Manager, Labor Relations

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Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

Service Operations North America (SONA) is a part of SO&T and has about 1,000 employees across the United States and Canada. We operate the Central Distribution Center in Byhalia, MS as well as Regional Distribution Centers across the NA region. The Byhalia CDC is a 1 million square foot facility located approximately 25 miles southeast of Memphis, TN and employs 500+ employees (approximately 70% unionized).

The Labor Relations Manager is part of the Byhalia People & Culture function. This is leadership position, managing the site labor relations team and providing support and guidance to the operational management team, first line management and P&C function with respect to the collective bargaining agreement and other labor relations matters. This is both a strategic and hands-on role that helps to drive the business objectives of the operation and promotes a strong and effective working relationship with the union.

To be successful in this position, you are a visionary and inclusive leader with a strong ability to influence and inspire others. You demonstrate strong courage to challenge and develop, and you truly embrace and live our leadership principles: to lead with passion, perform with purpose and transform with vision.

This position reports to the People & Culture Manager of the Byhalia CDC and is based full-time on-site in Byhalia, MS.

• Actively partner with business and operational leaders in order to develop and execute a comprehensive labor relations strategy in support of operational objectives.
• Advise, coach and educate people leaders and the People & Culture team regarding labor relations matters with a strong focus on collective bargaining agreement (CBA) interpretation, administration, and labor legal compliance.
• Lead a team of labor relations professionals. Provide ongoing teaching, coaching and career development support.
• Work closely with union representation to grow and maintain a strong and effective relationship.
• Ensure consistent administration and interpretation of the CBA, site work rules and Company policies.
• Seek guidance from the SONA Regional Employee & Labor Relations Manager to ensure alignment with SONA strategic labor relations priorities and objectives.
• Serve as the designated Company representative at the local level of the grievance procedure and participate at other levels as required.
• Support contract negotiations by identifying issues, developing proposals, and building a business case to support the Company’s position.
• Act as a change agent to drive a continuous improvement mindset in a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Champion the Volvo culture as well as assure alignment of management actions with Volvo Group values and principles.
• Perform special initiatives, projects and other assignments as directed by the P&C Manager.
• Lead and act according to Volvo values.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor/Industrial Relations or a related field required. Advanced/graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of Labor Relations experience required, preferably working in a distribution/manufacturing environment.
• Collective bargaining experience negotiating contracts and other agreements directly with the union preferred.
• 2 years of people leadership experience preferred.
• Human Resources professional certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change, set demanding targets and motivate teams and individuals to deliver outside of their comfort zones.

Necessary Competences,

Skills and Abilities

• As all documentation is in English, proficiency in the English language is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to network effectively across a…