Lead Labor Relations Specialist

Lead Labor Relations Specialist

Manages collective bargaining activities and provides labor relations strategy and consulting. Establishes and maintains satisfactory labor-management relationships. Analyzes the various collective bargaining agreements to provide interpretation of intent, spirit and terms of the agreements. Advises leadership and union officials in development, interpretation and application of labor relations policies and practices. May serve as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining.

Essential Functions :

• Serve as the primary leadership contact with respect to labor relations issues and concerns on a day-to-day basis
• May serve as first chair as a member of management's bargaining committee during collective bargaining agreement negotiations
• Coordinates with business on collective bargaining strategy and plans, including business contingency plans
• Negotiates directly with union representatives to resolve disputes and issues
• Advises leadership and union officials on development, applications, and interpretation of company labor relations policies and practices
• Leads the grievance dispute resolution processes between grieving workers, supervisory and managerial personnel and union representatives to investigate and resolve grievances
• Monitors trends and proactively advises labor relations team and leadership on resolution of issues
• Assists business leaders in preparing responses to grievances at all levels of the grievance process
• Coordinates with internal and external legal counsel in preparing and presenting grievances at arbitration
• Provides testimony and input based on a thorough knowledge of issues, research, and relevant history of past practice, preparation of exhibits, etc. at hearings, meetings, and other proceedings
• Works in partnership with other HR business partners in managing employee and labor relations
• Monitors the implementation of policies concerning wages, hours, and working conditions to ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreements

Education : Bachelor's degree in industrial relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. Master of Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or Juris Doctor preferred.

Experience : Minimum seven (7) years of Human Resources experience to include three (3) years' experience in Labor Relations. Experience with a variety of Labor Relations issues; negotiations, grievance administration, arbitration, disciplinary actions, investigations, contract administration, etc. In-depth knowledge of employment related laws, particularly the NLRA.

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

Competitive pay, paid training, benefits eligibility begins on your first day, transit subsidies, flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off, access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston, professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement, 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution.