A hospitality, food service, and entertainment employer in Niagara Falls, NY is seeking a Senior Director, Associate Relations to lead associate relations strategy across a high-volume, guest-focused workforce. This leader will serve as a senior escalation point for complex employee matters and will partner closely with HR, Legal, Operations, and site leadership to promote fair, consistent, and compliant workplace practices.

This role is ideal for a hands-on employee relations leader who understands fast-paced hospitality environments and can balance risk management with a practical, people-centered approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead associate relations strategy across union and non-union employee populations.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for sensitive investigations, corrective action, terminations, policy interpretation, and workplace concerns.
• Develop frameworks for consistent investigation practices, documentation, and employee relations decision-making.
• Coach HR Business Partners and operational leaders on associate relations matters.
• Analyze associate relations trends and recommend proactive solutions to reduce risk and improve retention.
• Partner with Legal and Compliance on employment law, policy, and regulatory matters.
• Support leadership training on workplace conduct, performance management, conflict resolution, and respectful workplace practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10+ years of HR, employee relations, associate relations, or labor relations experience.
• Experience in hospitality, restaurants, entertainment venues, casinos, resorts, attractions, or food service operations preferred.
• Strong background handling complex investigations and high-risk employee matters.
• Knowledge of federal, New York State, and local employment laws.
• Ability to influence senior leaders while maintaining credibility with frontline and hourly teams.

Benefits

• $130,000 to $165,000 base salary, plus bonus eligibility

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

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State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.