Leads and directs all aspects of labor relations strategy
and operations. Manages union contracts, negotiations, and grievance
procedures. Ensures compliance with labor laws and regulations. Builds and
maintains positive relationships with labor unions. Provides strategic counsel
to management on labor-related matters. Develops and implements labor relations
policies and procedures. Oversees labor-related legal matters and represents
the company in labor disputes.



SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
Under general direction of the CHRO, the Labor Relations and Compliance Director performs advanced, professional labor relations work, labor relations research and analysis; prepares and presents grievance and arbitration cases; helps assure SJWC compliance with labor relations contractual agreements, and applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and serves as chief negotiator for SJWC.  



DUTIES: 
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

 *Directs, personally develops and prepares the Company's bargaining position for labor negotiations, secures input from the Senior
Leadership
Team, the CHRO and administrative staff.  
*Participates in the selection of labor bargaining team; ensures that affected constituents are involved and informed about the about the status of the bargaining process; establishes procedures and communication channels between the bargaining team, the
Senior Leadership
Team, CHRO, and all other appropriate parties.  

*Directs Human Resources staff on processing worker's compensation claims; coordinates and participates in the interactive process; assists departments in accommodating injured workers.
 

*Assists Administration in developing an overall theme and strategy for bargaining; works with bargaining team to create solid arguments and strategies that permit implementation of a coherent plan at the table; analyzes trends and best practices to support successful negotiations. 

*Writes, interprets and researches contract language to achieve the goals set by SJWC: upon the receipt of counterproposals, identifies possible alternative compromise solutions that will likely achieve a deal.  
*Develops labor contract costing models to accurately cost out SJWC and union proposals.   

*Serves as the lead negotiator for the Company at the bargaining table: must be able to handle stress and intense discussion of ideas. 

*Consults with SJWC leadership in the administration of recently‐agreed upon memoranda of understanding (MOUs); advises management and staff regarding consistent, equitable interpretation and application of MOUs. 

*Reviews and develops responses to grievances; investigates and coordinates responses to informal and formal unfair labor practice charges filed by employee organizations against management

*Assists the Company
in development of ongoing labor relations policies and strategies.  

* Serves as ongoing liaison between management, the Human Resources Team and CHRO on all matters concerning labor‐management relations.   
*Provides training, direction, and work review to HR Generalists supporting labor
relations and employment law
compliance; supervises, organizes and assigns work, sets priorities, and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work.   

*Provides input into selection, evaluation, discipline, and other personnel matters, and resolves problems or issues arising from such inquiries.   

*Conducts and oversees internal investigations related to labor relations. 

REQUIREMENTS:     

Knowledge of: collective bargaining process in the utility sector, and collective bargaining principles, including recognition of exclusive bargaining representatives, management rights, scope of bargaining, and unfair labor practices;
California labor laws, rules and regulations; labor
negotiation principles,
including negotiations preparation, trust building, effective listening, understanding settlement ranges and best alternatives to a negotiated agreement (e.g., impasse procedures);
grievance and arbitration procedures; strong word processing,
presentation, and spreadsheet skills utilizing MS Office and other common
applications.

*Bachelor's degree or equivalent education in business, human resources, public administration or a closely related field 

*7 - 10 years of experience in managing labor relations and compliance with at least five years in a management capacity

Valid California Drivers' license is required