Regional Labor Relations Manager - Northeast Region

Job Field: HRES - Human Resources
Location: Florham Park, NJ, US
Company: BASF Corporation
Job Type: Standard
Job ID: EN_US_1701085

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Description

At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation.

We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment and are always working to form the best team—especially from within, through an emphasis on lifelong learning and development.

We are constantly striving to become an even better place to work. BASF has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best Employers in 2016. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for a sustainable future!

Where the Chemistry Happens…

Human Resources professionals at BASF create chemistry with people. HR is working to form the best team by sourcing, hiring and developing the right talent for BASF. In addition to traditional responsibilities like governance, benefits administration, and payroll, HR at BASF serves as a strategic partner to the business, ensuring that the right people are in the right place at the right time to help the Company grow. HR strives to make BASF an even better place to work by soliciting feedback, engaging employees, and shaping the culture through best-practice programs and practices.

The Labor Relations and Employee Relations Manager requires solid professional experience in labor and employee relations and the ability to effectively work across multiple levels of the organization which includes working with senior business leaders and Strategic HR Manufacturing Advisors across multiple business units and locations. The incumbent represents BASF in negotiating collective bargaining agreements that support strategic goals and business needs and is responsible for day-to-day labor contract administration, language interpretation, and providing support to the field organization. The LR/ER Manager plays a key role in maintaining management-represented status for all employees outside of bargaining units and is responsible for conducting HR employee investigations, monitoring compliance with federally required affirmative action plans, and related equal employment opportunity responsibilities.

Formula for Success:

• Manage negotiation preparation and serve as BASF Chief Negotiator/First Chair in contract negotiations for all organized sites within an assigned geography.
• Serve as a leader or member of site negotiating committees - responsible for researching and drafting company proposals, preparing cost estimates, preparing negotiation status reports, and maintaining all negotiation records.
• Interpret labor agreements and provide center of excellence level advice and assistance to site management on contract interpretation and implementation.
• Manage grievance process. Investigate employee grievances and provide response/resolution recommendations.
• Participate in the Site Labor Relations Council, as required, for strategic labor relations planning.
• Manage or assist the negotiation of mid-term collective bargaining agreements and effects bargaining.
• Plan, develop and conduct labor/positive employee relations training.
• Coach Managers to improve leadership skills in creating positive employee relations
• Advise business unit leaders and site leadership on the impact that strategic or operational decisions will have on employee and labor relations and make recommendations that avoid and/or minimize the risk of labor disputes.
• Provide center of excellence level advice and assistance responding to key employee relations concerns and/or union organizing activity.
• Monitor and provide guidance to field human resources employees on implementation of OFCCP required affirmative action plans, including coordination of response to audits if necessary.
• Provide advice, counsel and resolution to HR leaders, corporate and plant managers and HRBPs on a broad range of employee issues including general HR issues, policy interpretation, employee conflict, work conditions, performance management, employee discipline, and employee coaching.
• Conduct prompt and thorough internal investigations into employee allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, unethical conduct, threats, violations to company policies and other employment/legal matters.
• Monitor compliance with E-Verify employment authorization program.
• Regularly identify and report on trends, issues and challenges to HR Directors, LR Council etc.
• Directly supervise LR specialists within their region; Approximately 1-2 employees

Create Your Own Chemistry: What We Offer You…

Adding value to our customers begins with adding value to you. You@BASF is the suite of benefits, perks, programs and unique opportunities we offer to support you—the whole you—in all stages of your life and career. With you@BASF, you create your own chemistry.

The total rewards that you receive as a BASF employee go way beyond a paycheck. From competitive health and insurance plans, to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, to making sure you never stop learning, we believe investing in you is investing in our success. Working for a large, global organization, you’ll have a chance to grow professionally and personally, expand your network and build a rewarding and dynamic career.

Qualifications - BASF recognizes institutions of Higher Education which are accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or equivalent

Ingredients for Success: What We Look For in You…

Experience

• BS in Human Resources or related field required
• Minimum 8+ years of related work experience is required.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive professional experience in labor and employee relations within a manufacturing or operations environment is required.

Knowledge/Skills

• Experience with principles of affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunity laws required.
• Experience working in a Union environment as spokesperson for negotiations, arbitration hearings, and labor relations meetings is required.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource management, labor relations and positive employee relations is necessary.
• Ability to manage and administer a broad range of tasks including counseling managers and employees on the interpretation of policies, procedures and the labor agreements.
• Knowledge of federal and state labor and employment laws.
• Experience implementing OFCCP required affirmative action plans.
• Experience investigating and resolving discrimination, harassment, code of conduct or other hotline / administrative agency related complaints.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, effectively, and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze labor relations issues accurately as well as provide advice in a timely manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executive business management, senior site leadership, line management as well as with regional and local Union Representatives.
• Travel: First year up to 75%; subsequent years 50%
• Ability to prepare written reports and correspondence, make presentations to senior leadership as required.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.

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