Director of Labor Relations & Employment Counsel

Responsibilities

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is currently in search of Director of Labor Relations & Employment Counsel to join its Human Resources and Legal organization. This position is responsible for providing practical legal advice on a wide variety of labor and employment issues and providing creative broad impact solutions across Howmet’s Global operating locations worldwide.

Pittsburgh based residency preferred, regions in which Howmet currently conducts business will also be considered.

Major Activities / Key Challenges

• Lead the review and analysis of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to ensure they are legally compliant and aligned with company policies and business objectives.
• Advise and guide management on compliance with labor laws and regulations (e.g., National Labor Relations Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, OSHA regulations, etc.) and interpret legal language in union contracts.
• Provide legal counsel and support during collective bargaining negotiations, focusing on minimizing legal risks and ensuring the company’s legal interests are protected.
• Oversee the legal aspects of grievance procedures, disputes, and arbitration, ensuring adherence to contractual and legal requirements.
• Identify and assess legal risks related to union activities, labor disputes, and contract violations, and provide actionable recommendations to management.
• Keep senior management informed on the latest developments in labor law and union-related legal matters, advising on potential impacts to the company.
• Collaborate with HR and legal teams to develop and update internal policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with labor laws and union agreements.
• Supervise and manage Howmet’s North America employment group and provide counsel on a broad spectrum of employment law issues, including but not limited to leaves of absence, hiring, discipline, terminations, contingent labor, job classifications, performance, wage and hour compliance, restrictive covenants, unfair labor practice charges, reductions in force, etc.
• Advise on complex and challenging employment and labor matters, including state and federal compliance (e.g., ADA, ADEA, Title VII, FMLA, FLSA, WARN Act and state/municipal equivalents).
• Monitor federal, state and local legislation, regulations, case law, and government enforcement activities relating to employment and labor issues and provide proactive, strategic advice to the HR community and all relevant stakeholders.
• Partner and provide legal support to Chief Litigation Counsel regarding internal and external employment investigations, external agency employment claims, and litigation matters.
• Review, interpret and make recommendations to leadership for improvement of company policies, procedures, handbooks, and programs per changes in federal and state laws and regulations.
• Effectively manage outside counsel and associated costs.
• Partner with Human Resources to provide proactive risk analysis for terminations and restructures.
  
  

Essential Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to ascertain a deep understanding of the business, its objectives, risk tolerances, labor and relevant bargaining contracts.
• Ability to lead and develop multiple lawyer direct reports.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and oral and written communication skills.
• Experience interfacing with executive and senior management and providing a high-level of client service.
• Demonstrate, advocate, and promote Howmet’s values and policies, and compliance and Legal department practices.
• Demonstrate commitment and accountability for timely completion of projects with minimal monitoring or supervision and ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships within Howmet’s Human Resources and Legal Department and contacts within resource units and/or business units associated within their area of practice.
• Strong leadership and the ability to advocate with the appropriate degree of confidence.
• Ability to effectively communicate, collaborate and interact with a diverse group of clients, peers, support staff and team members.
• Ability to travel on behalf of the company.