Lead Specialist, Labor and Employee Relations

About Us

At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it’s so much more than that. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don’t plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. So, join us as a Lead, Labor and Employee Relations Manager and find your superpower.

The Lead Program Labor & Employee Relations Manager is responsible for leading and managing the labor and employee relations processes in Upstate New York and acting as the representative of the Company in labor and employee relations matters with the local union(s).

- Serve as the point person for communication of Company policies, procedures, organizational changes, benefits, and other relevant information prior to employee communications to Union Leadership

- Assist contract negotiations and agreement with union representatives including standards of work and contract content to ensure best value for National Grid

- Manage employee complaints and grievances through the relevant procedures to ensure compliance with Labor Agreements; Company Policies, Procedures and Standards; and Federal and State Statues

- Provide advice and technical expertise on labor relations matters to the line managers to ensure that standards are applied consistently and correctly

- Work with Union Leadership on individual employee issues, such as issues with onboarding, training, and benefits

- Key point person for the grievance process and contractual hearings. Work with Union Leadership on understanding and resolving issues raised through these processes where possible

- Prepare cases for presentation at hearings and proceedings to support the achievement of successful outcomes for National Grid

- Draft settlement agreements to resolve contractual or discipline issues, including last chance agreements

- Work closely with Absence Management and Union Leadership on positive drug tests, excessive absences management and non- compliance with medical procedures

- Support Ethics by serving as local union CBA subject matter expert in investigations regarding represented employees

- Work collaboratively with the NY People Partners to ensure the NY People Strategy is seamlessly understood and implemented in the NY business unit

- Develop and utilize peer group network in order to absorb and apply best practice within own area of specialism

- Knowledge of Company personnel policies and procedures, Union Contracts and special agreements, and the ability to interpret and apply the provisions of same

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in: Labor Relations, Human Resource Management, or a business-related area (or equivalent work experience) is required

- Minimum of 3 years of Labor Relations experience in a utility, operations, logistics, or manufacturing environment

- Knowledge of practices, principles and applications pertaining to the labor relations profession

- Prior supervisory experience of union represented employees a plus

- Knowledge of current trends in Human Resource management and applicable Federal and State regulations. In depth knowledge of labor law, equal employment and affirmative action programs ADA, FMLA, FSLA, etc

- Knowledge of Department and Corporate drug testing programs and regulations, wage administration and job evaluations systems

- Valid driver’s license with a safe driving history

More Information

Salary

$111k - $131k a year

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.