People Experience Specialist, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

People & Culture Department

The People & Culture (P&C) Team at Vantage is lean, effective, well-respected, and growing, with the vision of designing and ensuring an exceptional employee experience from application to alumnus. The team is distinguished by its innovative and strategic approach, working in close partnership with business leaders to develop practical and business-minded solutions that keep the development and growth of our people at the center. Each member of our P&C team plays a pivotal role on the team and in the business. Trust, Agility, Respect, and Accountability are the Vantage core values-and we seek to live every value, every day, while thinking creatively to make Vantage the employer of choice and power our people.

Position Overview

This role will be based in Sterling, VA in alignment with our flexible work policy (3 days onsite required, 2 days flexible).

The Workplace Success Specialist is a vital member of the People Team, reporting directly to the Senior Director, Employee Relations. This utility role supports a broad range of HR functions including employee relations case management, immigration coordination and employment eligibility compliance, background checks, equipment distribution, and location-specific HR support. With agility and care, you'll act as the local HR touchpoint for employees and managers, contributing to a consistent and high-quality employee experience.

You'll partner closely with stakeholders, escalating issues appropriately and ensuring people processes run smoothly and compliantly. This position requires a strong sense of discretion, adaptability, and a people-first mindset.

Essential Job Functions

HR Partnership & Reporting Structure

• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for your assigned location, providing in-the-moment support while aligning with broader People Experience Team priorities.

• Report directly to the Senior Director, Employee Relations, escalating complex employee concerns, ER matters, or compliance issues as needed.

• Partner closely with other functional HR leads (e.g., Talent, Total Rewards, DEI, Legal) to ensure cross-functional success.

Employee Relations Case Management & Local HR Support

• Own the intake and resolution of employee relations cases from start to finish, including documentation, investigations, resolution recommendations, and closure in coordination with the Senior Director, Employee Relations.

• Collaborate with Legal, management, and other HR leaders on sensitive issues, ensuring timely case handling aligned with company policies and employment law.

Immigration, E-Verify & Employment Eligibility

• Act as the liaison between employees, managers, and external immigration counsel for visa petitions, renewals, and tracking.

• Maintain up-to-date immigration status records and coordinate E-Verify submissions and employment eligibility verification for new hires.

• Assist in global mobility tracking and ensure compliance with federal and internal policies related to work authorization.

Compliance, Background Checks & Equipment Coordination

• Coordinate pre-employment background checks, review reports for compliance and partner with stakeholders on resolution when needed.

• Manage E-Verify processes and track I-9 completion and re-verification timelines.

• Support HR compliance audits (e.g., I-9s, personnel files) and maintain internal process documentation.

• Coordinate the distribution and return of employee equipment (e.g., laptops, monitors, phones), partnering with IT and Facilities to ensure timely setup and collection.

Leave & Accommodation Support

• Assist in coordinating leaves of absence (FMLA, parental, medical, etc.), including employee communication, vendor coordination, and documentation tracking.

• Support accommodations and return-to-work processes with appropriate sensitivity and discretion.

HR Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely data in HR systems (e.g., Workday).

• Support regular HR reporting and ad hoc data requests related to attrition, headcount, and employee relations cases.

Performance & Development Operations

• Help administer performance management cycles by coordinating communications, timelines, and tracking completion.

• Assist with scheduling and logistics for training sessions and learning programs.

Culture, Engagement & Recognition

• Act as a champion for company values by supporting local events, engagement initiatives, and team integration efforts.

• Contribute to employee recognition efforts and internal communication platforms.

General People Operations

• Serve as the People Team's on-the-ground representative for your location, providing human-centered support and quick problem-solving.

• Assist with offboarding logistics (exit surveys, system closures, final pay triggers) and maintain strong documentation throughout the employee lifecycle.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with IT, Legal, Facilities, and other internal teams to ensure seamless people operations.

• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

• 3+ years of progressive experience in HR, People Operations, or a generalist role.

• Strong experience in employee relations, with a demonstrated ability to manage sensitive issues and case investigations.

• Working knowledge of U.S. employment law, immigration and employment eligibility processes, and HR best practices.

• Proficient in HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday) and Microsoft Office.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and ability to prioritize.

• Discreet and trustworthy with sensitive employee data and issues.

• Comfort navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

• Travel required is expected to be up to 20% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting multiple office locations or remote/hybrid workforces.

• Familiarity with global mobility, E-Verify, or immigration processes.

• Prior exposure to performance management or learning systems.

What You Bring

• A strong sense of ownership and follow-through.

• A bias for action and adaptability in solving people-related challenges.

• A genuine interest in supporting people and making work better, every day.

• A collaborative mindset and willingness to pitch in wherever needed.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

#LI-GS1

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!