Senior Labor Relations Specialist
At a glance
Senior Employee Relations & Culture role at Metalsa Career Site. Roanoke · full-time · $92,000–$115,000 base.
hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Handle employee grievances from investigation through every step before arbitration, and assemble case materials for arbitration proceedings
- Interpret and administer the collective bargaining agreement as a key resource for the facility
- Help prepare for bargaining by shaping proposals and assessing labor issues
- Coach supervisors on discipline decisions, just cause and compliance with contract terms
- Track grievances, absences and turnover, then develop plans to support labor stability
What you bring
- A bachelor’s degree in human resources or a closely related field
- Two to four years of experience in unionized manufacturing
- Hands-on experience administering FMLA and medical leave, plus knowledge of state and federal employment laws
- Working knowledge of benefits and payroll
Who this fits
This senior, hands-on role suits someone with unionized manufacturing experience who can independently handle complex grievances and advise supervisors. You’ll work closely with plant leadership in a unionized facility in Roanoke.
From the employer
Position Title Senior Labor Relations Specialist
GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Senior Labor Relations Specialist is a mid-level professional responsible for providing advanced labor relations support in a unionized Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility. This position requires increased independence, judgment, and accountability for complex grievance handling, labor risk mitigation, collective bargaining preparation and partners closely with Plant Leadership to support business objectives while maintaining a stable and compliant labor environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION
Maintain and foster productive working relationships with hourly, salaried, and union-represented employees
Serve as a primary facility resource for interpretation and administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Lead the review, investigation, and resolution of employee grievances through all non-arbitration steps
Prepare grievance files, exhibits, timelines, and witness summaries to support arbitration proceedings
Participate in collective bargaining preparation, including proposal development and issue analysis
Provide coaching and guidance to supervisors on just cause, progressive discipline, and contract compliance
Investigate employee relations matters and ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes
Analyze grievance, absenteeism, and turnover trends; develop action plans to support labor stability
Ensure compliance with NLRB standards and applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, OSHA)
Support timekeeping, attendance, and payroll-related labor issue resolution
Maintain accurate labor relations documentation, reports, and metrics
Perform additional duties as required to meet departmental and business needs
ACADEMICS AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
Bachelor’s Degree in HR or HR related field
PHR or SHRM CP Certification preferred
2-4 years of experience in unionized manufacturing required
Prior experience sitting through unionized negotiations and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) preferred
FMLA and Medical Leave Administration Experience required
Knowledge of State and Federal laws required
Benefits and Payroll knowledge required
Salary Range $92,000 - $115,000
All employees are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable policies, procedures, and internal controls; executing assigned control activities; maintaining appropriate supporting evidence; and promptly reporting any identified deviation, risk, or control deficiency to the direct leader.