Senior Labor & People Relations Specialist

Under general direction, supports labor and people relations programs to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes across the organization. Leads the development and execution of strategies and processes that promote a positive and respectful work environment.

• Shapes and reinforces labor and people relations strategy, policies, and practices to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
• Oversees and guides the resolution of complex people relations matters, including high-risk investigations, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and performance interventions. Advises senior leadership on sensitive or precedent-setting cases.
• Directs and reviews comprehensive investigations into policy violations or employee concerns, ensuring consistency, confidentiality, and integrity in fact-finding processes and outcomes. Establishes standards and training for investigative best practices.
• Leads labor relations strategy and engagement, supports union negotiations, contract interpretation, grievance arbitration, and proactive labor-management partnerships. Serves as a key liaison with leadership and legal counsel.
• Maintains accurate, organized records of employee relations cases, investigations, and outcomes in accordance with internal protocols and legal requirements.
• Tracks and reports on employee relations trends and issues; identifies recurring themes and recommends areas for process improvement or training.
• Partners with Legal, Compliance, and other internal stakeholders to reduce legal exposure and support ethical workplace practices.
• Supports the performance management process, providing guidance on appropriate actions for addressing performance or behavioral issues, ensuring that any actions taken are consistent with policies and labor agreements.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of labor law, employment regulations, and industry best practices, ensuring policies are updated accordingly.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 6+ years related management experience in human resources preferred.
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• HR related certification preferred.
• Technical and professional principles, practices, laws, applications and programs in position related area including expert knowledge of a human resources theory and practice. Knowledge of JD Edwards, or other HRIS systems.
• Experience in union environments, including labor negotiations and grievance handling.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and lead complex employee investigations with objectivity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Experience in fostering strong relationships through effective communication and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated agility in adapting to changing priorities and solving complex problems with creativity and efficiency.

• An ecologically innovative company that finds and mentors people committed to protecting the environment and sustaining our communities.
• The largest employee-owned resource recovery company in the industry with terrific benefits to help you prosper.
• A creative and caring culture that values community, diversity, altruism, accountability, collaboration, and learning by doing.
• An inspired company mission driven to use and return resources to their best and highest use through the practice of the 4R's: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, and Recologize.
• Distinct professional challenges to connect with, care for, and grow community that sees a world without waste.

• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement plans (Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with match).
• Annual wellness incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Educational assistance.
• Commuting benefits.
• Employee referral program.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job; and pursuant to applicable law, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records. It is important that you provide accurate information on the job application, inaccurate information may cause delays in the processing of your application and/or may disqualify you as a candidate.

Recology is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting an inclusive work environment where employees are valued, heard, and provided development opportunities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis that is prohibited by law.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job.