Metro is seeking a Senior Manager of Employee and Labor Relations to manage the day-to-day functions of the Employee and Labor Relations Department. The right candidate for this position will have a degree in Human Resources, Employee Relations or a related field and experience responding to employee issues, managing labor relations, facilitating the grievance process, and conducting investigations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead, conduct and document thorough, fair and objective complex employment related investigations including, but not limited to employee complaints, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA Respond to and resolve employee related issues, properly elevating issues when warranted. Actively participate and promote positive relationships between SORTA and its employees and recognized labor representatives. Coach and counsel management staff in the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and related documents. Create and conduct training related to labor and employee management in promotion of organizational effectiveness and risk mitigation. Assist in the creation of policies and procedures. Actively participate in and lead when requested, departmental and organizational teams, projects and committees. Assist in preparing employee and labor related agreements. Monitor and manage employee and labor related agreements. Actively assist in employment related proceedings acting as SORTA representative where assigned. Respond to and manage employment related claims when assigned. Stay up to date and ensure necessary updates are made regarding the most recent employment and labor related laws, regulations, trends and best practices. Maintain excellent recordkeeping exercising strict confidentiality where prudent. Effectively resolve employment related conflicts while promoting organizational values. Partner with leaders to proactively identify and address potential employee and labor relations issues and develop preventative measures. Assist in the development and implementation of employee and labor related strategies to promote operational efficiencies, employee experience and employee retention. Manage the employee and labor relations case management system for proper data capture, required confidentiality, any related legal requirements and to ensure timely and effective resolution of matters. Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran. Ability to work in compliance with SORTA's safety and security policies. Maintain open, honest, and timely communication with personnel involved in investigations/projects. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Communications - Excellent verbal and written skills; persuasive, consensus builder. Customer Focus - Excellent problem-solving skills and a desire to exceed customer expectations. Model, facilitate and encourage exemplary internal and external customer service, open communication, collaboration and participation among staff. Employee Development - Competent in assessing employee skills: coaches, delegates, and supports employee development. Provides constructive feedback. Leadership - Energetic, innovative self-starter, committed to continuous improvement and creative problem solving. Professional Integrity - Exhibits and values commitment, leadership, accountability, diversity, honesty, fiscal responsibility and the ability to maximize resources. Proficiency - Able to multi-task, plan and measure results, create and analyze data, excellent computer skills, accuracy and attention to detail, excellent project management skills. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Labor Relations or related field required. Advanced degree (Masters, JD) in Human Resource Management, Employee Relations or Labor Relations preferred. Seven (7) years experience in employee and/or labor relations including responding to employee issues and responding to grievances. Five (5) years experience in conducting effective informational and interrogatory interviews. Experience managing/supervising employees, preferably in a union environment. Experience writing reports subject to potential legal or administrative action. SKILLS & ABILITIES: Thorough understanding of Employment and Labor Law (Ohio public sector preferred). Proficient in the MS Office (or similar) suite, including, but not limited to, Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint; GroupWise email; Maximo (or similar) inventory management and purchasing modules. Ability to learn new computer programs (software and applications). Ability to lift and carry materials and supplies, up to 50 lbs. Ability to respond to critical situations and work a flexible schedule as required. Ability to collaborate, build relationships, gain credibility, and partner effectively with others up and down a matrixed organization. Strong verbal and written communications. Managerial courage demonstrated through effective, direct and respectful communications. Aptitude for critical thinking and succinctly presenting the best course of action. Exceptional organizational, analytical, leadership and interpersonal skills. Ability to identify and develop sources of information relative to the task at hand. Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information is maintained. Ability to conduct research using multiple information and data sources. Strong interpersonal skills used to build rapport with all parties involved. Ability to work independently, with limited supervision. Ability to effectively participate on teams and lead when required. J-18808-Ljbffr