Sr Labor Relations Consultant

012 NiSource Corporate Services Co; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource is seeking a Senior Consultant to serve as a trusted advisor on labor and employee relations in a unionized environment. You will interpret CBAs, conduct investigations, manage grievances, and support arbitration and negotiations to advance workforce strategies and organizational effectiveness.

You will partner with business leaders and HR to promote fair practices, ensure policy consistency, and mitigate risk while analyzing metrics to drive improvements in employee engagement and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of labor/employee relations experience supporting represented workforce.
• Experience interpreting CBAs, managing grievances, investigations, and supporting negotiations.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws (NLRB, EEOC, DOL).
• Strong verbal and written communication; ability to work with leaders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fact-finding investigations and administer corrective actions per CBAs.
• Advise leaders on grievances and employee relations concerns.
• Manage grievance processes, including preparation and meetings.
• Support arbitration activities and act as a company witness when needed.
• Draft and review MOAs/MOUs and labor-related agreements.
• Facilitate resolution of workplace disputes with unions.
• Build relationships with union leadership to support problem-solving.
• Provide guidance on CBA interpretation and labor policies.
• Support labor relations strategies and contract negotiations.

Skills

CBA interpretation

Grievance handling

Workplace investigations

Labor relations

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, HR, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Consultant serves as a trusted advisor to leaders, employees, and union representatives by administering and supporting labor and employee relations programs in a unionized environment. This role is responsible for interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), conducting workplace investigations, managing grievance processes, facilitating labor-management discussions, drafting labor-related agreements, and supporting collective bargaining activities. The Senior Consultant partners with business leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders to promote positive employee relations, ensure consistent application of labor policies and practices, mitigate workplace risk, and support compliance with applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements. The role also supports the development and execution of labor and employee relations strategies through data analysis, reporting, risk assessments, leader training, and other workforce interventions designed to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.

Essential Functions

• Labor Relations Conduct fact‑finding investigations and administer corrective action processes in accordance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), just cause standards, and company policies.
• Advise and support leaders in responding to grievances and employee relations concerns.
• Manage grievance processes, including preparation, facilitation of grievance meetings, and leader readiness.
• Support arbitration activities, including case preparation, documentation, and serving as a company representative or witness when needed.
• Draft and review labor‑related agreements, including memorandums of agreement (MOAs) and memorandums of understanding (MOUs).
• Facilitate resolution of workplace disputes involving employees, leaders, and union representatives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with union leadership to support collaborative problem‑solving and issue resolution.
• Provide day‑to‑day guidance on CBA interpretation, labor policies, and represented employee matters.
• Support labor relations strategies, bargaining initiatives, and contract negotiations that align with business objectives.

Employee Relations & Workforce Engagement

• Promote positive employee relations by addressing workplace concerns, supporting fair and consistent practices, and helping maintain an engaging work environment.
• Support labor and employee relations strategies, including union avoidance, organizing campaigns, and workforce engagement initiatives.
• Track, analyze, and report employee and labor relations metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Talent Management and HR teams to develop and deliver leader training on employee and labor relations topics.

Leader Consultation & Enablement

• Coach and advise leaders on employee and labor relations matters, emerging workplace trends, and potential workforce risks.
• Provide strategic guidance on the administration of CBAs, labor relations practices, and compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
• Serve as a labor relations consultant to business partners and support functions on issues impacting represented employees and unionized workgroups.
• Help leaders navigate complex employee relations situations by recommending practical, compliant, and business‑focused solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, or a related role supporting a represented workforce.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), managing grievances, conducting workplace investigations, and supporting labor negotiations.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and labor regulations, including experience handling matters involving agencies such as the NLRB, EEOC, and Department of Labor (DOL).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility and establish effective relationships with leaders at all levels.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams and departments.
• Proactive and creative approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Ability to manage complex employee cases in a high‑volume environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on employee relations trends and best practices.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately elevate sensitive or high‑risk issues.

Work Authorization

Must be able to regularly work on‑site within the assigned service territory, including support of locations in Staunton, VA; Vint Hill, VA; Warrenton, VA; York, PA; Cumberland, MD; and Hagerstown, MD. This role requires frequent in‑person support and is not designed for long‑distance commuting or routine air travel. Relocation assistance is not available for this role. As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities. Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners. We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission‑focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

ADA Accommodations

IPC: If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320.

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E‑Verify

NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E‑Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. E‑Verify Poster (English and Spanish) Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range

Salary Range*: $96,600.00 - $144,900.00 *The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job‑related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date: 2026-08-31 Posting End Date (if applicable): 2026-09-11 Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

At NiSource, you’ll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We’re looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.