Leader, Employee Relations

About this role

The application window is expected to close on: 09/01/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received .

Location: US Remote

Employee Relations Leader – Americas We are seeking an experienced Human Resources leader with strong Employee Relations (ER) experience to lead a team of ER Consultants in the America’s region.  The role will report to the Regional Director of Employee Relations for Americas and is part of Cisco’s People & Communities (P&C) organization. 

The Global ER team is responsible for the fair and respectful treatment of employees through the investigation of workplace complaints and advising on HR policies and practices and complex employment matters.    The role will collaborate with business leaders, P&C partners and cross-functional stakeholders to address employee concerns, conduct investigations and be a consultative partner on complex employee relations matters.    The position requires deep subject matter expertise, HR leadership experience, strong communication and interpersonal skills.    What You’ll Do • Lead and develop a high performing ER team as part of the America’s ER leadership team, working in close alignment and collaboration with other ER Leaders in US and globally.

• Guide team in conducting complex workplace investigations, maintaining comprehensive case files and providing timely communication to relevant parties.

• Provide collaborative guidance to People Partners and management on topics ranging from policy interpretation, workplace investigations, disciplinary action recommendations, and workforce reductions.   

• Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures and provide guidance on best practices, solutions, and ways to mitigate risks while using judgement to balance business needs with fair resolution of issues.

• Review and advise on discipline and termination documentation – tailoring and delivering recommendations in an effective way to help influence the right outcomes with stakeholders while mitigating risk to Cisco.

• Drive a continuous improvement culture within the Employee Relations team, roll modeling change and driving operational rigor and accountability.

• Inspire and mentor team members, enabling their professional growth and development.

• Partner closely and collaboratively with People Partners, People Legal, People Care Crisis, Leader Consulting, Offboarding and other teams to deliver HR strategies.

• Uphold and integrate Cisco’s Guiding Principles and conscious culture in all actions, decisions and interactions. 

• Foster a culture of integrity, respect and accountability in every aspect of Employee Relations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field

• 7+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources

• 5+ years’ experience handling complex Employee Relations investigations

• 2+ years in an HR or ER leadership role

• Strong knowledge of US employment and labor laws and compliance requirements; experience in Canada and Latam preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to exercise good judgment during challenging, sensitive, complex and ambiguous situations

• Ability to execute with quality, a sense of urgency and accountability

• Comfortable challenging the status quo and taking smart risks

• Ability to lead a team through change, building trust and fostering inclusion

• Experience influencing and coaching senior level and executive business leaders

• Inclusive team leadership style embracing a growth mindset and continuous learning

• Ability to multi-task and work proactively, managing competing priorities in fast-paced environment.

• Highly motivated, confident, proactive and intellectually curious

• Willing to embrace new approaches and technologies.

• Technically proficient in Microsoft tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Experience with HR Acuity a plus)

Why Cisco?  At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.  We are Cisco, and our power starts with you. 

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $164,700.00 to $209,000.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.  Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employmen

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