Employee Relations Partner

Lacework

Lacework

People & HR
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
USD 165k-190k / year + Equity
Posted on Nov 26, 2025

The Sr. Employee Relations Partner is a trusted advisor who supports a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture across a fast-moving technology organization. This role provides expert guidance on workplace matters, conducts sensitive investigations, helps leaders navigate complex employee situations, and ensures compliance with company policies and employment law. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-growth, dynamic environment and brings a practical, people-centered approach to solving problems.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Support & Case Management

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for employee relations concerns and workplace issues.
  • Manage end-to-end employee relations cases, including intake, assessment, guidance, documentation, follow-through, and closure.
  • Provide impartial advice to employees and managers to resolve conflicts, performance concerns, interpersonal issues, and policy questions.

Investigations

  • Conduct prompt, thorough, and objective investigations into claims such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, code-of-conduct violations, and workplace conflicts.
  • Create clear, well-written investigative reports; present findings and recommendations to ER leadership, Legal, and HR stakeholders.
  • Maintain consistency, fairness, and compliance across investigations.

Leader Coaching & Support

  • Partner with managers to address performance management, corrective action, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
  • Assist leaders in designing and executing performance improvement plans (PIPs) and accountability processes.
  • Educate managers on equitable and consistent application of policies and best people practices.

Policy & Compliance

  • Interpret and apply HR policies and employment laws across multiple states (and countries, if applicable).
  • Identify risks and escalate issues appropriately.
  • Support updates to policies, handbooks, and procedures to maintain compliance in a rapidly evolving tech environment.

Data & Insights

  • Track ER case data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve culture, processes, and leadership capability.
  • Partner with HRBPs, People Analytics, gain insights and recommend proactive interventions.

Culture, Programs & Prevention

  • Contribute to development of ER programs, manager training, and proactive strategies that reduce workplace issues.
  • Participate in company-wide initiatives related to employee experience, inclusion, and organizational health.
  • Champion a culture of respect, psychological safety, and continuous feedback.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5 -8 years of progressive employee relations experience gained in either HR Business Partner or Employee Relations role in high-tech or fast-growing environments strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting complex, sensitive workplace investigations.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA, Title VII, FLSA, state regulations).
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and communicate effectively across all levels.
  • Exceptional writing, documentation, and investigation report skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Strong judgment, analytical and decision-making skills; able to balance risk, business needs, and fairness.
  • Experience with HR information and Case Management systems.

Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time as well as a comprehensive leave program.

Wage ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, and job level. Earnings for this position are expected to be $165,000 - 190,000 Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program, Bonus eligibility is reviewed at time of hire and annually at the Company’s discretion


Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) secures the largest enterprise, service provider, and government organizations around the world. Fortinet empowers its customers with intelligent, seamless protection across the expanding attack surface and the power to take on ever-increasing performance requirements of the borderless network - today and into the future. Only the Fortinet Security Fabric architecture can deliver security without compromise to address the most critical security challenges, whether in networked, application, cloud or mobile environments. Fortinet ranks number one in the most security appliances shipped worldwide and more than 500,000 customers trust Fortinet to protect their businesses.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@fortinet.com.
Fortinet is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our company, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, military/veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics in the location in which the candidate is applying.

The Sr. Employee Relations Partner is a trusted advisor who supports a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture across a fast-moving technology organization. This role provides expert guidance on workplace matters, conducts sensitive investigations, helps leaders navigate complex employee situations, and ensures compliance with company policies and employment law. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-growth, dynamic environment and brings a practical, people-centered approach to solving problems.