The Manager of Employee Relations leverages deep expertise in Human Resources and Employee Relations. The role collaborates across all levels of the organization including HR, Legal, Labor, ODCR, and senior leadership. The Manager oversees the Employee Relations Partners and ER systems and processes developed for the agency.
Support the Employee Relations Partners, including training and overseeing the employee relations work and reporting done by each partner.
Assist in setting the strategy for the employee relations area and support the team in handling workplace concerns, in addition to providing proposed solutions.
Oversee and, when necessary, investigate confidential non-labor investigations into allegations of misconduct or violations of policy. Develop investigation plans, gather relevant facts, interview witnesses, document investigations, recommend courses of action to leadership, and assist with the implementation of corrective actions and/or disciplinary procedures as appropriate.
Provide Human Resources (HR) guidance and direction to managers, using data and analytics, to support workplace culture, assist in employee engagement efforts, and help to improve overall retention.
Support the development and evaluation of overall employee relations trends/themes across the authority to understand and address root causes.
Cultivate positive and professional relationships with all department personnel to facilitate harmonious employee relations.
Maintain strict confidentiality of information to include, but not limited to, conversations, documents, files, complaints, and investigations.
Hold a keen understanding of continuous improvement principles as it relates to improving workflow for the Employee Relations team.
Assist with the preparation of data analysis to inform strategic recommendations for leadership.
Support and fill in for the Complaint Review Specialist role, as needed.
Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner.
Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Available to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Supervision
Directly supervise a team of four to six (4-6) Employee Relations Partners.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources with a specialization in Employee Relations and/or Human Resources, which must include:
Strong reporting skills.
Proven examples of dealing with complex employee relation issues.
One (1) year of managerial, supervisory, and/or leadership experience.
Experience working with and communicating with stakeholders at all levels.
Expert knowledge of LaborSoft, EthicsPoint or a similar case management system.
Demonstrated experience with end-to-end process thinking, including ability to understand holistic approach to achieve optimization, efficiency and strategic goals.
Skilled in utilizing advanced Excel functions including pivot tables and queries for data analysis, automation, and effective presentation of insights.
Understanding of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) as it relates to employee complaints and the grievance process.
Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Advanced knowledge of PC applications and Microsoft Office applications required.
Strong ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent consulting, influencing and communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Preferred Experience and Required Skills
More than five (5) years of experience as a Human Resources professional in a large HR department.
Experience in a public agency,transit authority, transportation agency, or similar public-facing operation.
A high school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
An associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.
