Lead Labor Relations Specialist

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CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Manages collective bargaining activities and provides labor relations strategy and consulting. Establishes and maintains satisfactory labor-management relationships. Analyzes the various collective bargaining agreements to provide interpretation of intent, spirit and terms of the agreements. Advises leadership and union officials in development, interpretation and application of labor relations policies and practices. May serve as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining.

• Serves as the primary leadership contact with respect to Labor Relations issues and concerns on day-to-day basis
• May serve as first chair as a member of management's bargaining committee during collective bargaining agreement negotiations
• Coordinates with Business on collective bargaining strategy and plans, including business contingency plans
• Negotiates directly with union representatives to resolve disputes and issues
• Advises leadership and union officials on development, applications, and interpretation of company labor relations policies and practices
• Leads the grievance dispute resolution processes between grieving workers, supervisory and managerial personnel and union representatives to investigate and resolve grievances
• Monitors trends and proactively advises labor relations team and leadership on resolution of issues
• Assists business leaders in preparing responses to grievances at all levels of the grievance process
• Coordinates with internal and external legal counsel in preparing and presenting grievances at arbitration
• Provides testimony and input based on a thorough knowledge of issues, research, and relevant history of past practice, preparation of exhibits, etc. at hearings, meetings, and other proceedings
• Works in partnership with other HR business partners in managing employee and labor relations
• Monitors the implementation of policies concerning wages, hours, and working conditions to ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreements

Bachelor s degree in industrial relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Master of Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or Juris Doctor preferred

Minimum seven (7) years of Human Resources experience to include three (3) years’ experience in Labor Relations

Experience with a variety of Labor Relations issues; negotiations, grievance administration, arbitration, disciplinary actions, investigations, contract administration, etc. In-depth knowledge of employment related laws, particularly the NLRA

Able to view and operate a personal computer for extended periods of time creating, composing and reviewing documents and spreadsheets

Able to operate office equipment including telephone, mobile phone, photocopier, fax machine, scanner and calculator

Able to communicate orally and in writing in a clear manner and hear oral communication either in person or on equipment such as telephone or mobile phone

Able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time

Able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects

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