Serrano Search LLC
ABOUT US: Serrano Search, LLC is a unique executive search firm dedicated to labor relations related recruitment. We accept search assignments nationally for positions that typically fall into two categories: We help clients hire the best talent in the country when they currently have collective bargaining agreements, and we assist when clients are focused on remaining union free
Evergy has retained Serrano Search, LLC to recruit a Labor Relations Manager to join their team in Kansas City, MO,
OR
Topeka, KS.
JOB TITLE: Labor Relations Manager
DEPARTMENT: Labor Relations
LOCATION: Topeka or Kansas City
Scheduled Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Summary of Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The Labor Relations Manager is responsible for leading union contract negotiations, managing the relationship with union representatives, officers of the company, and management team; and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements. This role serves as the primary liaison between the company and union leadership for several local unions, fostering a collaborative environment while protecting the organization's interests.
The role reports to the Sr. Director, Labor Relations, and is dotted line to the Chief People Officer.
This individual will work to create and maintain a strong labor/management relationship by supporting the collective bargaining process, leading the administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), providing support and consultation to the Human Resource Partners and taking an ownership role in all labor relations issues. The position requires a basic understanding of the electric utility business to achieve and maintain strategic alliance with the company's mission, vision and focus areas.
Essential Functions/Duties: Union Contract Negotiations Co-lead negotiations for collective bargaining agreements with Operations and Legal teams, ensuring alignment with company objectives and legal requirements. Negotiate other Supplemental Agreements (Mutual Agreements) with the Union on behalf of specific work groups covering operating issues as necessary. Consult internally with Human Resources staff, managers and supervisors on matters such as wages, benefits, pensions, and work rules and practices that may be negotiation points in developing a new or revised union contract. Maintain accurate documentation of negotiation sessions and outcomes. Union Relationship Management:
Serve as the primary point of contact for union representatives, addressing concerns and resolving disputes proactively. Build and maintain positive working relationships with union leadership to promote cooperation and minimize conflict. Conduct regular meetings with union representatives to discuss workplace issues and contract compliance. Compliance & Policy Administration:
Ensure adherence to labor laws, company policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Monitor and interpret contract provisions, advising management on obligations and limitations. Investigate and resolve grievances in accordance with established procedures. Leadership/ Guidance/ Training:
Provide day-to-day advice and counsel to Human Resources staff, directors, managers and supervisors regarding the interpretation and administration of the CBA including, issuing corrective action, implementing policies and procedures, conducting fact finding investigations and navigating through business decisions that could cause effect due to the terms and conditions of the labor agreement. Provide day-to-day advice to managers and supervision, in coordination with Evergy's internal and external counsel, on matters related to the NLRA, EEO, ADA and other regulatory issues. Provide Labor Relations updates, advice and training to managers and senior leaders. Provide oversight of the CBA Grievance Procedure. Responsibilities will include providing advice to managers and supervisors on grievance process and hearing and rendering the Company's written decision at the Step 3 process. Assist with the development and implementation of labor policy and strategy. Ensure uniformity in areas covered by the Labor Agreement by providing consistent interpretation of the negotiated contractual provisions and Company policies. Assist operating units with the development of all consolidation/restructuring plans, involving represented employees, on a timely basis. Implement initiatives as assigned by the Sr. Director and/or CPO that support the efforts of the Company in pursuit of advancing labor relations through employee engagement, improved communication and collaboration and the continued improvement in conflict resolution at the lowest levels in the organization. Education and Experience Requirements:
The successful candidate must meet at least one of the following requirements. Candidates must have at least 5 years' experience as a Labor Relations professional that has a proven proficiency in administration of bargaining agreements, negotiation of bargaining issues, and administration of grievances, arbitration, or similar labor relations activities. A bachelor's degree is highly preferred and a labor related certification is highly desired. Candidates must possess a working knowledge of employment law, and in particular the National Labor Relations Act and case law interpreting the act. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and proven ability to create a productive environment that promotes initiative, continual learning and development of key personnel for future advancement. Ability to manage competing priorities between multiple business units. Demonstrated leadership, change management, and success in planning, leading and driving change in the organization while meeting or exceeding business objectives. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required:
Must have very strong communication, interpersonal relations, computer, and analytical skills. Must be proficient in MS Office applications. Licenses, Certification, Bonding and/or Testing Required:
Labor Relations certifications highly desired.
