Principal or Senior Labor Relations Consultant

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary Provide strategic direction to various Operating Company Leadership and interface with Union Executives for the purpose of negotiating labor agreements and interpretation of corporate policies. Serves as Lead Negotiator for interim and general Labor Agreements as well as grievance and arbitration resolutions. Primary responsibility for corporate compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations pertaining to employee/labor relations. Assumes a leadership role in balancing consultant workload and manages the implementation of systematic processes to improve workforce relations products and services.

Provide strategic direction, guidance and consultation to business unit leaders that improve overall effectiveness of the business and ensure alignment of Workforce Relations and business unit strategies processes and practices.

Essential Responsibilities Responsible for managing an effective and collaborative working relationship between the local union and Business Unit company management assuring alignment with the Xcel Energy Labor Strategy.

Develops and manages strategies to achieve corporate goals and initiatives for agreements and solutions to business needs (Business Unit) which may include brokering of services to internal/external vendors, direct services and/ or referral to appropriate Xcel experts.

Strategically coordinating and overseeing the Company's managerial activities regarding union organizing drives. Manages the implementation of the Company's response to such activity.

Serves as Lead Negotiator for large interim agreements. Works independently to provide expert testimony and research services on company policy, employment and labor law, bargaining agreements in processing grievances, ULP charges, arbitrations and other litigation to minimize corporate liability and exposure.

Provide overall direction in the development and implementation through specific cost avoidance analysis, forecasting analysis and cost benefit analysis for potential modifications to Labor Agreements. Direct, influence, guide and advise Company management (Business Unit specific) regarding interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, letters of understandings and corporate policy.

Responsible for conducting customer needs analysis regarding training requests from the various Business Units and assuring resource availability.

Responsible for leading labor relations activities associated with Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), community workforce agreements, prevailing wage obligations, and other labor requirements applicable to public works and large capital projects. Partners with project teams, contractors, and union representatives to mitigate labor risk and ensure successful project delivery.

Minimum Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Business Administration or equivalent education and /or experience.
8 years of progressively, responsible experience in Labor Relations, Employee Relations or management experience.

Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience working with bargaining unit employees is required.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the…