Manager, Employee Relations

Job ID 10140454 Location Burbank, California, United States / New York, New York, United States Business ESPN Date posted Jan. 15, 2026

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Job Summary:

At Disney, we’re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, interactive experiences and products, and media networks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join our talented team at an unprecedented time of innovation, growth, and excitement as part of the Employee Relations (ER) team that supports the Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology (DEEPT) and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) groups.

This key role is responsible for leading and managing employee relations matters according to established guidelines and best practices. The Manager will demonstrate their ER expertise in areas including conducting investigations involving workplace conduct concerns (including allegations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation), managing medical and religious accommodation requests, advising on complex ER issues, advising on performance management, interpreting policies and practices, and responding to government agency claims. This role requires a sophisticated and innovative ER professional who is proactive, analytical, strategic, and solution oriented. This role also requires in-depth knowledge of the workplace investigation process, including excellent judgment and strong writing skills.

Responsibilities:

Independently conduct timely, thorough, and effective investigations related to workplace conduct.
Prepare written investigation reports and present findings to stakeholders. 
Autonomously manage medical and religious accommodation requests.
Support the performance management process through consultation and consulting with the various stakeholders.
Support organizational change initiatives.
Advise on policy interpretation questions.
Develop and lead trainings for various stakeholders, including business leaders and HR partners.
Respond to government agency requests and charges.
Input and maintain accurate and up-to-date case notes in the ER database.
Understand, analyze, and interpret key insights gleaned from case trends and analytics for business leaders and HR partners.
Develop and build strong relationships and partnerships with various stakeholders and partners.

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years Human Resources experience, 4 years in Employee Relations, or 3 years in employment legal practice or other similar investigative experience required.
Deep knowledge of employment laws and HR policies (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA).
Proven problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and investigative abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
Exceptional interpersonal, emotional intelligence, and consultative skills; able to assess sensitive issues confidentially and objectively.
Able to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects, and lead across all organizational levels.
Experience in developing, interpreting, and updating employee relations policies.

Required Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

JD strongly preferred

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $139,200.00 to $170,000.00 per year and the hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $145,800.00 to $178,000.00. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About ESPN:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Streaming Operations LLC, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

Disney Streaming Operations LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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Hiring Process

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Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.