Senior Employee Relations Team Manager

Manages the day-to-day delivery of high quality and effective field ER services on a bank-wide basis, consulting with Senior Managers, HR Business Partners, COE members, and employees. 

• Address routine and complex issues including coaching managers and employees on performance management, performance improvement, and implementation of the corrective action process.
• Address and investigate employee and regulatory complaints, manage workplace conflict issues to resolution to develop and maintain good employee relations and a productive work environment. 
• Incorporates a commitment to equal employment, belonging, and fair employment practices into all employment actions.  
• Coordinates development and revisions of bank-wide policies and procedures. 
• Participates in regulatory responses and EEOC/Human Rights investigations, and represents the Bank at hearings of a regulatory nature. 
• Manages field ER Solutions team bank-wide on day-to-day issues focusing on uniform and equitable application of organization policies and procedures while adhering to appropriate regulations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and mentors employee relations specialists on development of their technical competencies, and the interpretation and applications of corporate policies and procedures, consistent with Company values. 
• Leads as necessary significant or complex investigations, oversees implementation of the progressive discipline program and workforce restructuring events, represents the bank at regulatory meetings, unemployment hearings, and participates in OFCCP audit preparation and on site audits as required.
• Facilitates effective communication between the ER Solutions Team and  Senior ER Manager, the ER COE, the Human Resources Business Partners, Managers and employees.
• Through the ER Solutions teams, works proactively to positively impact the employee relations climate, to include risk mitigation and union avoidance.
• Focuses on the collaborative effort between the Field ER Solutions Team and the HR Business Partners on the delivery of critical response services.
• Finds ways to use Technology to improve processes, reporting and delivery of services.
• Works with team to stay informed on developments in areas related to employee relations, employment and equal opportunity regulations.
• Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Design, implement, maintain and enhance internal controls to mitigate risk on an ongoing basis.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Works under the direction of the Senior Manager Employee Relations, and collaborates with General Counsel’s Office, HR Business Partners, COE members  and Senior Line Managers to achieve successful outcomes.   

Bachelor’s degree

A minimum of 8 years’ senior level human resources experience with responsibility for employee relations, inclusive of a minimum of 5 years’ successful experience in managing HR professional in employee relations services, or in lieu of a degree a combined minimum of 12 years’ higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 8 years’ senior level human resources experience with responsibility for employee relations, inclusive of a minimum of 5 years’ successful experience in managing HR professional in employee relations services.

Significant organizational knowledge and a background in multiple disciplines within HR.

Outstanding mediation and counseling skills.

Juris Doctorate Degree.

Strong technical competence, including knowledge of employment law, and the ability to interpret and apply it consistent with corporate objectives.

Ability to think critically, use independent judgment, make decisions, and influence outcomes

Ability to interact, communicate with and engage allows levels of management and employees

Demonstrated ability to remain poised during difficult circumstances

Project management skills, demonstrated leadership experience, ability to effectively coach and manage performance.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Sound research and analytical abilities, and judgment. 

Demonstrated quality and process improvement experience, and commitment to achieving best practices. 

Ability to interact with all levels of personnel with tact and diplomacy.

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