Lead Labor Relations Specialist

CenterPoint Energy is looking for a Lead Labor Relations Specialist to join our HR Labor Relations Team, located in Indianapolis, IN.

You will have the ability to: Manage collective bargaining activities and provide labor relations strategy and consulting. Establish and maintain satisfactory labor-management relationships. Analyze the various collective bargaining agreements to provide interpretation of intent, spirit and terms of the agreements. Advise leadership and union officials in development, interpretation and application of labor relations policies and practices. May serve as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining.

We want you to know

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value drives our strategy and performance. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Diversity and Inclusion

CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Subsidized metro and parking discounts
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution with immediate 100% vesting.

To be successful in this role you will:

• Serve as the primary leadership contact with respect to Labor Relations issues and concerns on day to day basis
• May serve as first chair as a member of management's bargaining committee during collective bargaining agreement negotiations
• Coordinate with Business on collective bargaining strategy and plans, including business contingency plans
• Negotiate directly with union representatives to resolve disputes and issues
• Advise leadership and union officials on development, applications, and interpretation of company labor relations policies and practices
• Lead the grievance dispute resolution processes between grieving workers, supervisory and managerial personnel and union representatives to investigate and resolve grievances
• Monitor trends and proactively advises labor relations team and leadership on resolution of issues
• Assist business leaders in preparing responses to grievances at all levels of the grievance process
• Coordinate with internal and external legal counsel in preparing and presenting grievances at arbitration
• Provide testimony and input based on a thorough knowledge of issues, research, and relevant history of past practice, preparation of exhibits, etc. at hearings, meetings, and other proceedings
• Work in partnership with other HR business partners in managing employee and labor relations
• Monitor the implementation of policies concerning wages, hours, and working conditions to ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreements

Your background includes:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum seven (7) years Human Resources experience to include three (3) years' experience in Labor Relations.
• Experience with a variety of Labor Relations issues; negotiations, grievance administration, arbitration, disciplinary actions, investigations, contract administration, etc. In-depth knowledge of employment related laws, particularly the NLRA.

A bonus to have:

• Master of Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Business Administration preferred.
• Direct supervisory experience preferred.

#LI-CNP #LI-JC1

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR * 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.