Sr. Manager of Employee and Labor Relations - Metro

Metro is seeking a Senior Manager of Employee and Labor Relations to manage the day-to-day functions of the Employee and Labor Relations Department. The right candidate for this position will have a degree in Human Resources, Employee Relations or a related field and experience responding to employee issues, managing labor relations, facilitating the grievance process, and conducting investigations. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead, conduct and document thorough, fair and objective complex employment related investigations including, but not limited to employee complaints, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA
• Respond to and resolves employee related issues, properly elevating issues when warranted.
• Actively participates and promotes positive relationships between SORTA and its employees and recognized labor representatives   
• Coaches and Counsels management staff in the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and related documents
• Creates and Conducts training related to labor and employee management in promotion of organizational effectiveness and risk mitigation
• Assists in the creation of policies and procedures
• Actively participates in and leads when requested, departmental and organizational teams, projects and committees
• Assists in preparing employee and labor related agreements
• Monitors and manages employee and labor related agreements
• Actively assists in employment related proceedings acting as SORTA representative where assigned
• Responds to and Manages employment related claims when assigned
• Stays up to date and ensures necessary updates are made regarding the most recent employment and labor related laws, regulations, trends and best practices
• Maintains excellent recordkeeping exercising strict confidentiality where prudent
• Effectively resolves employment related conflicts while promoting organizational values
• Partners with leaders to proactively identify and address potential employee and labor relations issues and develop preventative measures
• Assists in the development and implementation of employee and labor related strategies to promote operational efficiencies, employee experience and employee retention
• Manages the employee and labor relations case management system for proper data capture, required confidentiality, any related legal requirements and to ensure timely and effective resolution of matters
• Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran.
• Ability to work in compliance with SORTA's safety and security policies. 
• Maintain open, honest, and timely communication with personnel involved in investigations/projects  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Communications - Excellent verbal and written skills; Persuasive, consensus builder.
• Customer Focus - Excellent problem-solving skills and a desire to exceed customer expectations.  Model, facilitate and encourage exemplary internal and external customer service, open communication, collaboration and participation among staff.
• Employee Development - Competent in assessing employee skills: coaches, delegates, and supports employee development.  Provides constructive feedback. 
• Leadership - Energetic, innovative self-starter, committed to continuous improvement and creative problem solving. 
• Professional Integrity - Exhibits and values commitment, leadership, accountability, diversity, honesty, fiscal responsibility and the ability to maximize resources. 
• Proficiency - Able to multi-task, plan and measure results, create and analyze data, excellent computer skills, accuracy and attention to detail, excellent project management skills.

EDCUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Labor Relations or related field required
• Advanced degree (Masters, JD) in Human Resource Management, Employee Relations or Labor Relations preferred
• Seven (7) years experience in employee and/or labor relations including responding to employee issues and responding to grievances
• Five (5) years experience in conducting effective informational and interrogatory interviews
• Experience managing/supervising employees, preferably in a union environment.
• Experience writing reports subject to potential legal or administrative action.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:                   

• Thorough understanding of Employment and Labor Law (Ohio public sector preferred)
• Proficient in the MS Office (or similar) suite, including, but not limited to, Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint; GroupWise email; Maximo (or similar) inventory management and purchasing modules.
• Ability to learn new computer programs (software and applications).
• Ability to lift and carry materials and supplies, up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to respond to critical situations and work a flexible schedule as required.
• Ability to collaborate, build relationships, gain credibility, and partner effectively with others up and down a matrixed organization
• Strong verbal and written communications
• Managerial courage demonstrated through effective, direct and respectful communications.
• Aptitude for critical thinking and succinctly presenting the best course of action
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify and develop sources of information relative to the task at hand
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information is maintained
• Ability to conduct research using multiple information and data sources
• Strong interpersonal skills used to build rapport with all parties involved
• Ability to work independently, with limited supervision
• Ability to effectively participate on teams and lead when required