Employee and Labor Relations Consultant
Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedEmployee and Labor Relations Consultantat its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
JOB PURPOSE
Represent the University in labor negotiations and contractual dispute resolutions with non-academic bargaining units. Provide insight and counsel to leaders and business partners on labor and employee relations issues.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Participate in contract management and contractual dispute resolution, including grievances and arbitrations. Identify and present appropriate methods for reaching contract resolution; complete brief and case follow up action as required. Prepare related statistical analysis on employee grievances and settlements. Oversee the compilation of statistical data and reference documents concerning labor market conditions, labor legislation, prevailing union and management practices, etc. Analyze collective bargaining agreements and develop interpretations of intent, spirit and terms of contract to counsel management in the development and application of labor relations policies and practices; formulate recommendations for contract modifications.
Build effective relationships with University leaders, business partners, union leadership and representatives. Provide consultation, advice and support regarding contract provisions, conditions of employment, discipline, discharge, etc. Effectively handle employee complaints, escalating matters to disciplinary action when necessary. Work towards resolving employee relations issues in the workplace to ensure certain workplace standards are met, and that employee concerns and are addressed. Develop training materials for contract administration by line managers. Serve as a consultant and liaison to key strategic business partners on compliance with labor agreements, contractual requirements for major organizational changes etc.
Develop negotiation strategy that reflects the needs of the administration and produces desired results. Participate in collective bargaining preparations and negotiations, including identifying and recommending contract revisions, preparing related cost projections, analyzing economic provisions and proposals, initiating the development of University responses, as well as developing and drafting management proposals and counter proposals, and finalizing agreed upon terms.
Facilitates, leads, and participates in large-scale organizational projects and multidisciplinary teams. Assists in the design and implementation of business focused policies, processes, and procedures that are in alignment with University strategies and objectives.
Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor's degree in human resources, industrial and labor relations, business administration or related fields. Juris Doctorate or advanced degree in labor relations combined with human resources experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Experience:
A minimum of 5 years, 7-10 years preferred, of human resources and labor relations experience in large, complex organizations. Contract negotiation experience. Experience conducting investigations, managing, and resolving conflicts. Experience in an organization where human resources & labor relations are strategically aligned to the core business is strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Depth and breadth of human resources and labor relations: ability to articulate broadly and deeply about core areas of labor relations and human resources laws, regulations, practices at a level consistent with at least five years' progressively responsible human resources and labor relations experience in a large, complex organization. Demonstrated knowledge of employee and labor relations.
Leadership/management/teamwork: Demonstrated capability to form and effectively facilitate organizational-wide multidisciplinary teams, and to gain cooperation and buy in of staff, stakeholders, and other entities in absence of formal authority. Demonstrated ability to introduce and lead large-scale change through assigned work groups and organization as a whole.
Ability to value all people, understand, and appreciate their unique experiences, styles, talents and perspectives. Ability to help create an inclusive and welcoming environment where employees can bring their best authentic selves to work and utilize diversity to drive innovation.
Service excellence orientation: Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with employees at all levels. Can function as a team leader and team member as situation requires. Strives to promote esprit de corps with team members. Effectively negotiates turnaround times and manages internal partner expectations.
Business orientation: Possesses a business orientation first, sales/marketing orientation second, and HR orientation third. Displays an appropriate bias for action that demonstrates deep understanding of business needs and service excellence standards. Demonstrates ability to "think ahead" to anticipate needs of team and internal partners s/he is supporting. Consistently exercises appropriate judgment and discretion in all job functions, even when clearly defined processes may not be in place. Identifies viable courses of action first, and reviews recommendations (as appropriate) with next-level manager.
Process development, implementation, and improvement; project management: Demonstrated ability to develop and successfully implement sound, repeatable business/human resources processes, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and effectiveness. Can appropriately identify core business issues, viable business-oriented solutions, and necessary resources. Ability to effectively operationalize defined processes. Demonstrated ability to structure, implement, and manage to successful completion complex business projects.
Communication: Must have highly effective verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the University, candidates, and other individuals external to WSU. Demonstrated ability to "sell" ideas and concepts and gain buy in of targeted audiences.
Technology: Working knowledge of current technology (i.e., HRIS, applicant flow technology, and standard business word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software) and social platforms. Can articulate working knowledge of standard business systems and software.
School/College/Division:
H49 - Human Resources
Primary department:
H4801 - Labor Relations
Employment type:
Funding/salary information:
Working conditions:
Job openings:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Equal employment opportunity statement:
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of colo
