["Labor Relations Cnslt","Labor Relations Cnslt"]

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. _ _

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location : This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and may be assigned to any Consumers Energy Service Center located throughout Michigan's lower Peninsula.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Labor Relations Consultant serves as a primary contact to internal clients for the purpose of providing tailored, labor relations recommendations in areas such as benefits, employee relations, regulatory compliance, and other People & Culture administrative responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for the interpretation of the union contracts, grievance administration, performance management, Field Leader development, promoting and developing positive union and management relationships, and coordinating with Centers of Excellence to provide complex human resources services based on the client's and employees' needs. Performs tasks in an independent manner with instructions as to the general results expected. Exhibit the ability to independently design, develop, deliver and evaluate labor relations and human resources services based on the clients/employees' needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Partner with senior operations leadership on implementation of organization-wide initiatives, communication with front line leaders, local union leaders, and employees. Provide data and reports on staffing/headcount, retirements, transfers, grievances, and other information as requested. Support leadership on staffing and hiring of positions within their operations, includes the contractual bidding process

• Provide training to first line supervision on basic labor relations, union contract provisions, policies, grievance administration, labor laws, arbitrations, presidential hearings, performance management, and on building relationships with local union leadership

• Participate in a broad scope of cross-functional P&C initiatives and projects that may be moderately complex or have organization-wide implications

• Partner with People & Culture COE to answer employee inquiries, problem solve, and bring resolutions to the employees' concerns in a timely manner

• Administer the grievance process under the provisions of the union contract, which includes scheduling, preparation and research prior to attending the Step 1 and Step 2 grievance meetings. Participate in arbitrations and presidential hearings

• Investigate misconduct and performance of union employee behaviors to determine if any disciplinary action should be administered, make recommendations to management based on past disciplinary actions and relevant arbitrations, and issue necessary discipline

• Provide business leaders with contract interpretation guidance on a variety of Articles and Sections (including arbitrations), in order to comply with the contract, mitigate risk, and avoid grievances or unnecessary costs to the business. Performed independently with limited supervision and guidance

• Perform administrative and transactional functions related to the Union job postings, promotions, transfers, organizational management, and other like or related duties

• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of labor and employment laws (both state and federal)

• Microsoft Office Proficiency

• Knowledge of human resource services requirements and labor relations

• Ability to effectively build relationship, establishes rapport and maintains mutually productive relationships and relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations

• Ability to make decisions independently on HR/LR problems, with guidance from the LR Managers

• Data Analysis skills

• Demonstrated well-developed written communications skills that can be applied to disciplinary letters, investigative reports, contract interpretation guidance, and other communications with stakeholders

• Demonstrated verbal communication skills for interaction with all department levels within the Company

• Ability to utilize dispute resolution and conflict management techniques to settle disagreements and disputes in a fair and equitable manner

• Ability to master and interpret contractual language and apply interpretations to operations on somewhat complex issues

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations or related and 2+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce.

• [OR] Associate's degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations or related and 4+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce.

• [OR] High School diploma and 6+ years of experience working as a human resources generalist or in labor relations supporting an organization with a unionized workforce.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages

• Medical, Dental and Vision

• 401k with company match

• Paid parental leave

• Up to 13 paid Holidays

• Paid time off

• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY (Different Generations), capable (Different Abilities), Interfaith, People Planet Partners, and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.