Senior Labor Relations

Metalsa; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Metalsa in Roanoke, Virginia seeks a Senior Labor Relations Specialist to provide advanced labor relations support in a unionized Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility. You will lead complex grievance handling, support collective bargaining preparation, and partner with Plant Leadership to maintain labor stability aligned with business objectives.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of unionized manufacturing experience, a Bachelor’s in HR or related field, and knowledge of FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in unionized manufacturing.
• Experience sitting through unionized negotiations and CBAs preferred.
• FMLA and Medical Leave Administration experience required.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws required.
• Benefits and Payroll knowledge required.
• Salary Range $92,000 - $115,000

Responsibilities

• Maintain productive working relationships with hourly, salaried, and union 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.

Skills

Labor relations

Grievance handling

Collective bargaining

Coaching supervisors

Labor law knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or HR related field

PHR or SHRM-CP certification

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

Benefits and Payroll knowledge required

Salary Range $92,000 - $115,000

All employees are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable policies, procedures, and internal controls; executing assigned control activities; maintaining appropriate supporting evidence; and promptly reporting any identified deviation, risk, or control deficiency to the direct leader.