What are the responsibilities and job description for the Labor and Employment Counsel position at GAF?
Job Description:
Introduction: At GAF, we cover more than buildings. We cover each other. No matter what role, tenure, or track, under this roof you are empowered to be there for your teammates, your customers, and especially your community. Under this roof, we don’t back down from hard work– we support one another in pursuit of something bigger. We define the future while leading the present. And under this roof, we own our opportunities. Becoming the market leader only happens when everyone feels they have the opportunity, and the support, to thrive. We are GAF. And under this roof, we protect what matters most.
Summary:
Working under the direction of the Senior Labor & Employment Counsel, and in collaboration with the General Counsel, GAF, and the Senior Vice President, Chief Labor and Employment Counsel, Standard Industries, the Labor & Employment Counsel is responsible for providing business-minded legal counsel to internal clients, for all aspects of labor & employment law.
Essential Duties:
- Being the primary employment contact for one or more business units
- Partnering with and providing counseling and support to colleagues on all day-to-day employee relations matters, including recruiting, hiring, employee discipline, performance management, terminations, and restructurings
- Partnering with and providing counseling and support regarding labor relations matters, including advising on contract administration and assisting in handling labor arbitrations
- Drafting, revising, and counseling on employment related agreements and policies including offer letters, severance agreements, confidentiality and non-compete agreements, benefit programs, employee handbook policies, and employee relations documentation
- Defending and representing the company in administrative charges pending with the EEOC, DOL, NLRB, and state and federal agencies, by conducting investigations, document reviews, drafting and submitting position statements, and appearing for any hearings or mediations, and managing outside counsel where appropriate
- Providing legal guidance and counsel to the company’s Human Resources professionals related to internal investigations arising from complaints in order to lead these matters to resolution
- Handling pre-litigation claims, settlement negotiations and mediations, and federal and state litigation, including management of outside counsel where support is needed
- Monitoring labor, employment and benefits law developments and recommending changes to company policies to the Senior Labor & Employment Counsel
- Providing legal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, including affirmative action plan initiatives
- Developing and providing training related to labor & employment law issues to management and Human Resources professionals
- 4-6 years of experience at a major law firm; in-house legal experience and/or human resources experience a plus
- Juris Doctor, with strong academic record
- Member in good standing of the New Jersey state bar or any state bar that would enable admission to practice as in-house counsel in New Jersey l
- Advanced knowledge of Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, WARN, NLRA, OSHA, and other state and federal employment laws, as well as employment related claims, contract issues, common law claims, and restrictive covenant matters that arise in the employment context
- Willing and able to travel up to 20%, or as needed
- Familiarity with DOT, ERISA, MSHA, and/or OFCCP regulations a plus
- Self-motivated, with ability to work efficiently, either independently or in a team environment
- Advanced communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-lawyers
- Ability to handle a high volume of work and juggle multiple matters simultaneously
- Excellent business judgment and ability to assess legal risk while also thinking strategically and providing practical advice
- Maintain strict confidence and discretion, and a friendly and professional demeanor in all aspects of work duties
- Advanced proficiency with Google Suite (gmail, sheets, slides, docs)
- Advanced organizational skills with an eye for detail
- We offer a wide range of health insurance options that include medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.
- Our Family-Building benefits support the many different journeys to fertility and parenthood.
- Our robust 401K plan includes an employer match contribution with your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions.
- Other exciting programs and perks are available to help employees achieve work-life balance, including (but not limited to) a wellness program, free financial coaching, a referral program, and product rebates when purchased for an employee’s primary residence.
- Professional growth and development are very important to us! We offer internal training programs and courses, as well as a generous tuition reimbursement program.
- We put diversity and inclusion into action with our Employee Resource Groups, which unite employees based on common perspectives, identities, demographic factors, or out of a desire to be an ally.
We believe our employees are our greatest resource. We offer competitive salary, benefits, 401k, and vacation packages for all full time permanent positions. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and GAF, Standard Logistics, SGI, and Siplast are proud to be affirmative action employers. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. If applying for positions in the U.S., must be eligible to work in the U.S. without need for employer sponsored visa (work permit).