Senior Manager, Labor Relations

At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South.

Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.

Job Description

Brightspeed is looking for a Senior Manager, Labor Relations to provide subject matter expertise and strategy on labor relations, union awareness and employee engagement to HRBPs, leaders and employees. This is a high-profile role that requires the individual to advise senior leaders on potential risks and offer solutions to organizational challenges while effectively communicating with frontline employees and improving the overall employee experience.

This position will report directly to the Senior Director, Labor Relations & Human Resources Business Support. As a Senior Manager, Labor Relations, you will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Design and execute a strategy that foster positive relationships between management, employees, and labor unions. This involves analyzing labor trends, assessing the organization's needs, and aligning labor relations initiatives with broader business objectives.
• Conduct strategic analysis of labor relations data and trends to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement. Develop long-term plans and initiatives aimed at enhancing labor relations effectiveness and contributing to the organization's overall success.
• Manage arbitration files, overseeing the entire process from arbitrator selection to case preparation and presentation at hearings, while also considering the potential outsourcing of representation to optimize outcomes
• In collaboration with Labor Counsel (internal and external), Labor Relations, and other Human Resources teams, anticipate and assess legal and other risks to the Company, and devise appropriate measures to avoid or reduce those risks while furthering the successful execution of the Company’s strategies and goals
• Develop and deliver targeted communication and training initiatives to promote employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Empower and equip managers and HR to confidently address employee issues and effectively navigate union matters, thus strengthening organizational resilience
• Serve as the organization's foremost authority on union-related matters, providing expert guidance to management and HR at all levels. This involves advising on risk assessment, recommending strategies for risk mitigation, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned, and offering insights into external labor dynamics that may impact the business.
• Evaluate company policies, procedures, practices, and strategic decisions to ensure alignment with the overarching labor relations and employee engagement strategy
• Some limited travel is required as the role requires regular face-to-face interaction with employees across the Brightspeed footprint
  

Qualifications

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Management or similar field
• 7+ years of relevant labor relations work experience
• 5+ years of experience in an HR leadership role
• Excellent writing, public speaking, communication and persuasion skills
• Strong computer and internet research skills
• Proficient in MS Office or Google Suite (Word, Excel and Powerpoint)
• Strong organization, planning and prioritization skills
• Ability to handle confidential matters is essential
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand complex issues and root causes, leveraging data to develop insights, guide decisions, and formulate solutions to engagement deficiencies and union campaign strategies
• The ability to interact and communicate at various levels within the organization
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements
• Previous labor relations experience

BONUS POINTS FOR:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Management or similar field
• Legal background
• Telecommunications industry experience

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Additional Information

WHY JOIN US?

We aspire to contemporary ways of working.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical, emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program, including competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion   are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real .  

When we bring our authentic selves to work, everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible, inclusive and high-quality internet, because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.

Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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