Labor Relations Program Manager

UNS Energy Corporation

  • Tucson, AZ
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
We are looking for a Labor Relations Program Manager to join our team and drive labor relations initiatives forward.What you will do
  • Be a Center of Expertise and execute enterprise-wide labor relations strategy, while training leaders on contract rules to support operations efficiencies.
  • Serve as lead negotiator.
  • Advice and participate in grievances, arbitration, and contract interpretation. Provide support to HRBPs.
  • Build and nurture union relationships.
What you bring
  • Knowledge of the principles, methods, and procedures utilized in recruitment, assessment, selection, affirmative action, and employee counseling and conflict resolution.
  • Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, such as NLRA, FLSA and labor relations regulations.
  • Expertise in labor negotiations, union partnerships, and workforce policies.
  • This position is located at our Irvington location in Tucson, AZ and will require travel to Phoenix, Nogales, and other UNS locations within the state of Arizona. Travel is expected 2-3 times a quarter, as well as occasional travel out of state for labor/management events.
*Full job descriptionPosition DescriptionThe Program Manager, Labor Relations serves as the enterprise-wide expert responsible for leading labor relations strategy, negotiations, and compliance within the Human Resources function. This individual oversees all aspects of labor relations, including collective bargaining agreements, union partnerships, and workforce policies, ensuring alignment with company objectives and legal requirements. The Program Manager provides strategic oversight while engaging subject matter experts as needed to drive labor relations initiatives forward.Position-Related Responsibilities
  • Execution and shared development of the Labor Relations Strategy & Compliance related activities
  • Drafts, recommends, implements, and maintains labor relations policies and strategies to ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
  • Acts as the primary point of contact for labor relations matters, advising leadership and HR teams on best practices, risk mitigation, and contractual obligations.
  • Monitors changes in labor laws, regulations, and industry trends to proactively adjust labor relations strategies.
  • Owns labor relations functions for the enterprise, collaborating with legal counsel and external experts as needed.
  • Lead negotiator for collective bargaining
  • Maintaining and cultivating effective and professional union relationships across the enterprise
  • Leads and coordinates union negotiations, contract development, and collective bargaining agreements to align with organizational goals and workforce needs.
  • Establishes and maintains productive relationships with union representatives, facilitating strong labor-management partnerships.
  • Ensures consistent interpretation and application of union contracts, proactively addressing labor relations concerns to minimize disruptions.
  • Supports grievance resolution, arbitration processes, and labor disputes, preparing documentation and coordinating hearings as necessary.
  • Partners with business units to ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements, monitoring day-to-day implementation of policies, wages, hours, and working conditions.
  • Collaboratively works with stakeholders and leaders within the organization to insure effective outcomes
  • Works closely with HR leadership, legal teams, and business unit leaders to align labor relations strategies with broader organizational objectives.
  • Engages executives in labor relations discussions, advising on contractual implications, negotiation strategies, and long-term workforce planning.
  • Provides mentorship and guidance to HR teams on labor relations principles, fostering institutional knowledge and consistency in labor practices.
  • Tracks labor relations metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess impact, drive improvements, and inform leadership decisions.
  • Facilities learnings and training associated with labor relations and collective bargaining including specific requests by company leaders.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
(Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.)Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED and at least 4 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must possess considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, and procedures utilized in recruitment, assessment, selection, affirmative action, and employee counseling and conflict resolution.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups across functional lines.
  • Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy.
Excellent communication, problem solving and stakeholder engagement skills.Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor’s degree, and 3-4 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations, such as NLRA, FLSA and applicable labor relations regulations, etc.
  • Proficiency in use of personal computer applications, including spreadsheet, word processing, relational database, and presentation software.
  • Ability to collect, compile, and analyze statistical information and data, and interpret and apply laws and policies

UNS Energy Corporation