Employee Relations Manager

REPORTS TO:  Director HR Partnerships

SUPERVISES: Human Resources Coordinators, Human Resources Business Partners

The purpose of the position of Employee Relations Manager is to promote positive employee relations throughout the organization by ensuring development and implementation of consistent and equitable processes, provide guidance on best practices, identify solutions and diffuse issues to mitigate risk, and maintain legal compliance.

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides vision and critical leadership to manage the Employee Relations function in support of the values, mission and culture of Austal USA.

• Provides leadership to Employee Relations Team.

• Manages and coaches team to encourage continual development and awareness of employment law updates and briefings in support of advancing team member subject matter knowledge.

• Provides direction to proactively identify risks, diffuse issues, provide employee and management consultation, conduct investigations and resolve issues as they arise.

• Collaborates with Corporate Employment Law Advisors in order to identify and develop solutions around employee relations issues.

• Fosters a positive employee relations environment which drives engagement, inclusion, and ensures a working environment free from harassment.

• Serves as an escalation point for complex employee relations issues and investigations by utilizing strong negotiation, conflict resolution, mediation skills and experience

• Partners with HR leadership and the legal team to represent Austal USA in charge investigations and/or litigation cases.

• Reviews the impact of the Employee Relations function and develops recommendations to address facility and organizational training needs.

• Develops and monitors metrics/tracking mechanisms that measure results, efficiency and cost effectiveness, while ensuring employee disputes and complaints are handled in a timely and appropriate manner.

• Provides guidance to leadership as needed, for difficult or actionable grievances filed by employees.

• Oversees the analysis, maintenance and communication of records required by law or regulatory bodies.

• Responsibility for developing, interpreting, and recommending program goals and objectives, policies, and procedures, and courses of action.

• Responsible for managing the employee relations activities according to established guidelines and sound administrative practices.

• Formulates and recommends program goals and objectives in all areas of employee relations.  

• Prepares and presents required and special reports.

• Conducts exit interviews with staff to determine if corrective action may retain valued staff. Discusses exit interview findings with senior management. 

• Recommends solutions to administration when repetition of individual problems indicates negative trends.

• Maintains an attitude and philosophy consistent with the company’s standards.

• Performs other duties as assigned or as may be necessary.

• Act as a Compliance Champion for the organization and work to promote a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

• Support business unit Tier 1 Compliance Lead in responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Employee Relations, Human Resources or relevant related field and minimum of ten years of Employee Relations experience required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with a large-sized organization in a manufacturing environment preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex employee relations matters, conduct investigations, and influence leadership in high-risk situations.

• Demonstrated experience in managing and administering a broad range of tasks including resolving complaints, counseling managers and employees on the interpretation of policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources management and supervision in a non-union environment.

• Demonstrated experience in preparation of comprehensive reports and clear and concise representation of ideas, both orally and in writing.

• Extensive knowledge of applicable state and federal employment and labor laws and governmental compliance requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required

• Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting for extended periods of time and operating assigned office equipment, and other duties as assigned.

• SHRM Certified Professional (PHR) or Senior Professional (SPHR) preferred.

TOOLS:

DIRECTION EXERCISED:  Supervises and provides direction to subordinate staff

DISCRETION EXERCISED: Must be able to research information and analyze data to arrive at valid conclusions, recommendations, and plans of action.

LIAISES WITH:  Employees at all levels of the organization

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

• Candidates must be able to provide proof of US Person status.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps).

• Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards.

• Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures.

• Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands.

• Able to utilize adequate visual skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing some functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing some of the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and heat.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold.  The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

SAFETY

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks. 

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal’s commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.