Employee & Labor Relations Manager

Sappi; Skowhegan (ME); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to lead and enhance their employee and labor relations program. This role focuses on developing policies, analyzing labor law implications, and advising management on best practices. The ideal candidate will have a strong HR background and a proven ability to navigate complex negotiations while maintaining a positive work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in employee relations required (6 years, including 2 years specifically).
• Must possess thorough knowledge of state and federal labor laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate employee and labor relations programs.
• Analyze data for negotiation and dispute resolutions.
• Train managers and supervisors on employee relations practices.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation Techniques

Human Resources Principles

Labor Relations Procedures

Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Employee Relations or Human Resources

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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Sappi North America
Sappi Somerset, is one of the largest, most advanced and high performing mills in North America with one of the lowest mill emissions. Our packaging papers are suited across a range of market segments including health and beauty, confectionery, premium beverages and food packaging. We manufacture labels for cans and jars and our graphic papers are used in direct mail, magazines and catalogs. Nearly $1 billion in the last decade has been invested to expand into sustainable and renewable SBS board grades for folding carton and foodservice, including the rebuilds of PM1 in 2018 and PM2, to be completed in 2025. The Somerset mill focuses on safety, sustainability, quality, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Leads and facilitates the employee and labor relations program and related functions.
• Maintains, develops, recommends, and implements program objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and pursues new goals and objectives for improvement in areas of employee and labor relations.
• Communicates with supervisor and managers regarding employee relations concerns; provides guidance and recommendations for resolution of issues.
• Assists managers and supervisors in understanding and implementing company policies related to performance, discipline, and related topics.
• Analyzes information and data necessary to define and discern cost and policy implications of negotiations and disputes. This may include management and union proposals, pay scales and wages, benefits, working conditions, and other mitigating circumstances.
• Researches and explains laws and legal affairs concerning employment to managers, supervisors, and employees.
• Advises and trains managers and supervisors in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing supervisor problems and employee grievances. Develops further training as needed.
• Represents organization in contract negotiations, meetings, and negotiations with employee and labor organizations.
• Collaborates with leadership on matters of policy and terms of memoranda of understanding before and throughout negotiation process.
• Collaborates with legal counsel and departments in the preparation for and participation in negotiation with employee and labor groups.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of human resources and labor relations principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with employees, labor officials, managers, and other stakeholders.
• Thorough understanding of state and federal laws concerning labor relations.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Thorough understanding of negotiation techniques.
• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Employee Relations, Human Resources or related field.
• Six years of professional human resource administration, including two years in employee relations OR its equivalent through training, education, and other experience.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.

Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.