Senior Employee Relations Team Manager

M&T Bank•Buffalo, NY

12d•$128,900 - $214,900

About The Position

The Senior Employee Relations Team Manager manages the day-to-day delivery of high-quality field employee relations services bank-wide. The role consults with senior managers, HR Business Partners, Centers of Excellence members, and employees, and leads the Field ER Solutions Team in applying organizational policies and procedures uniformly and equitably while adhering to applicable regulations. The manager addresses routine and complex employee relations matters, including performance management, corrective action, complaints, workplace conflict, investigations, regulatory responses, and workforce restructuring. The role also coordinates bank-wide policy and procedure development, represents the Bank in regulatory proceedings, and supports OFCCP audit preparation and on-site audits. As a subject matter expert, the manager mentors employee relations specialists, facilitates collaboration across HR and business teams, and works proactively to support a positive employee relations climate, mitigate risk, and avoid unionization. The position uses technology to improve processes, reporting, and service delivery; keeps the team informed about developments in employee relations and employment and equal opportunity regulations; and exercises managerial authority over staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management, and terminations. It is also responsible for adhering to the Company's risk and regulatory standards, maintaining internal controls, escalating risk issues, and supporting a workplace that reflects belonging and the M&T Bank brand. The position works under the direction of the Senior Manager Employee Relations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or the stated equivalent combination of higher education and/or work experience.
At least 8 years of senior-level human resources experience with responsibility for employee relations.
At least 5 years of successful experience managing HR professionals in employee relations services.
Significant organizational knowledge and a background in multiple HR disciplines.
Outstanding mediation and counseling skills.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate degree.
Strong technical competence, including employment law knowledge and the ability to interpret and apply it consistently with corporate objectives.
Ability to think critically, exercise independent judgment, make decisions, and influence outcomes.
Ability to interact with, communicate with, and engage all levels of management and employees.
Demonstrated ability to remain poised during difficult circumstances.
Project management skills and demonstrated leadership experience, including the ability to coach effectively and manage performance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Sound research and analytical abilities and judgment.
Demonstrated quality and process improvement experience and commitment to best practices.
Ability to interact with personnel at all levels with tact and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day delivery of field employee relations services bank-wide.
Coach managers and employees on performance management, performance improvement, and corrective action.
Address and investigate employee and regulatory complaints and resolve workplace conflicts.
Incorporate equal employment, belonging, and fair employment practices into employment actions.
Coordinate development and revision of bank-wide policies and procedures.
Participate in regulatory responses and EEOC/Human Rights investigations, and represent the Bank at regulatory hearings.
Manage the Field ER Solutions Team, supporting uniform and equitable application of policies and procedures and compliance with regulations.
Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor employee relations specialists on technical competencies and the interpretation and application of corporate policies and procedures.
Lead significant or complex investigations as needed and oversee progressive discipline and workforce restructuring events.
Represent the Bank at regulatory meetings and unemployment hearings, and participate in OFCCP audit preparation and on-site audits as required.
Facilitate communication among the ER Solutions Team, Senior ER Manager, ER COE, HR Business Partners, managers, and employees.
Work proactively to improve the employee relations climate, mitigate risk, and support union avoidance.
Collaborate with HR Business Partners to deliver critical response services.
Use technology to improve processes, reporting, and service delivery.
Keep the team informed about developments in employee relations, employment regulations, and equal opportunity regulations.
Exercise managerial authority concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management, and terminations.
Adhere to Company risk and regulatory standards, policies, and controls; design, implement, maintain, and enhance internal controls; and escalate risk-related issues.
Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
Maintain internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points and applicable issues raised by external regulators.
Complete other related duties as assigned.