Human Resources Business Partner & Labor Relations Specialist - Fairbanks Sewer and Water*

Our Business Partner (BP) acts as a trusted advisor for their designated business units across all aspects of People and Culture, including Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Performance Management, People Strategy, and Learning & Development. In service to all members of our team, the BP provides support that is thoughtful, complete and timely. Through strategic guidance and consult, the BP empowers our managers to apply policies and procedures confidently and consistently, positively impacting performance within their teams and fostering a winning culture and employee development at a local level. The BP acts as a strategic champion and change agent. As a partner to Business Unit (BU) Leadership, the BP maintains an effective level of literacy about the business, its midrange plans, culture, and people.Who we are

Water is the common thread that connects us all. We deliver vital, safe and reliable services which enable our communities to thrive.

Through infrastructure investment and Operational Excellence, we safeguard our natural resources for today and future generations. We've got this!

The Nexus Water Group team has an opportunity for a HR Business Partner and Labor Relations Specialist in Fairbanks, AK. Our Business Partner (BP) acts as a trusted advisor for their designated business units across all aspects of People and Culture, including Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Performance Management, People Strategy, and Learning & Development. In service to all members of our team, the BP provides support that is thoughtful, complete and timely. Through strategic guidance and consult, the BP empowers our managers to apply policies and procedures confidently and consistently, positively impacting performance within their teams and fostering a winning culture and employee development at a local level. The BP acts as a strategic champion and change agent. As a partner to Business Unit (BU) Leadership, the BP maintains an effective level of literacy about the business, its midrange plans, culture, and people.

What you'll do

• Establish meaningful relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, front line managers and employees within all Corix business units on a variety of issues and topics; use every interaction as an opportunity to deliver a memorable employee experience.
• As a labor relations specialist, serves as a link between management and organized employees by handling questions, interpreting contract language. Represent the Business Unit in matters such as complaints, grievances and proposed policy changes.
• Provide guidance/coaching to managers on a variety of subjects including employee relations, performance management, employee development, succession planning and compensation. Manage and resolve complex employee issues, conducting investigations where necessary.
• Advise, counsel, and guide employees, managers and administrators on People & Culture policies, procedures, and best practices; ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations across the federal, state, provincial and local jurisdictions where we operate.
• Drive strategic programs and people initiatives to develop the desired culture throughout the organization. Provide input and influence on strategic people decisions within assigned BUs.
• Provide strategic guidance to management and employees across a wide-range of People & Culture matters spanning the full employee life cycle, aligning the needs of the business with proactive solutions.
• Work collaboratively with the People and Culture team and cross-functional leaders on organizational changes. Build strong working relationships and share knowledge of changes, new programs, policies, etc. with employees and managers.
• Manage employee relations issues and conduct effective, objective investigations.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partner with the legal department as needed/required.
• Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of support, creating sense of belonging in the workplace and further our efforts to attract and retain connected, high performing people of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and experiences.
• Provide day-to-day performance management guidance to management (e.g., coaching, counseling, disciplinary actions, terminations).
• Effectively communicate current or new policies and procedures in the language of the customer to ensure complete understanding and adoption.
• Coordinate end to end performance management process, providing coaching and guidance to managers, reviewing completed Employee Excellence Plans (performance reviews), and work with managers and employees on the creation of career development and succession plans.
• Partner with Hiring Managers and recruiters to execute talent management strategies that attract, develop, engage, and retain exceptional talent. Assist with recruiting where needed.
• Provide advice and guidance to management as needed during labor relations contract negotiations, including drafting proposals and facilitating meetings with union representatives
• Analyze current work contracts and human resources policies to determine overall state of employee relations and make innovative changes to improve morale, efficiency and overall performance
• Manage labor grievances as needed by investigating circumstances of incident, validity of claims, adherence to contract policies and completion of resolution procedures
• Develop and present informational briefings for management to improve understanding of labor relations and promote improved contract and management solutions
• Periodically reviews time entry and payroll information for contract compliance, project costing, personnel changes, and business unit specific issues.

What you'll bring

Experience

• Minimum 7 years generalist experience in human resources, benefits administration, performance management, employee relations and HRIS Analysis in a decentralized, multi-state environment.
• Minimum 7 years experience in handling and/or advising labor relations matters including contract administration, interpretation, and grievance procedures.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or Business related field.
• SHRM-CP®, SHRM-SCP®, PHR®or SPHR® certification.

Nice to Have

• Professional Training in Collective Bargaining.

Please note:

• Normal office setting
• Some work travel is required

What we offer

• Health Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. And that's just the start, we also offer virtual doctor visits, health savings and flexible spending accounts and more.
• 401(k) Program: Employer contribution. Employer contribution made to the 401(k) plan are vested at 100% and start 30 days after your start.
• Technology in the Workplace: Access to most recent computer applications like Microsoft Suite, Video Conferencing tools and utilizing tablet, laptop and/or mobile device
• Grow with us: If you are interested in further developing your skillset within the role, we offer tuition reimbursements for any certification/licensing/self-development that you would like to explore.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.
• Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program, discounted pet insurance and discounts on hotels, cars, and more

Additional Comments

This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as desired.

Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Nexus Water Group an E-Verify participating employer.

People Focused and Inclusive Culture

We attract and develop connected, high performing people of diverse background, ethnicities and experiences, who achieve their goals in alignment with our purpose, vision, and values. Creating an inclusive and respectful work environment where everyone is included and able to do their best work and feel as though they belong.

We are is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible candidate experience. Accommodations are available upon request. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

EEO Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth (or related medical condition), or any other characteristic protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

FSW***