Manager, HR Business Partner

Sterling Heights, MI, United States (On-site)

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

As part of our Human Resources team, you’ll help us attract, hire and retain the top talent we need to achieve our bold vision. You’ll play a vital role in defining, developing and maintaining the winning culture that empowers diverse individuals to work together and create the impossible. We’re seeking change leaders, talent strategists, employee advocates and culture architects to enable our teams, partners, and businesses to do and be their best.

In this position...

The Manager, Employee Relations is accountable for the performance and results of the Employee Relations team. The role ensures the resolution of employee relations issues, such as conflicts, disputes, and disciplinary matters, with fairness and consistency in a timely manner. The role closely partners with HR leadership and collaborates with other functions/ departments. The role also supervises the maintenance of accurate documentation, implementation of effective communication strategies, and investigation of escalated complaints.

The role has expertise in interpreting and administering labor agreements, analyzing trends, and providing guidance on policies and compliance, thereby contributing to a compliant and ethical work environment. The role has limited to full management authority for staffing, performance, discipline, pay decisions, team development, and other personnel actions.

What you'll do...

• Manages resolution of employee union, and work council relations issues, such as conflicts, disputes, and disciplinary matters, with fairness and consistency in a timely manner. Ensures compliance with employment laws, regulations, and company policies. Actively participates in preparing collective bargaining agreements and in associated negotiations with employee unions.
• Distributes and assigns all casework to the Employee Relations team, monitors volume for workload and emerging trends, serves as a primary point of contact for case escalation, and guides the Employee Relations team on investigations/responses to ethics and compliance hotline.
• Develops and monitors case quality to ensure great overall experiences, develops internal reporting templates for senior HR management, HRBPs, and Employee relations teams and populates them.
• Assists in the design and implementation of performance management systems, including performance evaluations, goal setting, feedback mechanisms, and performance improvement plans. Provides guidance and support to managers in addressing performance-related issues. Administers feedback mechanisms for employees to share suggestions on lean process improvement initiatives and assists with associated change management initiatives.
• Responds to and resolves all types of discrimination charges and complaints and works with legal counsel on lawsuit discovery and litigation preparation. Coordinates with specialists, HR teams, people leaders, and employees for appropriate and fair implementation of people policies ensuring compliance and consistency.
• Develops long-term plans for the achievement of employee relations goals and initiatives in line with the organization’s long-term business strategy, objectives, and financial plans, ensuring optimal human resource utilization.
• Participates in the delivery of HR-specific communications and policies related to employee contracts including employment terms and conditions, code of conduct, workforce retrenchment, etc. whilst ensuring high employee motivation, morale, and a positive work environment.
• Interprets and administers company policies and procedures related to employee relations and workplace conduct, and ensures that policies are up-to-date, compliant with relevant laws, communicated effectively to employees, and consistently enforced.
• Oversees the maintenance of accurate and confidential employee records and data related to employee relations…