Employee Relations Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a key member of the human resources team, responsible for fostering positive relationships between management and employees. The specialist acts as a liaison to ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies, providing expert guidance on employee relations issues.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Policy & HR Compliance

1. Develop, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures in alignment with company goals and legal requirements.
2. Advise management and employees on labor relations policies, procedures, and best practices.
3. Conduct research and prepare reports on labor trends, legislation, and best practices to inform organizational strategies.
4. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.

1. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws including FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and OSHA. Maintain OSHA-300 log and complete annual EEOC reporting.

Employee Relations & Coaching

1. Serve as the first point of contact for HR related issues. 
2. Provide guidance and support to supervisors and employees on performance management, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, company policies, procedures, and benefits. 

1. Conduct investigations and resolve employee complaints related to working conditions, disciplinary actions, and other labor-related matters.
2. Serve as a coach and mentor to employees to foster professional growth and alignment with company values.

Safety & Wellness

1. In collaboration with operations, lead safety initiatives and training programs to promote a safe working environment. Serve as part of the safety committee and attend monthly meetings. Run safety meetings when needed.

1. Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure OSHA compliance and wellness program implementation.

1. Collaborate with Environmental Health & Safety Specialist tracking injuries and be responsible for filing and monitoring workers compensation claims. Maintain accurate recordkeeping.

Company Events & Culture

1. Plan and execute employee engagement activities and company-wide events to enhance morale and team cohesion.
2.  Serve on the associate engagement committee.

POSITION IN ORGANIZATION:

This position reports directly to the Director of Human Resources and has no direct reports.

DECISION MAKING:

Exercise judgment consistent with Burger’s mission, vision, and code of business conduct regularly and continuously. Assume full responsibility for appropriate decisions, consequences, and results having an impact on Burger, its staff, vendors and the quality of service within the assigned operational area.

COMMUNICATION:

Shall demonstrate ability to effectively lead meetings and write professional correspondence. Great verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to listen, talk, and teach. Demonstrate an all-pervasive positive attitude.

EDUCATION:

1. Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Labor Relations, or a related field. 

EXPERIENCE:

1. Prefer 3 years of experience in Labor Relations, human resources or a related discipline.
2. Prior experience in a manufacturing environment required.
3. Strong understanding of labor laws and dispute resolution practices
4. Experience with Human Resources Information Software (HRIS), specifically ADP Workforce Now and Microsoft suite of software products. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sitting at a desk in an office environment for an extended period of time while working on a PC. The employee is occasionally required to stand, as well as walk, climb, and visit all company locations including all levels of boats during all phases of construction. Occasional light lifting is likely for moving boxes/records. 

The employee is occasionally exposed to weld gases, arches, sparks, flashes, paints, chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and other production operations, and the noise level is usually moderate.

GENERAL STATEMENT:

This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.