Brief Role Description

The Sr. Manager, Labor Relations will be the first and main point of contact for interaction and communication with the Union. The Labor Relations Sr. Manager will coordinate collective bargaining, and union alignment processes. They will establish and maintain trustful relationships with internal and external partners so to enhance the business opportunities, a positive working environment and the best conditions to the Volkswagen, Chattanooga plant.

This is a hybrid role and is located in Chattanooga, TN USA.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Serves as lead negotiator of company collective bargaining committee in contract negotiations with union.
• Maintains current knowledge labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations and labor relations. Uses appropriate negotiation strategies to develop bargaining goals and negotiate contracts consistent with Volkswagen of Americas mission, values and goals.
• Administers and manages administration of union contracts; provides interpretation of union contracts to managers, employees and HR team; oversees processes for review and resolution of employee grievances.
• Advises managers and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures, performance issues and disciplinary actions; advises and assists managers in identifying labor  relations issues and determining appropriate course of action.
• Facilitates on-going communication and working relationships with union including coordination of joint labor-management committees. Main point of contact for union representatives.
• Provides information, advice and assistance to Human Resources regarding application of statutes, regulations, contracts and practices relating to their functional area.
• Manages the process to investigate and respond to complaints from government agencies regarding labor topics. May represent the company in hearings related to unfair labor practice complaints.
• Reconciles labor relations issues in the context of both existing labor agreements and desired future states of labor relations.

Qualification requirements

Education:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (Human Resources, legal, Industrial/Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related).

Desired:

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience with labor relations in a union automotive manufacturing environment.

Skills:

General skills needed to perform the job:

• Strong strategic, execution, collaboration and leadership skills. 
• Proven ability to successfully lead change initiatives and integration efforts toward a common goal.
• Effective problem solving, analytical, and data-driven decision making skills.
• Strong project management, planning, and organization skills, including ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead effectively in conventional structures as well as matrixed/networked teams.
• Resilient with ambiguity and complex business situations; persuasive, influential and outspoken.
• Strong interpersonal, written, presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building skills. 
• Skilled in building credibility, trust and commitment within team and among stakeholders.
• High degree of customer-centricity and sense of urgency.

Specialized Skills Required:

• 5+ years professional experience in collective bargaining, labor relations activities, grievance processing, leading contract implementation and administration.
• Employment law experience.
• Conflict resolution and mediation.
• Project Management experience.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

Work Flexibility:

• Minimal Domestic and International Travel.
• Shift Work, as required.

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