Lead, Employee & Labor Relations Business Partner

Description

The Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Business Partner provides consistent support through designated centers of expertise (COE) assigned to the ELR Team. Executes consistent strategies in areas of expertise using established guidance and practices. Optimizes business performance by focusing on employee and labor relations matters for both the union and non-union workforce, ensuring compliance to State and Federal laws, regulatory agencies, company policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Participates in and supports labor contract and mid-contract negotiations as needed.
• Uses designated tools, process guidance, and systems to ensure consistent execution of tasks.
• Ensures consistent delivery of service and execution of COE strategies by ELR team members, by supporting internal organizational stakeholders in both union and non-union employee and labor relations matters, including, but not limited to investigations, disciplinary processes, labor negotiations, positive employee relations, and labor contract administration.
• Assists with the development and delivery of training for people leaders and other stakeholders designed to enhance consistency of processes throughout the organization.
• Effectively implements policies, procedures, and labor agreements.
• Provides consultation and support to the business for employee and labor relations matters including risk analyses.
• Delivers fluid and timely people processes that allow for quick action and flexibility
• Tracks and reports activities and outcomes to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Models and fosters a team dynamic both within the ELR team and with other stakeholder teams throughout the business.
• Ensure compliance with various state and federal laws and/or agencies throughout diverse regions; guiding business managers to proactively identify and navigate risks.
• As an expert in employee and labor relations, provides the business with risk analyses on ELR matters.
• Develop and support the maintenance of positive, constructive labor-management relationships and positive employee relations in both union and non-union locations that drive and facilitate our success.

Requirements

• Direct experience handling all aspects of ELR issues, including intake, review, and resolution of investigations and disciplinary actions.
• Must have the ability to deal with highly confidential information.
• Demonstrated experience in labor negotiations and with handling labor disputes in the grievance-arbitration procedure and the National Labor Relations Board. Experience as first chair in negotiations preferred.
• HR Certification preferred.
• Experience in all aspects of labor and employee relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and with all levels within and outside the organization.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field preferred; Masters Degree Desirable; or
• Ability to navigate existing AW technologies and quickly learn emerging technologies.
• Understands relevant ELR law and demonstrates the ability to apply this knowledge to any challenging or sensitive situations.
• Min. of seven years Labor and Employment relations experience with a union workforce
• Ability to effectively provide expertise in ELR issues at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience applying sound principles of investigation and imposition of disciplinary with advanced knowledge of workplace investigations
• Able to work independently and with a sense of urgency
• Extensive knowledge of all Human Resources areas including employment law, labor laws, EEO, ERISA, and other compliance mandates and ensure compliance with various state and federal laws and/or agencies throughout diverse regions; guiding business managers to proactively identify and navigate risks.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with excellent usage of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Benefits

$81,120 - $133,380

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

• Modern day professional office environment.
• Working with leadership and peers, seeks professional development opportunities to foster independent strategic thinking and skillful execution of all employee and labor relations functions.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance