Labor and Employee Relations Specialist

Synthomer plc; West Elizabeth (PA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Discretionary bonus

LTIP

Company car

Healthcare regional

Parental leave

Flexible work options

Synthomer University

Wellbeing program

Retirement plans

Culture of Inclusion

Global rewards

Job summary

Synthomer plc is seeking a Labor and Employee Relations Specialist to act as the subject-matter expert for a multi-site, unionized manufacturing environment. You will interpret CBAs, manage grievances, and advise leaders on labor practices and policy administration.

Travel up to 25% to sites in PA and nearby regions, supporting hourly recruiting and partnering with HR COE to deliver effective solutions while maintaining compliant documentation and investigations.

Qualifications

• Experience in a unionized environment and with CBAs is required.
• Strong knowledge of grievance administration and investigations.
• 2–5 years in labor relations or employee relations.
• Ability to advise management on policies and legal considerations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as expert for multi-site unionized manufacturing labor relations.
• Administer initial grievance processes and coordinate hearings.
• Advise on collective bargaining agreements, past practice, and policies.
• Support hourly recruitment activities and onboarding.
• Develop and deliver training on CBAs and labor relations.
• Maintain confidential documentation and ensure compliance.

Skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Employment and Labor Relations, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.Position SummaryThe Labor and Employee Relations Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for a multi-site unionized manufacturing environment, partnering closely with Operations, Human Resources, Management, and Employees. The role is responsible for administering and interpreting multiple collective bargaining agreements, managing initial grievance processes across three facilities, and ensuring compliance with labor agreements, company policies, and employment laws. In addition, the position supports hourly recruitment efforts, provides guidance on employee relations matters and labor practices, and advises leaders on workplace issues and policy administration. A key aspect of the role is developing and maintaining positive working relationships with site union leadership and management while supporting the organization's labor relations strategy and fostering a collaborative, productive work environment.Essential ResponsibilitiesBuild and maintain productive working relationships with management, multi-site union leadership, and bargaining unit employees to foster positive labor-management relationsServe as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on employee relations, performance management, corrective action, disciplinary matters, workplace concerns, and policy interpretationAct as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues, conducting and coordinating workplace investigations related to grievances, Ethics Hotline reports, employee complaints, and management escalations; analyze findings, recommend appropriate actions, and ensure consistent resolutionAdvise management for multiple facilities on collective bargaining agreement (CBA), past practice, company policies, employment laws, and Synthomer’s labor relations strategyAdminister the initial grievance process for multiple facilities, including scheduling, preparing for, and conducting grievance meetings and hearings, while coordinating and facilitating disciplinary hearings in compliance with the CBA, company policy, and established practicesManage hourly recruitment activities, including candidate sourcing, interviewing, assessment administration, hiring coordination, and onboarding support, in partnership with hiring managersCollaborate with HR Center of Excellence (COE), Sr. HR Managers, and other stakeholders to deliver effective HR solutions and escalate complex employee and labor relations issues as appropriateSupport collective bargaining preparation and labor relations activities by gathering information, maintaining records, identifying trends, and assisting with negotiation-related preparation and initiativesMaintain accurate and confidential documentation related to investigations, grievances, disciplinary actions, recruitment activities, and labor relations mattersEnsure compliance with applicable labor laws, employment regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and company policiesParticipate in employee engagement and culture initiatives that support a positive, inclusive, and productive work environmentDevelop and deliver training and guidance to managers and supervisors on new company policies, collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provisions, labor relations practices, and employee relations matters to ensure consistent application, compliance, and effective workforce managementPerform other duties and special projects as assignedMulti-site travel 25% of the time (Jefferson Hills, PA; Akron, OH; Magadore, OH)Qualifications RequiredBachelor’s degree in Employment and Labor Relations, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related fieldTwo (2) to five (5) years of experience in labor relations, human resources, employee relations, or a related fieldExperience working in a unionized environmentKnowledge of collective bargaining agreements and grievance administrationStrong communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and interpersonal skillsAbility to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgmentProficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HR information system (HRIS)PreferredThree (3) to five (5) years of experience in labor relationsExperience within the chemical, manufacturing, or heavy industrial industryWorking knowledge of federal and state employment lawsExperience supporting hourly recruiting and selection processes Global Benefits Overview Competitive, market-aligned compensation Discretionary global bonus scheme Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role Healthcare – tailored to regional locations Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies) Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes