Director of Labor Relations

Harley-Davidson

Our Client
Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson has come to symbolize the attributes of individuality, freedom and passion for adventure. The Company’s motorcycle products include thirty-four Harley-Davidson® models. The Company brings the Harley-Davidson motorcycling experience to riders through authorized dealers in more than 70 countries and the Harley Owners Group® which has over one million members worldwide. Motorcycles (77% of revenue), Parts and Accessories (15%), and MotorClothes® apparel and collectibles (6% )uniquely enable the Company to offer the ultimate motorcycling experience. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. helps to enable the experience by offering financing and insurance programs.

Harley-Davidson is focused more than ever on long-term brand strength, operational strength and financial strength. To that end, the Company has developed a multicultural, multigenerational strategy focused on four pillars--growth, continuous improvement, leadership development and sustainability. Together, the Company’s leadership team and employees throughout the organization are charting new ways to broaden the customer base and start the journey for new generations of riders, deepen relationships and extend the journey with current customers, and expand the Harley-Davidson footprint in markets around the globe.

The Position
The Director of Labor Relations will have a key role in implementing the Company’s strategy. The successful candidate will partner with the Company’s unionized and non-unionized workforces to achieve win-win solutions which will insure the Company’s future success and growth.

Responsibilities
The Director of Labor Relations will lead and implement the Company’s labor relations strategy and programs across the enterprise. Specifically, the successful candidate will:

• Assist senior management in tailoring overall labor strategy to include contract timing, business processes, contract language and provisions and economic package direction.
• Lead contract negotiation strategy development, including areas of business change/flexibility, process improvements and economics.
• Act as lead negotiator in negotiation of major labor contracts changes as assigned.
• Manage major investigations and fact finding on employee and labor relations issues. Proactively respond to labor issues, management/labor councils, mediations and arbitrations.
• Provide advice and counsel on local grievance policy as appropriate.
• Manage all major grievances utilizing established grievance processes.
• Handle arbitration proceedings as they arise.
• Develop NLRB responses for legal review and submission on a timely basis.
• Establish and maintain good relations with local and international union management.
• Provide consultation and technical support to Management and Union Leadership in the establishment of employee programs and initiatives that build a productive and inclusive work environment for all represented employees.
• Provide coaching and counseling support to local management in the labor relations area. Develop and implement effective training tools and conduct training for employees and managers in labor relations area.
• Continuously improve processes and responsibilities in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Company’s labor relations efforts.
• Develop and maintain excellent working knowledge of labor law, proposed legislation and diversity practices and current events in the field.

Qualifications

• Masters in Industrial Relations or related master’s level degree required. Juris Doctor degree preferred, with PHR/SPHR certification a plus.
• At least ten years of relevant experience in Labor Relations required, including managing grievances and arbitrations, contract negotiations and day to day labor relations support.
• Excellent knowledge of existing labor laws and regulations, as well as proposed legislation and current labor relations practices and trends.
• International labor experience is desirable.
• Experience in design and implementation of workplace diversity programs in a unionized environment desirable.
• Strong negotiation skill, with the desire and ability to reach win-win outcomes. Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to inspire trust and confidence with stakeholders at all levels.  Desire and ability to work cross-functionally in an organization.
• Demonstrated strategic ability and analytical skill, with the ability to be a visionary who can act to innovate and contribute tangibly and measurably to the growth of the Company’s business.
• Proven success in executing against strategy, with an eye towards cost-effectiveness and return on investment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership talent, with the ability to motivate all levels of employees by virtue of keen business acumen, excellent judgment, professional competence, credibility, flexibility, and personal integrity.
• Proven success in managing, organizing and/or completing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to cost effectively and efficiently manage outside counsel.
• A desire for continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

Benefits
The ability to participate in the growth of an iconic industry leader. Competitive compensation and benefits, plus a flexible work environment. Visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com

To apply - email resumes to cbuck@insightsearch.net