Senior Employee and Labor Relations Consultant – Human Resources
HealthPartners, Bloomington, MN, United States
HealthPartners is currently hiring a Senior Employee and Labor Relations Consultant – Human Resources. The Senior Consultant is a senior‑level expert who serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to leaders across the organization. This role plays a critical part in shaping and executing employee and labor relations strategies that align with organizational goals, support a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and ensure compliance with all applicable employment and labor laws.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Five years of progressively responsible experience in labor and/or employee relations, or a related field
Demonstrated experience managing moderately complex to complex investigations and advising senior leaders
Experience responding to regulatory agencies (e.g., EEOC, MDHR, WDWD)
Expert-level knowledge of employment and labor law and HR best practices (e.g., FMLA, ADA, Title VII, FLSA)
Experience working in union and non‑union environments
Strong investigation, problem‑solving, conflict resolution, coaching and negotiation skills
Ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels
Ability to manage multiple cases with high complexity
Ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and mentor other ER professionals
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in labor relations is strongly preferred
Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field
PHR/SPHR certification
Hours / Location
Monday through Friday; core business hours
Hybrid position with an expectation of being onsite three days a week. Occasional travel to other HealthPartners locations may be required for meetings or workgroup sessions
Responsibilities
Employee and Labor Relations Consultation
Provide expert guidance and policy interpretation to leaders, colleagues, and HR partners on employee and labor relations matters, including policies, union collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws
Act as a mediator between disagreeing parties to bring fair resolution to conflict situations
Conduct and manage complex investigations into policy violations or legal concerns such as harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, and confidentiality breaches; document findings and recommend appropriate resolutions
Advise leaders and HR partners on performance management, including coaching, corrective action, and terminations, and ensure legal compliance
Create and conduct ongoing training of leaders regarding employment/labor law, policies, and the performance management process
Labor Relations and Union Engagement
Provide labor relations support as needed based on assigned areas, investigate and respond to grievances in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and organizational policy
Lead special negotiations, negotiate Letters of Understanding, participate in main negotiations, union awareness and strike planning, and represent the organization in labor‑management committees, arbitrations, and grievances
Foster collaborative relationships with union leadership to support organizational goals
Accommodations
Partner with leaders, HR partners, and Employee Health on leave administration, ADA accommodations, and return‑to‑work programs, providing guidance to ensure a consistent, compliant, and supportive employee experience
Legal and Regulatory Response
Lead or support responses to employment‑related legal matters, including EEOC/MDHR/WDWD charges, DOL complaints, lawsuits, and attorney demand letters
Prepare requests and represent the organization in regulatory compliance surveys and mediation, settlement discussions, and employment‑related proceedings
Respond to Unemployment Compensation claims and represent the organization at unemployment hearings
Data Analysis, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
Review analysis of ER/LR data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention
Develop reports for leaders and senior leadership with actionable insights
Drive continuous improvement by evaluating the effectiveness of ER/LR programs and recommending enhancements
Benefits As a HealthPartners colleague, we’re committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work‑life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
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Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Five years of progressively responsible experience in labor and/or employee relations, or a related field
Demonstrated experience managing moderately complex to complex investigations and advising senior leaders
Experience responding to regulatory agencies (e.g., EEOC, MDHR, WDWD)
Expert-level knowledge of employment and labor law and HR best practices (e.g., FMLA, ADA, Title VII, FLSA)
Experience working in union and non‑union environments
Strong investigation, problem‑solving, conflict resolution, coaching and negotiation skills
Ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels
Ability to manage multiple cases with high complexity
Ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and mentor other ER professionals
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in labor relations is strongly preferred
Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field
PHR/SPHR certification
Hours / Location
Monday through Friday; core business hours
Hybrid position with an expectation of being onsite three days a week. Occasional travel to other HealthPartners locations may be required for meetings or workgroup sessions
Responsibilities
Employee and Labor Relations Consultation
Provide expert guidance and policy interpretation to leaders, colleagues, and HR partners on employee and labor relations matters, including policies, union collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws
Act as a mediator between disagreeing parties to bring fair resolution to conflict situations
Conduct and manage complex investigations into policy violations or legal concerns such as harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, and confidentiality breaches; document findings and recommend appropriate resolutions
Advise leaders and HR partners on performance management, including coaching, corrective action, and terminations, and ensure legal compliance
Create and conduct ongoing training of leaders regarding employment/labor law, policies, and the performance management process
Labor Relations and Union Engagement
Provide labor relations support as needed based on assigned areas, investigate and respond to grievances in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and organizational policy
Lead special negotiations, negotiate Letters of Understanding, participate in main negotiations, union awareness and strike planning, and represent the organization in labor‑management committees, arbitrations, and grievances
Foster collaborative relationships with union leadership to support organizational goals
Accommodations
Partner with leaders, HR partners, and Employee Health on leave administration, ADA accommodations, and return‑to‑work programs, providing guidance to ensure a consistent, compliant, and supportive employee experience
Legal and Regulatory Response
Lead or support responses to employment‑related legal matters, including EEOC/MDHR/WDWD charges, DOL complaints, lawsuits, and attorney demand letters
Prepare requests and represent the organization in regulatory compliance surveys and mediation, settlement discussions, and employment‑related proceedings
Respond to Unemployment Compensation claims and represent the organization at unemployment hearings
Data Analysis, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
Review analysis of ER/LR data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention
Develop reports for leaders and senior leadership with actionable insights
Drive continuous improvement by evaluating the effectiveness of ER/LR programs and recommending enhancements
Benefits As a HealthPartners colleague, we’re committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work‑life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
#J-18808-Ljbffr