Employee Relations Consultant

What's the role?

We are looking for someone to join our high-performing, collaborative team of employee relations professionals. In this role, you will be responsible for a wide variety of analysis, investigation, interpretation, development, implementation and administration of issues and support involving both union and non-union employees.

You'll leverage expertise in HR and employee relations as you consult with HR partners, leaders and employees to achieve resolution of complex issues which involve developing and maintaining good employee relations and ensuring the uniform and equitable application of organization policies and procedures while adhering to appropriate laws and regulations. Your understanding of employment laws, ability to manage conflict, influence without authority and a strong desire to dive into a fast-paced, evolving organization will set you up for success in this role and open the door to future career opportunities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides employee and labor relations counsel and service to leaders, embedded HR, employees, and union representatives.

• Creates and interprets Company policies, regulatory requirements, and collective bargaining agreement provisions.

• Implements and recommends programs, interventions, and other actions consistent with corporate strategy and culture and in accordance with Company policies, legal/regulatory requirements, and contractual agreements.

• Participates in the development of labor/employee relations and EEO strategies, policies, and practices.

• Keeps abreast of employee and labor relations policies, programs, trends and practices to maintain consistent administration.

• Informs leadership and makes recommendations relating to new developments, and in alignment with both corporate strategy and the company's efforts to maintain management rights.

• May lead or participate in cross-functional teams for projects, program, and policy design relating to labor/employee relations and EEO issues which includes but isn't limited to company/union study committees, company bargaining teams, and ad hoc policy design teams.

• Under general direction, researches and analyzes best practices by leveraging and participating in SME groups and makes recommendations for changes in Company policies, practices and/or procedures.

• May lead or participate in investigating and resolving ER/labor/EEO cases and in partnership with embedded HR and/or department leadership.

• Develops and recommends new policies, programs and practices to enhance and support company strategy and culture of high-performance and engagement.

• The incumbent may work to develop, enhance and maintain Company policies and procedures. The individual researches and defines business needs, recommends, prioritizes and coordinates changes and enhancements to current practices, which integrate with business strategy and the organization goals.

• The incumbent develops and implements training, tools, systems, and templates for embedded HR and/or people leaders to facilitate effective execution of employee/labor relations and EEO strategies and practices across the organization.

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

• Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in employee/labor relations, human resources, employment law, and/or a related business field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience.

• Strong interpersonal skills including influence without authority, persuasion and conflict resolution.

• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills.

• Proven ability to deal with ambiguity

• Must be able remain calm under pressure and to take the lead in conflict and high-stress situations.

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Human Resources management, employee/labor relations, and/or legal/regulatory HR (including EEO).

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and carry out multiple, diverse assignments within time deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to coach and train HR peers and partners, and to develop effective programs/interventions that meet business needs.

• Superior oral and written communications skills, including the ability to write contractual language and responses to employment claims on behalf of the company.

• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of internal employees and external parties (e.g. union reps, regulatory agents, external counsel, etc.)

• Flexibility and the ability to creatively respond to changing conditions required.

• SPHR certification strongly preferred.

• A Master's degree in industrial/labor relations, HR, or a JD is preferred and may be substituted for some of the relevant work experience

#LI-HYBRID

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please click here for additiona l information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.

We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups