Senior Labor Relations Specialist

Metalsa; Elizabethtown (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, seeks a Senior Labor Relations Specialist to provide advanced labor relations support in a unionized Tier 1 manufacturing facility. Responsibilities include handling grievances, supporting collective bargaining, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in HR, relevant certifications, and 2-4 years of experience in a unionized environment. This role emphasizes maintaining fair labor practices and stable employee relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR or HR related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in unionized manufacturing.
• FMLA and Medical Leave Administration Experience required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and foster productive working relationships with employees.
• Lead the review, investigation, and resolution of employee grievances.
• Participate in collective bargaining preparation.

Skills

Labor relations expertise

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in HR or 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.