Description

This position assists with setting the strategy for labor relations programs to ensure compliance with policies and practices. It provides information, guidance and direction on HR programs, processes, and procedures to employees and managers. This role develops and implements policies and procedures, including grievance procedures. It seeks feedback from business unit leadership regarding HR labor related policies and programs.

Accountabilities

• NATIONAL HANDLING
• Assists in developing and supporting the U.S. bargaining strategy, including performing research regarding collective bargaining agreements (CBA's). Represents the Company on various working committees of the National Carriers Conference Committee (“NCCC”) and other U.S. industry organizations. Supports NCCC during national bargaining, including benchmarking past practices and analyzing collective bargaining agreement requirements for assigned crafts on the Carrier’s property. Oversees the implementation of wage increases or other negotiated adjustments from U.S. national or local handling.
• MANAGING AND NEGOTIATING LOCAL AGREEMENTS
• Serves as a Company subject matter authority to counsel departments on labor relations issues arising out of relevant CBA's; represents Labor Relations in cross-functional efforts that affect labor in the U.S.
• Works with various departments to identify operating objectives and evaluate risks and benefits when implementing policies, procedures and negotiated agreement changes. Works with legal counsel to mitigate risk, when needed. Conducts research regarding applicable CBA's, provides contract interpretation, and creation of contract language for new agreements. Manages the application of the Company’s existing CBA's by reviewing current and past on-property practices. Conducts periodic audits to stay in sync with agreements.
• Develops and implements processes and procedures to develop institutional knowledge regarding existing CBA's. Develops materials and provides training within the Company on existing CBA's or on labor relations processes.
• CLAIMS, GRIEVANCES AND DISCIPLINE
• Directs consistent handling of Company’s response to claims, grievances, and disciplinary appeals throughout all procedural stages. Responds to and prepares timely submissions for claims, grievances and disciplinary appeals in all procedural stages (when necessary). Conferences claims timely. Handles claims, grievances, and disciplinary appeals with significant precedential effects; including representing the Company by presenting oral arguments at arbitration hearings. Determines the disposition of pending claims and grievances within delegated settlement authority. Evaluates and recommends adjustments to outstanding reserve liabilities for claims in the grievance process.
• Reviews initial disciplinary assessments and Leniency Committee recommendations for consistency with the Company’s Discipline and Leniency Policy.
• OTHER/GENERAL:
• Manages or assists other Labor Relations special project as necessary. Manages the professional development of direct reports.
• Demonstrates operational excellence by knowing and applying the business requirements. Demonstrates customer focus and contingency planning to ensure stakeholder expectations are met.
• Understands the relevant business metrics and applies effective tactics to sustain a culture of operational effectiveness that produces teams of high performing, engaged and empowered operational leaders.
• Identifies when a rule/regulation/policy has been violated and has one-on-one accountability conversations with an individual who has not met expectations, using KCS Candor, Aligning the Stars & KCS ABC's, and have the individual produce better results.
• Demonstrates KCS's commitment to being ONE TEAM - Living a Speak Up Culture - by using communication and interpersonal skills to enhance inclusion, civility, respect, innovation, safety, customer focus, teamwork within KCS, while encouraging and enabling others to do the same.
• Defines and communicates clearly the teams roles and responsibilities; holds people accountable for accomplishing objectives; recognizes and rewards people who achieve results and deliver on performance expectations; provides pinpointed (specific & measurable) feedback on performance.
• Develops and retains a strong team of high performers; creates a challenging and rewarding work environment; organizes a diverse group of people into a cohesive team to leverage their energy, knowledge and skills; creates grassroots / localized events to train & develop others - including location-specific safety training, localized Speak Up events, regular recognition or team-building activities.
• Exemplifies KCS Vision, Values, and Culture in each and every interaction with team, clients, and stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a job related major field of study
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including specialized knowledge of a discipline utilized to lead an area of our business, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred

• Relevant experience in the railroad industry preferred;
• First chair negotiation experience preferred.

Working Conditions

• Ability to communicate effectively with team, clients, and stakeholders;
• Ability to write clearly and effectively;
• Availability during reasonable working hours;
• Good time management skills.
• This position has a regular full time schedule with a normal work week of Monday through Friday. There may be a need for occasional work after hours or weekends.
• Business travel is an essential requirement of this job. Employees must be able and willing to travel away from their primary work location up to 25% of the time.

We Offer:

• Complete health and welfare benefits package
• Competitive salary
• Incentive plan
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• 401k savings
• Leave/vacation plan

EEO Statement

We value a culturally diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer while providing reasonable accommodations for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Company Overview

In 1887, Arthur Stilwell constructed a north-south railroad while others were heading east and west, setting the tone for a century-old legacy of outstanding vision; entrepreneurial spirit; resilience in the face of adversity; and, willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Building on that legacy, our culture is further defined by a new vision for the future and a core set of values - Safety, Customer Focus, Communication, Teamwork, Initiative & Innovation, and Diversity & Civility. We believe that the way we do business is as important as the business we do.

In addition to a culture that allows employees to thrive, we encourage resourcefulness with an award, recognizing employees who see a problem (or opportunity), find a solution, and use whatever authority and resources are available to get a job done well - accomplishing what was previously thought could not be done.

If you want to do work that is creative and strategic, be heard, grow professionally, be valued by your employer, and know that you are making an important contribution to an essential industry, a global supply chain, and the larger economy, Kansas City Southern may be the place for you.