Senior Labor Relations Specialist - Unionized Manufacturing

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

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.