Sonoco seeks a remote Employee and Labor Relations Specialist to coach staff on performance management, advise on policy interpretation, handle union-related issues, lead investigations, and ensure legal compliance. This role is part of a company driven by growth, reinvention, and a people-centric focus.
What You'll Do
- Coach and advise staff on solving problems and implementing resolutions for performance management challenges.
- Provide guidance on corrective actions, corporate policy interpretation, and other workplace human resources challenges.
- Advise HR employees on employee relation issues and resolution recommendations.
- Assist the Employee and Labor Relations Manager with Union related issues, including grievance responses, meetings, contract interpretation, and contract negotiations.
- Attend all Union contract negotiations and sit as second-chair while learning how to negotiate.
- Build partnerships with all levels of employees, from individuals to teams, and from entry-level to executive leadership.
- Work closely with all members of HR, including Field HR, Benefits, Compensation, Employee Services, and Legal.
- Develop a clear understanding of how to apply Sonoco policies and procedures.
- Review all background check information to determine if candidates are employable.
- Participate in and support the documentation of investigations of workplace complaints and allegations.
- Lead investigations of workforce complaints and allegations, including those involving high level operations management.
- Investigate and draft position statements to EEOC and other legal entities and support mediation activities.
- Drive continuous improvement by creating tools, documentation, and articles to keep others informed on best practices.
- Act as a consultant and trainer for the HR Field Team on pertinent employee relations, labor relations, federal and state laws, employee leave, and policy information.
- Develop initiatives to conserve healthy work relationships and support a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the workplace.
- Research labor law and best practices to maintain compliance across all US locations.
- Take on additional roles and responsibilities as needed.
What We're Looking For
- Excellent interpersonal and customer-facing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, and lead presentations, training courses, and effective meetings.
- The flexibility and willingness to learn.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to analyze a situation and quickly make decisions while under pressure and with little input.
- Ability to manage multiple high priority tasks at the same time.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative on projects and tasks with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills, discretion, and ability to manage confidential information.
- Ability to form strong workplace relationships at all levels of the organization.
- The ability to work accurately, with high attention to detail.
- Knowledge of state and federal employment laws relating to key areas of responsibility.
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- HR Experience in a Manufacturing Environment.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time (and at times with limited notice).
- Ability to work 40 or more hours per week, including weekends if needed.
- Familiarity with business software such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Workday, PowerPoint.
Nice to Have
- Experience working with unions is preferred.
- Experience in union contract negotiations is preferred.
Technical Stack
- Microsoft Office
- Teams
- Workday
- PowerPoint
Team & Environment
Part of the Employee/Labor Relations (ER/LR) team, works closely with all members of HR including Field HR, Benefits, Compensation, Employee Services, and Legal.
Benefits & Compensation
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Compensation ranges: Employee & Relations Specialist I: $64,880 to $72,990. Employee & Relations Specialist II: $84,640 to $95,220. Senior Employee & Relations Specialist: $102,080 to $114,840, plus an annual target bonus of 7.5% of base salary.
Work Mode
This is a remote role requiring up to 50% travel.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.
