Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Our client, a national facility services company, is looking for a bilingual (English and Spanish) Labor and Employee Relations Specialist for their human resources team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for labor relations and human resources matters, gathering, collecting, and maintaining documents and records required for contract and policy development, investigations, and collective bargaining negotiations. This person will also play a strategic role in supporting manager development and continuous improvement of HR policies and training programs that support the business. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role will lead the company's employee relations team.

This position is in-person at their headquarters in Yonkers, NY, and requires the willingness and ability to travel via car as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Employee & Labor Relations

• Lead Employee Relations Specialist team to ensure timely resolution of ER issues and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Serve as the primary contact for escalated employee relations concerns from employees, supervisors, and union representatives.
• Support employees and managers to address workplace concerns, grievances, and disputes.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve labor relations, including negotiations, grievance handling, and arbitration preparation.
• Manage and respond to data requests from unions, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Represent the company by participating in unemployment hearings, arbitrations, and other legal proceedings.
• Stay updated on employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, EEO) and advise leadership on compliance.

Performance Management & Compliance

• Oversee all performance management activities for field employees, including coaching managers and approving documentation, PIPs, warnings, and terminations; coach and develop ER Specialist team.
• Ensure all employee records are updated in partnership with the People Operations team.
• Ensure company compliance with union seniority rules and other labor agreements.
• Own the annual employee handbook recertification process.

HR Training & Site Support

• Develop, lead, and conduct training programs for managers on employee relations, performance management, compliance, and other HR issues.
• Conduct regular site visits to provide HR support and ensure consistency in HR process implementation across locations.
• Collaborate with leadership to enhance workplace culture, employee engagement, and retention strategies.
• Intake patterns to assess what the field needs from a management perspective.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• SHRM-CP or SCP designation preferred.
• 5 years of HR experience, with a strong focus on employee relations and labor relations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, union relations, and HR best practices.
• Experience working with either 32BJ or similar unions.
• Experience working with labor laws across multiple states strongly preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• Driver's license and willingness to travel when needed required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent math skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to HR and contract negotiations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency in HRIS, data tracking, and reporting tools.

Compensation:

• Salary: $80,000.00 per year (90k after probation period)
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance