Human Resources Manager-Employee Relations

Plan, direct, manage, and oversee the operations, programs, and staff of the Employee Relations Division. Provide strategic leadership for employee relations, workplace investigations, leave and accommodation administration, labor relations support, performance management, policy compliance, employee engagement, and organizational risk management. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on complex employment matters and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, City ordinances, and Human Resources policies. Direct division planning, budgeting, operational improvements, technology initiatives, training programs, and vendor relationships while fostering collaborative partnerships across City departments and stakeholders. Represent the division before executive leadership, labor representatives, boards, commissions, and other governing bodies, and provide leadership, guidance, and professional development to assigned staff in support of organizational goals and workforce success.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

1. Assume full management responsibility for the Employee Relations Division operations, including employee relations programs, workplace investigations, leave and accommodation administration, policy compliance, performance management, labor relations support, and employee engagement initiatives.
2. Develop, implement, and evaluate division goals, objectives, policies, priorities, and long-range strategies for all employee/labor relation programs. 
3. Establish service levels, evaluate operational effectiveness, implement process improvements, and oversee technology solutions, analytics, reporting tools, and system enhancements that support Employee Relations functions.
4. Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on employee relations matters, performance management, corrective actions, organizational risk, and complex workplace issues; lead workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and risk mitigation efforts; and partner with Legal on sensitive and high-risk employment matters.
5. Ensure organizational compliance with federal and state employment laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, City ordinances, and Human Resources policies, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, FMLA, PWFA, ADEA, NMHRA, and USERRA.
6. Plan, assign, direct, and oversee the work of staff engaged in employee relations programs and activities, including workplace investigations, leave and accommodation administration, performance management support, policy compliance, labor relations support, conflict resolution, and employee engagement initiatives to ensure consistent, timely, and effective HR services to employees, supervisors, managers, and internal stakeholders.
7. Oversee the administration of leave and accommodation programs, including FMLA, USERRA and ADA/NMHRA, and PWFA processes ensuring compliance, consistency, and timely resolution.
8. Develop, implement, and direct the consistent application of City policies, progressive discipline practices, employee relations procedures, and documentation standards to ensure equitable treatment of employees, regulatory compliance, and effective workforce management.
9. Support labor and union relations activities, including collective bargaining agreement interpretation, grievance administration, labor-management discussions, and collaboration with labor relations representatives.
10. Develop, deliver, and oversee training programs related to employee relations, workplace conduct, investigations, performance management, policy compliance, and supervisory best practices.
11. Oversee the administration, maintenance, security, and compliance of employee relations files, personnel records, and related employment documentation; establish records management practices, retention schedules, file governance standards, and audit procedures to ensure accuracy, completeness, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, City ordinances, and Human Resources policies.
12. Select, supervise, train, develop, and evaluate assigned staff; provide coaching, performance feedback, corrective action, and professional development to ensure effective service delivery and employee growth.
13. Develop, implement, and evaluate employee engagement initiatives and programs in collaboration with Human Resources divisions and City departments to support employee satisfaction, retention, organizational effectiveness, and workforce engagement.
14. Provide staff support to the Deputy Director and Director; prepare and present reports, recommendations, and correspondence; represent the division before executive leadership, City Council, boards, commissions, labor representatives, and other stakeholders; and explain, defend, and resolve issues related to division programs, policies, and operations.
15. Collaborate with Human Resources divisions, City departments, and external partners to promote consistent HR practices, employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and workforce success.
16. Develop, administer, and monitor the division budget; oversee contracts, procurements, and vendor relationships related to division operations; negotiate and manage agreements; and ensure effective service delivery, compliance, and performance outcomes.

 SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of management.
2. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen, employee, and stakeholder inquiries and complaints.Will regularly deal with highly emotionally charged situations or individuals. 
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
4. Physical presence is preferred.

Education and experience directly related to the requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.  

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, Labor Relations, Employment Law, or a related field; and

Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience in employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, employment law compliance, leave and accommodation administration, performance management; and

To include four (4) years of supervisory or management experience.

Master's degree in related field preferred. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.Environmental:
 Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
 
 Physical:
 Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time.