Labor Relations Manager

Job Summary

Responsible for the administration, and interpretation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). This role involves developing and implementing labor relations strategies, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, resolving labor disputes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.. The Manager also develops and maintains a strong working relationship with union representatives, focused on working collaboratively to achieve our shared interests. The manager will assist in the negotiation of agreements with represented work group.

Essential Functions

• Negotiate collective bargaining agreements with labor unions.
• Develop and maintain a positive relationship between union representation and management by using a collaborative and interest-based approach
• Develop and maintain positive and functional relationships with labor organizations representing the various work groups
• Provide advice and guidance to senior leadership on topics related to the administration, negotiation, and interpretation of CBAs, including grievance management and alternative dispute resolution, negotiation strategies and opportunities, and interpretation and implementation matters
• Conduct training sessions for management and employees on labor relations topics.
• Provide prompt and effective support on labor-related issues to management within multiple corporate departments
• Work collaboratively with union representation to resolve disputes and grievances, negotiate settlements, and if necessary, arbitrate difficult cases under the RLA
• Participate in negotiations on behalf of management for new work rules and other matters for organized employee groups
• Travel as needed to build and maintain relationships with the operational teams and unions, as well as to investigate and adjudicate grievances
• Manage tracking and reporting of grievances and work with operational areas to support compliance.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Labor Relations procedures, labor laws, legislative change, dispute resolution, and other pertinent union issues

Education Description

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, or related field
• Master of Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or Juris Doctor preferred

• A minimum of 10 years of applicable work experience related to CenterPoint Energy’s labor relations work practices can be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

Experience

• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in Labor Relations or operation management of unionized employees
• 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
• Contract administration and negotiation experience
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in Labor Relations or operation management of unionized employees
• 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
• Contract administration and negotiation experience