SUMMARY
This position is responsible for providing advice and counsel to the Human Resources Department and site leadership regarding all aspects of employment and labor law and litigation. As a Site Expert, the attorney is responsible for assisting the General Counsel and Human Resources Department in the management and handling of all labor and employment related matters for the Company. In additional, the position will be responsible for litigation matters.
EDUCATION
• Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) (Required)
EXPERIENCE
• 10 + years experience in Labor Relations, Employment Law, and Litigation. (Required)
• Experience with investigations and experience with interviewing personnel in the context of compliance investigations and labor related legal matters. (Required)
• Experience in advising on the terms of collective bargaining agreements, conducting arbitrations, general litigations, and utility experience. (Preferred)
LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS
• Member, in good standing, of Texas Bar
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide in-house legal counsel on labor and employment related matters, which may include, but not limited to, human resources issues, wage and hour law, workers' compensation, unemployment and other state agency claims, labor relations, employee benefits, employment agreements and policy related issues, FMLA matters, employment related litigation, grievances and arbitrations.
• Ensures compliance regarding Company policies, procedures and all current related federal/state employment and labor law.
• Participates in and influences decision-making process with appropriate clients and stakeholders
• Supervises, manages and evaluates outside counsel related to employment, labor, and benefits matters including litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
• Supervises, manages, and evaluates outside counsel related to general litigation matters.
• Develops and assists with the implementation and interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Provides advice and counsel on laws, regulations and other requirements and performs legal research in support thereof.
• Supports and performs internal investigations of employment, labor and industrial safety related compliance issues.
• Researches and analyzes Legal and Human Resources references to develop Company policies.
• Leads the implementation of new laws and regulations, including development of policies, communication, training and auditing, related to employment, labor, benefits and safety.
• Act as the Company representative in employment and other related hearings and arbitrations.
• Coordinates witness preparation and testimony in support of labor, employment and other related legal matters.
• Supports STP's commitment to EEO and make good faith efforts to help ensure that the workplace is free from harassment and discrimination.
• Participates in and leads collective bargaining negotiations and labor/management meetings; administers and interprets collective bargaining agreements, reviews and prepares material for arbitrations proceedings; prepares cost estimates and analyses of union increases.
• Prepares, interprets, processes, and educates supervision and other employees around changes to collective bargaining agreements and contract negotiations.
• Provides guidance regarding contract and non-contract issues, including but not limited to discipline, grievance and arbitration resolution, employment terms and conditions, problem-solving, contract administration, and negotiations.
• Supports management of Grievance and Discipline requests requiring higher level knowledge and authority and/or interaction.
• Anticipates, identifies, assesses, and monitors business and labor relations development trends, data and identified issues likely to impact the business in order to develop solutions and recommend strategies to minimize risk or take advantage of opportunities.
• Advises management and participates in dealing with state and federal agencies such as, NLRB, Department of Labor, the EEOC, and OSHA.
• Prepares/edits reports and presentations for the Board of Directors and upper management.
• Provides advisory assistance to executive management.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Accept ERO position as needed.
• Accept outage position as needed.
SPECIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of ethical principles, as well as the highest level of personal and professional conduct, and must remain objective and independent when completing assignments, and consistently demonstrate the ability to hold information in confidence.
• Ability to work closely with business unit leaders and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects independently, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to analyze new and existing laws and regulations and relate those laws to operational procedures, company policies, and industry trends.
• Strong consultative approach to advising and guiding the business in achieving compliance standards and operational excellence.
• Outstanding communication skills (interpersonal, written, verbal) essential.
• Demonstrates independent reasoning, critical thinking, and decision making skills.
• Ability to professionally and confidentially handle personnel information.
• Unquestionable ethics and integrity.
• Strong organizational, time and project management skills, driving tasks to completion.
• Able to analyze and resolve complex issues and problems in a timely fashion.
• Knowledge of Company processes and procedures
• Firm understanding of STP Goals and long-term plans.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret and communicate union contracts, employee relations laws, regulations, guidelines, policies, procedures and practices.
• Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work hours consistent with the demands of the position
• Subject to callouts twenty-four hours per day seven days per week.
• Normal office environment with routine visits to the plant.
• Travel as required.
• May be required to sit for extended periods of time.
• May be required to view computer monitor for extended periods of time.
