Associate & Labor Relations Partner

The Associate & Labor Relations Partner is a key member of the Associate and Labor Relations Center of Excellence (COE), reporting directly to the Manager of Associate & Labor Relations. This role is instrumental in cultivating a positive, compliant, and inclusive workplace by leading complex employee relations investigations, supporting labor relations strategy, and ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures. The Partner plays a critical role in resolving workplace concerns, managing union relationships, and supporting organizational compliance with employment laws and collective bargaining agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Associate Relations:
• Serve as the primary investigator for complex employee relations matters, including allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
• Conduct thorough, impartial investigations and prepare detailed documentation and recommendations.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution.
• Support the resolution of EEOC claims and other regulatory complaints in collaboration with legal and compliance teams.
• Labor Relations:
• Lead or support the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Serve as a liaison with union representatives to maintain positive labor-management relationships.
• Manage grievance and arbitration processes, ensuring timely and fair resolution in accordance with CBAs and policies.
• Provide guidance to leaders on contract interpretation and labor-related matters.
• Policy & Compliance:
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures across all employee and labor relations matters.
• Monitor trends in associate relations and labor activity to identify risks and recommend proactive solutions.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and NLRA.
• Training & Development:
• Assist in the development and delivery of training for leaders on topics such as investigations, documentation, conflict resolution, and labor relations fundamentals.
• Promote awareness and understanding of policies, procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Organizational & Operational Support
• Partner with HR Business Partners and leaders to support a positive workplace culture and address emerging concerns.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Associate & Labor Relations COE.

Job Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Advanced HR certifications (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years of direct labor relations experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex associate relations issues.
• Experience with union negotiations and grievance handling required.
• Experience in a COE environment or within a complex, regulated industry is a plus.
• Skills & Abilities:
• Strong knowledge of employment and labor laws, including EEOC regulations and collective bargaining processes.
• Proven ability to conduct sensitive investigations with discretion, fairness, and professionalism.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with associates, leaders, and union representatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.