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Director, Labor Relations
Simmons Bedding Company
Atlanta, GA, United States
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Position Details
Reports to: SVP Human Resources
SUMMARY:
The Director, Labor Relations helps shape both the union-free and collective bargaining strategy for SSB. He/she will serve as the critical influencer in developing and driving company-wide promotion and adoption of best practices in labor relations. The Director, Labor Relations will advise on and coordinate the company's labor relations philosophy, guiding principles and practices. The Director, Labor Relations will assist in preparing outside labor counsel for representing SSB in arbitration and before the National Labor Relations Board, and other legal labor relations hearings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Leads the effort to cultivate positive labor relations environment across SSB manufacturing network. Supports both union-free initiatives as well as fosters positive working relationships with existing collective bargaining units.
• As a member of the Operations HR Leadership Team, supports the Operations transformation plans. Provides advice and direction on change initiatives as it pertains to labor relations, assesses organizational capabilities, develop programs and actions to address needs in problem areas.
• Assists with evaluating the business needs and aligns/understands the distinctive goals related to labor relations. Assists and coaches Operations leaders in best methods and techniques in labor relations.
• Represents and/or advises the various SSB manufacturing plants collective bargaining with unions representing the company's employees. This includes collaborating effectively with manufacturing plant leadership and both internal and external Labor Relations counsel to execute effective organized labor practices.
• Provides strategic advice and counsel, along with tactical guidance, to internal stakeholders regarding labor laws and union contractual obligations.
• Provides insights on trends /patterns and translates these into proactive proposals. Has personal knowledge of and comprehensive understanding of SSB union personalities, bargaining strategies, core principles and motives.
• Builds credibility with employees, maintains good morale amongst employees, gains the trust of management.
• Coordinates the preparation of needed plans and documents for union negotiations and union election campaigns. Represents or assigns a member of the HR team to represent the company during bargaining sessions.
• Prepares for an assists line management in dealing with potential labor disputes, strikes and other concerted activity, including advising management on appropriate course(s) of action.
• Prepares other unique bargaining strategies as needed, including strikes, lockouts, etc.
• Collects and analyzes data for use in formulating negotiation proposals and develops recommendations for bargaining positions and other unique strategies.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on the total cost of wages, benefits, leaves and other programs during negotiations or grievances.
• Drafts contract proposals and counterproposals. Prepares agreement for final signature by the parties involved.
• Provides consultation with regards to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) grievances and arbitrations. Prepares briefs and conducts or participates in the presentations at NLRB hearings. Manages arbitrations and unfair labor charges including drafting, opening and closing briefs. Assist in the preparing for arbitration and other administrative agency proceedings.
• Keeps abreast of all theory, practices and techniques of all areas of local, state, and federal regulations relations to Labor Relations. This includes all court decisions, court and PERB decision, regulations and standards regarding collective bargaining and labor relation activities. Prepares executive level correspondence and reports on labor relations matters to relevant stakeholders
• Prepares and distributes contract settlement summaries to management.
• Actively trains and develops key HR staff and line managers at the plant level on all union-free and collective bargaining tools, techniques and strategies
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
• Achieve high results without compromising the organization or safety of its people
• Listens to and values internal/external customers' needs, suggestions, and feedback
• Build and maintain cooperative work relationships with others
• Build a high performance culture by continuous people development and skill acquisition
• Build and maintain effective partnerships and alliances
• Living SSB Mission and Core Values
• Ability to effectively operate in a matrix reporting relationship, serving multiple functional and operational areas
• Requires ability to coordinate effectively with regional HRD peers for best practices. consistency of practice as well as effective operation of the lateral team
• Requires strong active listening & communications skills, both interpersonal and organizational
• Ability to effectively interact with a range of interpersonal styles to establish relationships in all sectors of the business
• Ability to lead others through stressful situations and earn the respect of others
• Assessment & interpretive skills required. Critical thinker, with the ability to quickly identify root causes of problems and develop creative and strategic solutions
• Sound quantitative, analytical and planning skills
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/ENVIRONMENT
• Bachelor's Degree,
• 10 years minimum experience in Labor Relations field, with a strong preference for manufacturing
• Knowledgeable of the theories, principles, practices of progressive labor relations, and all local, state and federal regulations as it relates to labor relations, including working knowledge and interpretation of the National Labor Relations Act
• Extensive experience in all areas of labor relations (i.e. lead negotiator, NLRB activities, preparation for arbitrations, case evaluations, contract negotiations, and management)
• Well versed in dispute resolution and contract analysis with strong negotiations skills required
• Office environment
• Up to 50% travel
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties or responsibilities associated with the job. Other job-related duties may be assigned.
An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer * Drug-Free Working Environment
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