Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

ACTS Brand • Des Plaines, IL

1d • $80,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a mid-level Human Resources professional to serve as Employee & Labor Relations Manager and ultimately grow into a leader of our Human Resources team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel and working closely with our Senior Human Resources Managers, this role will serve as a key resource in ensuring organizational compliance with employment laws and regulations while managing labor relations activities. The ideal candidate will have a background supporting multi-state business operations and possess a strong understanding of employment law, varied experience in employee investigations and management, and ability to navigate complex workplace issues with professionalism and sound judgment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (concentration in HR, Business, Labor Relations, or related field preferred)
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with substantive exposure to compliance, employee relations, and/or labor relations matters
• Working knowledge of employment law and regulatory requirements
• Experience conducting workplace investigations
• Ability to quickly process workflows and prioritize and manage a varied workload
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP)
• Experience working in the service industry and/or labor-based business environments (airline industry a plus)
• Experience supporting multi-state business operations with demonstrated knowledge of varying state and local employment laws and regulations across different jurisdictions
• Working knowledge of HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) including data management, reporting capabilities, and compliance tracking functionalities

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and OSHA requirements
• Develop, maintain, and implement HR policies and procedures to maintain compliance and alignment with organizational objectives
• Develop and deliver training programs in coordination with external partners on compliance topics, company policies, and labor relations matters
• Support administration of leave of absence programs including FMLA, state family and medical leave, paid sick leave, and leaves afforded by collective bargaining agreements and living wage ordinances
• Track and monitor wage and hour compliance including meal and rest break requirements and timekeeping practices
• Work with external partners to prepare and submit required regulatory reports to appropriate agencies including EEO-1 reports and OSHA 300 logs
• Maintain positive working relationships with union representatives and facilitate collaborative problem-solving on workplace matters
• Administer CBAs to ensure consistent interpretation and application
• Manage formal grievance process from initial filing through final resolution, ensuring adherence to contractual procedures and timelines and coordinating with operational leaders on appropriate remedies
• Assist internal stakeholders and external partners with CBA negotiations, System Board proceedings, and arbitrations
• Provide guidance to managers and employees on compliance-related questions, workplace policies, and employee relations issues
• Partner with operational leadership to address performance management issues and provide coaching on effective communication, conflict resolution, and employee management strategies
• Address and investigate employee complaints and concerns by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings
• Document investigative findings and fashion appropriate corrective actions including coaching, training, or progressive discipline
• Advise managers on appropriate use of progressive discipline and review and approve disciplinary actions to ensure consistency and compliance with company policy, applicable laws, and CBAs
• Manage employee recognition programs and develop effective employee engagement strategies to drive retention and development

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Health and Wellness Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement and Financial Benefits 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid Time Off Generous paid time off (PTO) policy including vacation, sick leave, and personal days
• Paid holidays
• Hybrid work schedule (Tuesday-Thursday onsite, Monday and Friday remote under normal circumstances)
• Employee recognition programs
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
• Conference and training attendance opportunities
• Employee discounts and perks programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level