Overview

The Manager of Associate Relations will facilitate and manage employee relations on behalf of the company. The Manager will assist with labor relations and human resources matters, gathering, collecting, and maintaining documents and records required for contract and policy development, investigations, and negotiations.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Associate degree in human resources, Labor Relations, Business, Accounting, or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• At least 4 years of Human Resources experience required with direct experience in employee relations preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English and Spanish required).
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to interact and influence at all levels of management.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to HR and contract negotiations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Handle routine labor relations and human resource inquiries related to policies, procedures, and bargaining agreements; refer complex matters to appropriate management staff.
• Research and explain laws and legal affairs concerning employment to managers, supervisors, and employees.
• Advise and train managers and supervisors in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing supervisor problems and employee grievances. Develops further training as needed.
• Serve as the an advisor to Human Resources partners for medium to high risk employee matters.
• Monitor and manage our hotline responses and assign for their respective areas, or contact the associate and investigate as needed.
• Conduct initial interviews and gathers information for employee relations matters such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other conduct or performance concerns; and works with the appropriate HR staff to ensure investigations are timely and thorough.
• Investigate concerns received, make sound and timely decisions regarding if allegations received are substaintiated or unsubstaintiated, properly document findings, and escalate concerns when appropriate to Director, Associate Relations.
• Assist with recordkeeping related to hiring, termination, leave, transfer, and promotion particularly as related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), affirmative action, and diversity initiatives.
• Collect information and data to assess cost and policy implications of negotiations and disputes. This may include management and union proposals, pay scales and wages, benefits, working conditions, and other mitigating circumstances.
• Conduct surveys, interviews, and other research related to human resource policies, compensation, and other labor negotiations; collects information and reports results to Director of Associate Relations.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to EEO, affirmative action, collective bargaining, unions, labor relations, and human resources.
• Assist with preparation of plans, policies, documents, and reports including EEO-1, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks.
• Assist with preparation of documents and records required for contract negotiations, meetings, and negotiations with employee and labor organizations.