Evergy has retained Serrano Search, LLC to recruit a Labor Relations Manager to join their team in Kansas City, MO,
OR
Topeka, KS.
JOB TITLE: Labor Relations Manager
DEPARTMENT: Labor Relations
LOCATION: Topeka or Kansas City
Scheduled Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Summary of Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The Labor Relations Manager is responsible for leading union contract negotiations, managing the relationship with union representatives, officers of the company, and management team; and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements. This role serves as the primary liaison between the company and union leadership for several local unions, fostering a collaborative environment while protecting the organization's interests.
The role reports to the Sr. Director, Labor Relations, and is dotted line to the Chief People Officer.
This individual will work to create and maintain a strong labor/management relationship by supporting the collective bargaining process, leading the administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), providing support and consultation to the Human Resource Partners and taking an ownership role in all labor relations issues. The position requires a basic understanding of the electric utility business to achieve and maintain strategic alliance with the company's mission, vision and focus areas.
Essential Functions/Duties: Union Contract Negotiations Co-lead negotiations for collective bargaining agreements with Operations and Legal teams, ensuring alignment with company objectives and legal requirements. Negotiate other Supplemental Agreements (Mutual Agreements) with the Union on behalf of specific work groups covering operating issues as necessary. Consult internally with Human Resources staff, managers and supervisors on matters such as wages, benefits, pensions, and work rules and practices that may be negotiation points in developing a new or revised union contract. Maintain accurate documentation of negotiation sessions and outcomes. Union Relationship Management:
Serve as the primary point of contact for union representatives, addressing concerns and resolving disputes proactively. Build and maintain positive working relationships with union leadership to promote cooperation and minimize conflict. Conduct regular meetings with union representatives to discuss workplace issues and contract compliance. Compliance & Policy Administration:
Ensure adherence to labor laws, company policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Monitor and interpret contract provisions, advising management on obligations and limitations. Investigate and resolve grievances in accordance with established procedures. Leadership/ Guidance/ Training:
Provide day-to-day advice and counsel to Human Resources staff, directors, managers and supervisors regarding the interpretation and administration of the CBA including, issuing corrective action, implementing policies and procedures, conducting fact finding investigations and navigating through business decisions that could cause effect due to the terms and conditions of the labor agreement. Provide day-to-day advice to managers and supervision, in coordination with Evergy's internal and external counsel, on matters related to the NLRA, EEO, ADA and other regulatory issues. Provide Labor Relations updates, advice and training to managers and senior leaders. Provide oversight of the CBA Grievance Procedure. Responsibilities will include providing advice to managers and supervisors on grievance process and hearing and rendering the Company's written decision at the Step 3 process. Assist with the development and implementation of labor policy and strategy. Ensure uniformity in areas covered by the Labor Agreement by providing consistent interpretation of the negotiated contractual provisions and Company policies. Assist operating units with the development of all consolidation/restructuring plans, involving represented employees, on a timely basis. Implement initiatives as assigned by the Sr. Director and/or CPO that support the efforts of the Company in pursuit of advancing labor relations through employee engagement, improved communication and collaboration and the continued improvement in conflict resolution at the lowest levels in the organization. Education and Experience Requirements:
The successful candidate must meet at least one of the following requirements. Candidates must have at least 5 years' experience as a Labor Relations professional that has a proven proficiency in administration of bargaining agreements, negotiation of bargaining issues, and administration of grievances, arbitration, or similar labor relations activities. A bachelor's degree is highly preferred and a labor related certification is highly desired. Candidates must possess a working knowledge of employment law, and in particular the National Labor Relations Act and case law interpreting the act. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and proven ability to create a productive environment that promotes initiative, continual learning and development of key personnel for future advancement. Ability to manage competing priorities between multiple business units. Demonstrated leadership, change management, and success in planning, leading and driving change in the organization while meeting or exceeding business objectives. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required:
Must have very strong communication, interpersonal relations, computer, and analytical skills. Must be proficient in MS Office applications. Licenses, Certification, Bonding and/or Testing Required:
Labor Relations certifications highly desired.