Labor Relations Specialist

The Labor Relations Lead for the Lafayette and Chandler manufacturing facilities serves as the subject matter expert in labor relations within our plant operations.  This role partners closely with department and area managers to support strategic and tactical goals in employee and labor relations.  The ideal candidate will foster positive labor-management relationships, ensure compliance with labor agreements, and contribute to a collaborative and productive work environment.

Labor Agreement Guidance:

Provide expert advice on the administration and interpretation of labor agreements and HR policies to ensure consistent and compliant application.

Strategic Labor Relations:

Collaborate with leadership across departments to identify opportunities and implement labor relations strategies that enhance operational efficiency and flexibility.

Grievance and Arbitration Management:

Lead 2^nd step grievance hearings, resolve issues appropriately, and support 3^rd step grievance hearings and arbitration processes, including case preparation and presentation.

HR Partnership:

Serve as the primary HR contact for operations, delivering comprehensive support in labor and employee relations matters.

Union and Management Communication:

Maintain ongoing communication with union representatives, bargaining committees, plant leadership, and legal counsel to foster positive labor-management relations.

Supervisor Training and Development:

Design and deliver training for supervisors and front-line leaders on labor relations topics, including contract interpretation, grievance handling, and effective communication with union-represented employees.

Employee Investigations:

Conduct thorough and timely investigations into workplace issues involving hourly employees, ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and compliance with labor agreements and company policies.

HR Function Leadership:

Lead select HR initiatives across the plant, ensuring alignment with company policies, values, and strategic goals.

Compliance Oversight:

Ensure all employment practices—including hiring, promotions, demotions, and discipline—comply with collective bargaining agreements, EEO laws, and internal policies.

Regulatory Awareness:

Stay current with local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance and best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of 5 years of labor relations experience in a unionized environment
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and bargaining labor agreements
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across all organizational levels
• Strong conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience bargaining to impasse
• Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) designation
• Extensive labor relations experience in a manufacturing setting

Key Competencies:

• Emotional Intelligence: Maintains composure and objectivity in high-pressure situations.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels.

• Relationship Building: Proven ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Organization & Prioritization: Manages multiple priorities and projects with efficiency and attention to detail.

• Problem Solving: Applies sound judgment and critical thinking to resolve complex labor relations issues.

• Professionalism: Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and a high standard of conduct in all interactions, especially when handling sensitive labor and employee relations matters.