Human Resources Manager-Labor & Employee Relations

Lake County - Waukegan, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Waukegan, IL

1,001-5,000 employees

Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers

About the position

The Human Resources Manager - Labor Relations at Lake County Government plays a pivotal role in managing and directing the employee and labor relations program of the county. This position operates under the guidance of the Director or Assistant Director of the Department and is responsible for a variety of program activities, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, and interpretation. The incumbent will also provide guidance and coordination of related management activities that align with the mission of the County. This role is essential in developing and maintaining comprehensive Human Resources policies and strategies that support the organization’s goals. In this position, the Human Resources Manager will administer and manage labor contracts, providing interpretation to managers, employees, and Human Resources staff. The role involves overseeing processes for reviewing and resolving employee grievances, coordinating labor management committees across various departments, and advising on sensitive labor and employee relations matters. The incumbent will assist managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining the appropriate course of action. Additionally, the manager will research comparable organizations to prepare for negotiations and grievance processes, providing data to the budget team as it relates to collective bargaining agreements. As the chief negotiator for the County, the incumbent will maintain current knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes. This includes conducting necessary research to support contract negotiations and employee relations, utilizing appropriate negotiation strategies to develop bargaining goals that align with the County’s mission and values. The role also requires facilitating ongoing communication and relationships with employee representative organizations and providing guidance to Human Resources team members regarding statutes, regulations, and employee relations practices. The Human Resources Manager will lead investigations into alleged violations of the County’s Personnel Policies, prepare timely reports on findings, and partner with managers and Department Heads on performance and disciplinary issues. The position may also involve developing performance improvement plans and administering programs related to ADA compliance or other Human Resources initiatives. Overall, this role is integral to fostering a collaborative work environment and ensuring that the County’s labor relations are managed effectively and equitably.

Responsibilities

• Administers and manages administration of labor contracts; provides interpretation of labor contracts to managers, employees and Human Resources staff; oversees processes for review and resolution of employee grievances.
• Coordinates the labor management committees in various Departments and Countywide.
• Advises managers and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures and assists managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining appropriate course of action.
• Researches comparable organizations, their practices & policies, positions and compensation packages in preparation for negotiation and grievance processes and assists the budget team by providing data for use in the budget as it applies to collective bargaining agreements.
• Acts as County's chief negotiator when assigned. Maintains current knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations and employee relations.
• Facilitates ongoing communication and working relationships with employee representative organizations including coordination of joint labor-management committees.
• Provides information, advice and assistance to Human Resources team members regarding application of statutes, regulations, contracts and employee relations practices relating to their functional areas.
• Leads investigations into alleged violations of the County's Personnel Policies as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director and prepares reports containing the findings of investigations in a timely manner.
• Partners with managers and Department Heads on performance and disciplinary issues.
• Develops performance improvement plans.
• May be assigned responsibility for program administration in areas such as ADA compliance or other related Human Resources programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting or a related field.
• Between three to six years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, labor relations and/or employee relations.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws.
• Knowledge of and skill in applying the use of mediation and conflict management techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of County Human Resources Policies and labor contract provisions.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply research methods and data analysis techniques.
• Skill in change management, problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Ability to build trust with managers, exercise discretion and confidentially handle information, records and issues.
• Ability to manage projects and own time to deliver work products and complete processes in a timely manner.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple complex projects concurrently.
• Ability to reconcile labor relations issues in the context of both existing labor agreements and desired future states of labor and employee relations at the County.
• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively both verbally and in writing; ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence and documents.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people, including constituencies which may have been underrepresented, facilitate inclusive participation in programs and activities; communicate cross-culturally.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefit package
• Flexible working hours
• Comprehensive wellness and training program