Position Purpose:

Acts as a resource and provides guidance to management and associates on issues that arise in the workplace by interpreting, applying, and administering company policies, labor contracts, and labor and employment laws. Coordinates internal investigations and handles grievances, answers questions, resolves problems and serves as facilitator to reach resolution.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Advises Division management and Division HR on discipline and policy interpretation regarding all actions affecting pay, demotions, disciplinary transfers, last and final warnings and other related actions for hourly associates. Serves as communications link with the company and the unions by coordinating and participating in grievance meetings and by responding to information requests. Conducts research and prepares required analysis, reports, and documentation for grievance meetings, information requests, general communication issues with unions. Responds to associate complaints that can be resolved within company policy, procedures and union contracts. Develops resolution on employee relations issues within company policy and/or union contract referring as needed to Labor Relations for grievances, lawsuits, charges, contract interpretation, employment law analysis, and discipline up to salaried exempt and office hourly, and to Human Resources in situations when policy questions are not contractual in nature, and for recommended training and performance management. Works with management and associates to implement ADA and other legally required accommodations.  Responds to leave of absence issues, conducting research and determining the best course of action within guidelines. Coordinates investigations of grievances, EEO (sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination), wage & hour, hotline (employee relations) and resolves or makes recommendations to management and HR/LR Leads. Documents employee relations activities ensuring that files are accurate and that a history exists and is kept up to date as well as creating and maintaining all related documentation. Prepares accrual memos regarding anticipated retroactive wage and benefit payments. Provides assistance in contract negotiation by conducting research, compiling information and documentation, and providing advice and insight on trends to be addressed with union. Assists with union avoidance work by conducting research and preparing documentation. Refers issues to Employee Service Center as appropriate for handling (payroll, benefits, compensation, or HR records).

Qualifications: The following are preferred:

Education Level:

College degree or equivalent work experience.

Experience Level:

Prior LR/HR experience where a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, practices, and procedures have been developed.

Skills and Experiences:

Excellent organization and interpersonal skills. Excellent negotiation and facilitation skills to speak effectively and persuasively on issues and lead focus groups. Strong mediation skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to independently conduct research and prepare materials for presentations. Under minimal supervision applies a broad knowledge to respond to the difficult HR/LR issues.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment. Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal. Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday. Incumbent could spend a majority of time traveling throughout the Division visiting retail units, attending hearings and arbitration, etc. Must have own transportation and be available for overnight travel.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel varies by area.

The salary range is $92,000 - $119,720 annually. Starting salary will vary based on criteria such as location, experience, and qualifications. There may be flexibility for exceptional candidates. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, sick pay (accrued based on hours worked), Flexible Time Off, paid holidays (8-9 days annually), bereavement pay, and retirement benefits (such as 401(k).