Senior HR & Labor Relations Partner

University of New Haven; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare Programs

Wellness & Fitness programs

Tuition assistance

Employee discounts

Work/Life Benefits

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Job summary

University of New Haven is seeking a Senior Human Resources Business Partner (SHRBP) to serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees on employee and labor relations. You will handle performance management, investigations, and policy interpretation to ensure fair, compliant practices across the university.

The role covers workplace investigations, labor relations activities, and coordination with unions, ensuring alignment with university priorities and collective bargaining agreements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field required; graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible HR experience, with demonstrated employee and labor relations experience; higher education experience preferred.
• Experience advising managers on performance management, corrective action, workplace conflict, employee complaints, and sensitive employment matters.
• Demonstrated experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations required.
• Experience with collective bargaining agreements, grievances, labor-management matters, and/or arbitration preparation required.
• Strong knowledge of employee and labor relations practices and applicable federal and state employment laws, preferably including Connecticut employment practices.
• Strong consultation, conflict-resolution, analytical, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary HR advisor to leaders and employees on employee and labor relations, including performance management, coaching, corrective action, disciplinary matters, workplace conflict, and employee concerns.
• Conduct and support workplace investigations, including interviews, document review, fact assessment, and preparation of findings and recommendations.
• Advise on employee separations and workforce changes, including involuntary terminations, position eliminations, reorganizations, and restructuring.
• Review employment and disciplinary actions for consistency with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, applicable laws, and established practices.
• Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements and participate in grievance administration, disciplinary proceedings, arbitration preparation, labor-management matters, and contract negotiations. Develop effective working relationships with union representatives and leaders.
• Partner with leaders to identify employee and organizational challenges, assess employee-relations implications, and develop practical HR solutions.
• Interpret and administer HR policies and assist with the development and revision of policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance on applicable federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, paid leave, and anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation requirements.
• Identify emerging employee and labor relations issues and recommend appropriate strategies to HR leadership.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor relations

Workplace investigations

Policy interpretation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Related field

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

University of New Haven is seeking a Senior Human Resources Business Partner (SHRBP) to serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees on employee and labor relations. You will handle performance management, investigations, and policy interpretation to ensure fair, compliant practices across the university.

The role covers workplace investigations, labor relations activities, and coordination with unions, ensuring alignment with university priorities and collective bargaining agreements.