Sr. Manager of Employee and Labor Relations
Job Posted: 20 November 2024
Company: SORTA/Metro
Closing Date: Until Filled
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

 

Link to application and full position listing

Metro is seeking a Senior Manager of Employee and Labor Relations to manage the day-to-day functions of the Employee and Labor Relations Department. The right candidate for this position will have a degree in Human Resources, Employee Relations or a related field and experience responding to employee issues, managing labor relations, facilitating the grievance process, and conducting investigations. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Lead, conduct and document thorough, fair and objective complex employment related investigations including, but not limited to employee complaints, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA
  • Respond to and resolves employee related issues, properly elevating issues when warranted.
  • Actively participates and promotes positive relationships between SORTA and its employees and recognized labor representatives   
  • Coaches and Counsels management staff in the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and related documents
  • Creates and Conducts training related to labor and employee management in promotion of organizational effectiveness and risk mitigation
  • Assists in the creation of policies and procedures
  • Actively participates in and leads when requested, departmental and organizational teams, projects and committees
  • Assists in preparing employee and labor related agreements
  • Monitors and manages employee and labor related agreements
  • Actively assists in employment related proceedings acting as SORTA representative where assigned
  • Responds to and Manages employment related claims when assigned
  • Stays up to date and ensures necessary updates are made regarding the most recent employment and labor related laws, regulations, trends and best practices
  • Maintains excellent recordkeeping exercising strict confidentiality where prudent
  • Effectively resolves employment related conflicts while promoting organizational values
  • Partners with leaders to proactively identify and address potential employee and labor relations issues and develop preventative measures
  • Assists in the development and implementation of employee and labor related strategies to promote operational efficiencies, employee experience and employee retention
  • Manages the employee and labor relations case management system for proper data capture, required confidentiality, any related legal requirements and to ensure timely and effective resolution of matters
  • Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran.
  • Ability to work in compliance with SORTA's safety and security policies. 
  • Maintain open, honest, and timely communication with personnel involved in investigations/projects  
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Communications - Excellent verbal and written skills; Persuasive, consensus builder.
  • Customer Focus - Excellent problem-solving skills and a desire to exceed customer expectations.  Model, facilitate and encourage exemplary internal and external customer service, open communication, collaboration and participation among staff.
  • Employee Development - Competent in assessing employee skills: coaches, delegates, and supports employee development.  Provides constructive feedback. 
  • Leadership - Energetic, innovative self-starter, committed to continuous improvement and creative problem solving. 
  • Professional Integrity - Exhibits and values commitment, leadership, accountability, diversity, honesty, fiscal responsibility and the ability to maximize resources. 
  • Proficiency - Able to multi-task, plan and measure results, create and analyze data, excellent computer skills, accuracy and attention to detail, excellent project management skills.
EDCUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Labor Relations or related field required
  • Advanced degree (Masters, JD) in Human Resource Management, Employee Relations or Labor Relations preferred
  • Seven (7) years experience in employee and/or labor relations including responding to employee issues and responding to grievances
  • Five (5) years experience in conducting effective informational and interrogatory interviews
  • Experience managing/supervising employees, preferably in a union environment.
  • Experience writing reports subject to potential legal or administrative action.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:                   
  • Thorough understanding of Employment and Labor Law (Ohio public sector preferred)
  • Proficient in the MS Office (or similar) suite, including, but not limited to, Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint; GroupWise email; Maximo (or similar) inventory management and purchasing modules.
  • Ability to learn new computer programs (software and applications).
  • Ability to lift and carry materials and supplies, up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to respond to critical situations and work a flexible schedule as required.
  • Ability to collaborate, build relationships, gain credibility, and partner effectively with others up and down a matrixed organization
  • Strong verbal and written communications
  • Managerial courage demonstrated through effective, direct and respectful communications.
  • Aptitude for critical thinking and succinctly presenting the best course of action
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to identify and develop sources of information relative to the task at hand
  • Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information is maintained
  • Ability to conduct research using multiple information and data sources
  • Strong interpersonal skills used to build rapport with all parties involved
  • Ability to work independently, with limited supervision
  • Ability to effectively participate on teams and lead when required