Employee/Labor Relations Manager (SA 3, Exempt)

Salary: $52.36 - $78.53 Hourly
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Job Number: 2023-02089
Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Division: People, Culture & Community
Opening Date: 11/27/2023
Closing Date: 12/19/2023 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
This recruitment is open until filled. However, first consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 19, 2023.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Human Resources is recruiting for an Employee/Labor Relations Manager. Reporting to the Human Resources Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating and implementing an Employee/Labor Relations program which is focused on providing a welcoming and positive employee experience and delivering high quality labor relations counsel. If you want to make an impactful difference in your organization, please consider applying.
About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
  
• SPU Workplace Expectations
  
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
Why Join Our Team?
We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
  
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
  
• Generous benefits package
  
• Free Orca Pass
  
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
  
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise a team of employee and labor relations professionals who provides investigations and labor relations support across SPU.
• Continually assessing employee relations programs to ensure that the organization is current with industry and internal best practices and identifying opportunities to instill sound employee relations practices that are in alignment with SPU goals and focus on a community-centered Utility.
• Strategically plan, organize, design, implement, and monitor a comprehensive employee relations program including data gathering and reporting procedures.
• Forge partnerships and communicate with all levels of employees, management, and business partners to provide advice and training.
• Manage, support, investigate and respond to employee complaints regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unfair practices, equal employment opportunity (EEO), including complaints filed with external agencies & employment litigation and claims, ensuring proactive and effective management of cases.
• Provide oversight, advice, guidance, direction and counsel to managers on employment issues and related laws including, but not limited to performance management, misconduct investigations, corrective actions, and EEO related matters.
• Compile, prepare and analyze data for use in labor settings such as joint labor management committee meetings, contract administration, discipline, grievances, unfair labor practices, arbitrations, and resolution of confidential and sensitive human resource matters.
• Work in close consultation with the HR Director regarding employee and labor relations programming and strategies.
• Manage special projects or other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field.
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience performing employee and/or labor relations work in a comparable organization including conducting or providing oversight for various types of HR related investigations, preparing and processing disciplinary actions, administering and implementing collective bargaining agreements and working with unions, and resolving union grievances and unfair labor practices. This should include at least three (3) years of supervisory experience and demonstrated leadership and management skills with the proven ability to maximize performance.
License: Washington State Driver License is required. SPU operates facilities throughout Seattle and King County. Travel to work sites is required on an as-needed basis.
The ideal candidate should possess:

• A law degree and/or relevant experience in employment law and/or litigation.
• Experience in providing legal analysis regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role in a complex unionized environment.

Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is $52.36 - $78.53 per hour.
This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office twice a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
How to apply: In addition to completing your on-line application, please attach the following:

• Current resume
• Cover letter which describes your interest in the position and how you meet the position's requirements.
• A writing sample which describes a situation where you had to overcome a professional disagreement with a colleague and how you handled it. Please limit your writing sample to no more than one (1) page.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Erika Monroe at
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: