging, and outcomes; and ensure appropriate closure and follow-up.
Policy and process guidance: Interpret and apply policies consistently, identify gaps or recurring issues, and recommend practical improvements to employee relations processes, tools, and manager resources.
Leader capability: Coach leaders on early intervention, effective documentation, respectful communication, conflict resolution, and accountability; develop and facilitate training or guidance as needed.
Data and insights: Analyze employee relations themes and case data to identify root causes, emerging risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention; present actionable insights to HR and business leadership.
Cross-functional leadership: Lead or contribute to enterprise and regional initiatives that strengthen employee relations governance, consistency, and organizational effectiveness.
Must Have: Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial/Labor Relations, Employment Law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
7+ years of progressive Human Resources or Employee Relations experience, including significant responsibility for complex investigations and senior-level advisory work
Or, advanced degree and 5+ years of experience
Nice to Have
Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. employment practices, handling of legally directed matters, ability to recognize when country-, province-, or jurisdiction-specific guidance is required.
Proven ability to conduct fair, thorough, and timely investigations; assess credibility and evidence; and produce well-reasoned findings and recommendations.
Experience advising leaders on performance management, corrective action, policy interpretation, workplace conflict, organizational change, and employment-risk matters.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or sensitive issues clearly to employees, leaders, HR partners, and counsel.
Sound judgment, discretion, and a demonstrated ability to manage confidential information and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently across time zones and with geographically dispersed teams.
Experience supporting a field sales, commercial, medical technology, healthcare, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated organization.
Experience with incentive compensation, sales conduct, territory, customer-interaction, or field-force employee relations matters.
Advanced degree or professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPHR, or an investigation-related credential.
Experience working within a global or matrixed Employee Relations operating model and partnering with Centers of Expertise, HR Business Partners, Legal, Compliance, and business leadership.
French-language capability is an asset for supporting Canada.
Experience using case management systems and translating employee relations data into leadership insights.
Core Competencies
Strategic judgment and risk-based decision-making
Investigative rigor, objectivity, and attention to detail
Executive presence and trusted-advisor capability
Empathy, neutrality, and cultural awareness
Influence without direct authority
Courageous, respectful communication
Operational discipline and accountability
Adaptability in a complex, changing environment
Work Environment and Travel
This role operates in a hybrid or remote environment and regularly collaborates with employees and leaders across U.S. and Canadian time zones. Travel may be required up to 20% to support investigations, partnership with client groups, leadership meetings, training, or business needs. Availability outside standard business hours may be necessary for urgent or time-sensitive matters.
Physical Job Requirements
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.
The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.
Benefits & Compensation
MiniMed offers a competitive salary and flexible benefits package
At MiniMed, we put people first. A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values: We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every stage of your career and life.
Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD):$109,000 - $185,000
For roles located in California, Seattle WA, Washington DC, Boston MA, and New York City, the salary range is $121,000 - $205,000 USD.
Actual compensation may vary based on factors including experience, education, certifications, skills, market conditions, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).
At MiniMed, we are committed to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. Regular employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for a robust

Skills
Employee Relations, Documentation