ABOUT US: SERRANO SEARCH, LLC IS A UNIQUE EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM DEDICATED TO LABOR RELATIONS RELATED RECRUITMENT. WE ACCEPT SEARCH ASSIGNMENTS NATIONALLY FOR POSITIONS THAT TYPICALLY FALL INTO TWO CATEGORIES: WE HELP CLIENTS HIRE THE BEST TALENT IN THE COUNTRY WHEN THEY CURRENTLY HAVE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS, AND WE ASSIST WHEN CLIENTS ARE FOCUSED ON REMAINING UNION FREE.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary focus of this position is on negotiating labor contracts under the general direction/supervision of the Vice President of Labor Relations. This position will act as chief negotiator representing the company in collective bargaining involving multiple contracts throughout the country. Position is responsible for achieving corporate and localized labor objectives, developing and implementing bargaining strategy, determining issues and positions, drafting contract proposals and contract language, tracking industry trends in collective bargaining, understanding the business and its needs in a highly competitive environment as well as the ever-changing technology in the communications industry, understanding benefits plans and programs, preparation and/or review of compensation and financial analyses, contingency planning for work stoppages, and exerting the influence and persuasion needed to resolve issues and conclude the collective bargaining process amicably.

Other areas of focus will be: providing comprehensive labor relations advice, assistance, and training to all levels of management and to HR colleagues on contract administration matters including mid-term issues and initiatives; negotiating mid-term agreements; interpreting labor contracts; handling or assisting with grievances and arbitrations; designing and directing the implementation of strategies for addressing union organizing campaigns; promoting a positive employee relations environment in order to minimize third party interventions; advising and coordinating with corporate and field HR staff on labor and employee relations initiatives and issues, including disciplinary matters; may include investigating employee complaints or coordinating investigations and will include providing advice on appropriate corrective measures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Thorough knowledge of labor law and labor relations principles, practices, procedures, strategies, and trends including those relating to the duty to bargain in good faith, contract negotiation, contract interpretation, union organizing, and dispute resolution.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of human resources administration as applied to labor relations’ issues/problems.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, administrative rules, and guidelines pertaining to labor relations/benefits administration/employment law including the National Labor Relations Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, COBRA, FMLA, unemployment and workers compensation, the ACA and ERISA.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and draft contract provisions that are clear and do not lead to disputes over their meaning or intent.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the company effectively during bargaining sessions, grievance sessions, arbitration, and administrative proceedings.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze facts and make sound decisions based on evidence presented and applicable contract laws, rules, and precedents.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict through persuasion, mediation, and negotiation.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with management executives, department heads, mid- and lower level management, union officials and other bargaining unit representatives, employees, representatives from community/regulatory agencies, and members of the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and administer contract provisions
• Knowledge of grievance and arbitration hearing procedures and principles in a contested case environment.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends in benefits administration.
• Knowledge of legal research methods, techniques, and reference sources.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate special projects.
• Ability to influence the work of others.
• Proficient in the use of computers, including e-mail, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to conduct research on the Internet
• Position requires extensive travel, the timing and duration of which is dependent on contract expiration dates and assignments, and the course negotiations take.
• Travel estimate is 60% to 70% overall.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Degree from a four-year college/university with major coursework in industrial relations, personnel administration or a related field; Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school with substantial experience in labor law is desirable.
• 8+ years' experience in labor relations including experience with contract negotiation, grievance and arbitration, unfair labor practice charges, and benefits administration.
• Significant experience as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining
• Experience in employment law is highly desirable.
• Experience and/or training in mediation or interests-based bargaining is desirable.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.