Employee Relations Manager Seattle City Light EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT Conducted by Executive Search Consultants Connecting Leaders; Affecting Change
Seattle City Light (SCL) Seattle City Light (SCL) is the nation s 9th largest municipally owned utility based on the number of customers served. It is the city s largest department with an annual budget of $900 million and 1,800 employees, the majority of which are represented by 15 unions. Seattle City Light is committed to ensuring that Seattle's electric rates are affordable, and the utility provides reliable service, in an environmentally sound way. City Light is a national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Seattle City Light is recognized as the Nation s Greenest Utility and its employees strive to exceed the service expectations of Seattle City Light s customers surrounding the Seattle area. City Light is proud to say that We Power Seattle. Human Resources Business Unit The Human Resources Business Unit is comprised of six HR business functions: Safety Health and Wellness; Employee Services; Workforce Development; HR Compliance; Labor Relations; and Talent Acquisition. The Employee Relations Manager is a direct report to the Human Resources Officer (HRO) and leads a team of four direct reports. The mission of City Light's Employee Relations Team is to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and consistently and proactively address employee issues. Employee Relations Manager The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for planning, directing and implementing utility-wide review and resolution of employee relations matters in a responsive, consistent, and legally sound manner. Key Priorities: Enhance and foster a work environment that promotes positive employee experience across the organization. Advance SCL s commitment to maintaining a fair and inclusive work environment built on mutual respect and integrity. Develop and implement employee relations initiatives and programs aimed at building a world class workforce that exemplifies the mission and values of the City of Seattle and City Light Department. Identify professional development and training opportunities that foster a positive work experience and strengthen employee skills at all levels within Seattle City Light. Implement an effective Return to Work process. 2
Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive best in class employee relations program that results in Seattle City Light being an employer of choice. The position is responsible for, but not limited to: Provide vision and leadership of the Employee Relations unit and functions, in order to support the goals and mission of Seattle City Light. Plan, organize, design, implement and manage a comprehensive employee relations program that is data driven and outcome focused, including utilizing innovative data gathering and reporting techniques. Manage and analyze employee relations data, and recommend appropriate actions to address identified trends. Manage, support, investigate and respond to employee complaints regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unfair practices, equal employment opportunity (EEO), including complaints filed with external agencies, ensuring proactive and effective management of cases. Partner with management, as needed in investigations into potential violations of organizational policies or practices. Provide leadership, advice, guidance, direction and counsel to managers on employment issues and related laws including, but not limited to: Disability, FML, ADA, etc. Manage the department s internal grievances process. Serve as primary contact and case manager with Legal Department for employment litigation and claims. Provide strategic direction, oversight and implementation of diversity strategies ensuring alignment with and support of key business goals and objectives. Provide advice, promote and participate in diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives both internally and externally. Contribute to cross-organizational reviews of broad-based HR programs. Participate in the establishment of new and/or refinement of existing HR policies, practices and standards. Continually assess employee relations programs to ensure that the organization is current with industry and internal best practices. Identify opportunities to instill sound employee relations practices that are in alignment with company goals and objectives. Represent the HR Leadership team on employee relations related projects and committees. 3
Specific Role: The Employee Relations Manager will be responsible for delivering high quality employee relations counsel and support and be capable of developing proactive solutions while building strong relationships with all stakeholders. This position will play a key role in risk mitigation and will partner closely with other HR leaders to develop comprehensive, proactive plans and strategies to ensure a positive employee experience. This position will champion and support the employee experience by proactively ensuring equitable resolutions to employee issues, including unusual situations where precedents for resolution are unavailable and will leverage HR metrics and data analysis to identify emerging internal and external trends regarding employee issues. Why Apply? If you are passionate about being part of a progressive human resources organization that values individual and team contributions; works collaboratively to find creative solutions; embraces creativity and HR best practices; promotes the development of a quality workforce that is committed to carrying out the goals of an organization, and strives to be an employer of choice, then this opportunity is for you! Experience and Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in human resources, business, public administration or related field. A minimum of five years of experience performing employee relations work in an organization including conducting or providing management for EEO investigations and other investigations. Candidates must have demonstrated leadership/management skills with the proven ability to maximize performance including a minimum of three years of supervisorial experience. Demonstrated ability to negotiate, counsel, and provide conflict management to facilitate communications and influence without direct authority; work effectively in a large, complex diverse organization; exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines; exhibit sound judgment when recommending a course of action; prepare clear, concise, accurate, and persuasive reports, correspondence, analytical studies and other written materials. Attentive listening skills and proficient with Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Washington State Driver s License is required. Seattle City Light operates facilities throughout Washington State. Travel to remote work sites is required on an as needed basis. A law degree and/or relevant experience in employment law, including experience in providing analysis regarding discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the workplace is preferred; as is experience working with labor unions/contracts with demonstrated experience in a management role in a complex unionized environment. Personal Qualifications: Possess an intellectual curiosity and employ a neutral approach to addressing employment matters; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to problem solve and develop solutions in support of a healthy work environment; 4
Ability to improve the effectiveness of the organization and achieve targeted goals by means of collaboration; Comfortable working in support of a diverse unionized workforce; Exhibits flexibility and strong time management skills; Digests information quickly in order to provide timely solutions; Collaborative, responsive, investigative in approach, flexible and comfortable dealing with ambiguity; Ability to develop neutral solutions in support of both the employer and employee remaining consistent with regulations and mission of Seattle City Light. The City The City of Seattle was incorporated in 1869, and is the largest city in the State of Washington. Located 113 miles south of the Canadian border, Seattle is situated between the Puget Sound and the shoreline of Lake Washington, with panoramic views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. With a population of more than 652,405 residents, and an equivalent daytime workforce, Seattle is an active urban center with safe neighborhoods, vibrant retail and commercial centers, and an outstanding quality of life. Seattle serves as the commercial, cultural and technology hub of the region, and is home to Boeing, Microsoft, REI, Nintendo, Starbucks, and Amazon. Twenty-seven performing arts centers draw major national and regional events to Seattle, and the City is home to opera, symphony, ballet and theater companies. The City s rich historic heritage has been preserved, and historic districts now house specialty shops, cafes, microbreweries, fine dining, bookstores, antique malls, and galleries. The Seattle Mariners (baseball), 2014 Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks (football), Storm (women s basketball), Sounders FC (soccer), Seattle Reign FC (women s soccer) and Thunderbirds (hockey) provide year-round entertainment for sports fans. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy activities at the area s numerous lakes, rivers, and mountains. Residents can ski the Cascades and sail Puget Sound in the same day; walk and cycle miles of trails; and experience world-class concerts, making this one of the best places for fun on the West Coast. Seattle offers a wide variety of housing opportunities, and residents enjoy the amenities of metropolitan living combined with a beautiful natural environment. Choose from a single-family home, condominium, a restored Victorian dwelling, or a home in a thoughtfully planned new development. Compensation & Benefits: The salary for this exempt position is $86,195- $129,293 and depends on experience and qualifications. Seattle City Light also offers an attractive benefits package. This position is eligible for performance bonus pay and reimbursement of moving expenses. Application Process To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter with current salary information electronically to mgr.scl@thehawkinscompany.com, Attention William D. Hawkins. Resumes received by October 30, 2015 will receive first consideration. The position is open until filled. 5
Materials should reflect size and scope of management experience including staffs managed, budgets administered, programs directed, and significant employee relations accomplishments. Preference is for an electronic submission. However, materials may be mailed to: The Hawkins Company 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., #110-216 Los Angeles, CA 90045 www.thehawkinscompany.com For additional information or questions, please contact Bill Hawkins at 310-348-8800 or Kellie Hawkins at 310-926-2995. The City of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer. 6