Senior Labor Relations

Metalsa; Elizabethtown (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Metalsa in Kentucky seeks a Senior Labor Relations Specialist to provide advanced labor relations support in a unionized Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility. You will handle complex grievances, prepare for bargaining, and partner with Plant Leadership to ensure business objectives while maintaining a compliant labor environment.

The role requires independence and judgment for complex grievances, with focus on labor risk mitigation and contract compliance in a demanding manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR or HR related field.
• PHR or SHRM CP Certification preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience in unionized manufacturing.
• Prior experience sitting through unionized negotiations and CBA preferred.
• FMLA and Medical Leave Administration Experience required.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain productive relationships with hourly, salaried, and union-represented employees.
• Primary resource for interpretation and administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Lead review, investigation, and resolution of employee grievances through non-arbitration steps.
• Prepare grievance files, exhibits, timelines, and witness summaries for arbitration.
• Participate in collective bargaining preparation, including proposal development and issue analysis.
• Coach supervisors on just cause, progressive discipline, and contract compliance.
• Investigate employee relations matters and ensure fair, compliant outcomes.
• Analyze grievance, absenteeism, and turnover trends; develop action plans for labor stability.
• Ensure compliance with NLRB standards and employment laws (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, OSHA).
• Support timekeeping, attendance, and payroll-related labor issue resolution.
• Maintain accurate labor relations documentation, reports, and metrics.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Labor relations

Grievance handling

CBA interpretation

Coaching supervisors

Legal compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or HR-related field

PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred

Job description

Position Title Senior Labor Relations Specialist

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Senior Labor Relations Specialist is a mid-level professional responsible for providing advanced labor relations support in a unionized Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility. This position requires increased independence, judgment, and accountability for complex grievance handling, labor risk mitigation, collective bargaining preparation and partners closely with Plant Leadership to support business objectives while maintaining a stable and compliant labor environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Maintain and foster productive working relationships with hourly, salaried, and union-represented employees
• Serve as a primary facility resource for interpretation and administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Lead the review, investigation, and resolution of employee grievances through all non-arbitration steps
• Prepare grievance files, exhibits, timelines, and witness summaries to support arbitration proceedings
• Participate in collective bargaining preparation, including proposal development and issue analysis
• Provide coaching and guidance to supervisors on just cause, progressive discipline, and contract compliance
• Investigate employee relations matters and ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes
• Analyze grievance, absenteeism, and turnover trends; develop action plans to support labor stability
• Ensure compliance with NLRB standards and applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, OSHA)
• Support timekeeping, attendance, and payroll-related labor issue resolution
• Maintain accurate labor relations documentation, reports, and metrics
• Perform additional duties as required to meet departmental and business needs

ACADEMICS AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR or HR related field
• PHR or SHRM CP Certification preferred
• 2-4 years of experience in unionized manufacturing required
• Prior experience sitting through unionized negotiations and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) preferred
• FMLA and Medical Leave Administration Experience required
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws required