Labor Relations Manager - Americas

Location: US-OH-AKRON-CORP-HDQTRS-2110   
Goodyear Talent Acquisition Representative: Heather Rodriguez  
Sponsorship Available: No 
Relocation Assistance Available: No 

Primary Purpose of the Position:

The Labor Relations Manager - Americas will strategically manage and enhance the relationship between the organization and its workforce, particularly in unionized environments. This role focuses on fostering positive labor relations, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and facilitating effective communication between management and the union.

Key objectives include:

- Negotiation of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Lead/Manage negotiations with Company Owned Outlets and other manufacturing plant labor unions to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

- Conflict Resolution: Address/Resolve regional grievances and disputes effectively to maintain workplace harmony.

- Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to all relevant labor laws and regulations. Administer data request and benchmark best practices.

- Strategic Labor Relations Planning: Support, develop, and implement strategies that align labor relations practices with organizational goals, promoting a positive workplace culture.

- Training and Development: Educate regional manufacturing leaders and plant Human Resources (HR) on labor relations policies, fostering understanding and cooperation. Develop and implement sound labor relations principles for all layers of management.

- Relationship Building: Establish/Maintain constructive relationships with union representatives to facilitate open communication and collaboration.

Principle duties and responsibilities:

Lead negotiations with labor unions to establish contracts covering wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment terms. Prepare proposals, conduct bargaining sessions, and advocate for the organization's interests.

Provide support during negotiations of labor agreements. Interpret the labor agreements. Assist management in developing policies/systems consistent with labor agreements that maximize management flexibility. Advise all managers and provide onboarding training to new managers (as necessary).

Stay updated on labor relations trends, best practices, and changes in legislation to inform organizational strategies. Prepare reports on labor relations issues, trends, and outcomes for senior management, offering insights and recommendations.

Develop and sustain labor relations processes, as well as historical references. Develop and implement sound labor relations principles throughout the manufacturing organization decision process as to whether to arbitrate or not. Manage the overall arbitration process, including coordination of the selection (inside and outside council) and payment of arbitrators. Present arbitration cases (as needed).

Build/Maintain positive relationships with labor unions and other stakeholders. Foster effective communication between management, employees, and union representatives.

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Experience:

• 8 or more years of experience in labor relations.
• Experience in grievance and negotiations process.
• Multi-functional experience in HR, Labor Relations, and costing contracts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Must understand labor agreements and the effects of contractual language.
• Knowledge of negotiations techniques and collective bargaining processes.
• Knowledge of National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) regulations.
• Ability to develop, write, and convey effective arguments.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills to convey information clearly and persuasively.
• Proficiency in quickly analyzing data/trends in labor relations and internal metrics.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead and influence teams.
• Skilled in addressing and de-escalating conflicts effectively.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 55 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

Goodyear is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need reasonable accommodation to complete the online application, or any other part of the employment process, please contact the Goodyear Candidate Care Line at 330.796.4500.

Click here for more information about Equal Employment Opportunity laws, and here for additional supplementary information.