This role leads Labor Relations at NPR, advising and counseling the organization in all aspects of labor relations. Advises and counsels the organization in the administration of labor contracts. Negotiates and/or supports labor negotiating activities in a variety of roles. Executes case preparation and analysis, develops risk mitigation strategy and settlement strategy, ensures stakeholder alignment, including business leadership. Coaches leaders on positive employee relations. Interfaces with union representatives to build effective union-company relations.
The position also leads the team of Human Resources generalists who serve as HR Business Partners across the organization. Supervises a team of experienced HR Business Partners in three offices. Conduct workplace investigations, or oversee investigations conducted by an HR Business Partner, related to employee misconduct, performance concerns, violations of workplace policies (including discrimination or harassment) and grievance disputes. Prepares investigative reports and summaries.
- Advice on labor relations matters and provide strategic oversight and leadership on union matters
- Day to day interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement leading to positive union-company relations, including working closely with local Union leadership
- Objectively assess and bring employee & labor relations issues to resolution
- Develop and draft employee policies and guidelines
- Lead change management initiatives
- Manage internal investigations, including conducting investigations as needed and training HR and other team members on best practices in workplace investigations
- Oversee dispute resolution involving employees, management, unions, and government agencies
- Provide input and insight to drive enterprise-wide programs, including performance management and organizational development
- Provide information and advice regarding application of statutes, regulations, contracts and employee relations practices
- Provide compliance guidance on company practices and procedures
- Works with HR Learning and Development to support the development and delivery of employment-related compliance training
- 8+ years of experience in labor relations
- JD preferred
- Executive-level judgement, decision making skills, and political acumen in order to advise and provide direction for the organization
- Demonstrates and upholds the highest levels of integrity, ethical conduct and stewardship
- Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the overall activities related to the conduct of complex and sensitive investigations
- Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendation
- Understanding of handling sensitive human resources and legal matters which require confidentiality and discretion
- Labor relations experience and conversant with labor laws
- Demonstrated experience in managing employee investigations, grievance procedures, and HR compliance matters
- Demonstrated experience coaching, influencing, building, and leveraging effective relationships to influence decisions through partnering
- Proactive and proficient communicator; excels at building and fostering relationships at all levels of an organization
- Must have high integrity, and be able to analyze complex problems, exercise sound judgment, and appropriately manage conflict
- Expert skill in contract interpretation and administration
- Strong investigative and interviewing experience
NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.