Manager, Employee Relations

The University is looking for an experienced Industrial Relations professional to join the team. The candidate will play a key role in driving/managing  Employee and Industrial Relations matters for NTU.  You will review and formulate policies and processes relating to employee relations matters and provide advice and support to internal stakeholders on all aspects of the employment relationship.  You will play an active role in the negotiation of collective agreements as well as managing workplace grievances and disciplinary matters, ensuring these are followed-up promptly and handled fairly,   in alignment with the University’s regulations and guidelines.  You will also promote and build good industrial relations by working closely with the Union to achieve a harmonious industrial relations climate.  

Responsibilities:

• Drive the employee relations strategy, including reviewing and formulating all related policies and processes to ensure that these are relevant to the workforce
• Investigate and resolve employee relations cases on matters such as grievances, conduct and performance management cases
• Partner HR Business Partners and line managers/internal stakeholders to gather facts of case and where required validate allegations raised based on facts gathered
• Assess the issue presented in each case and provide recommendations on the next course of action; esnure that cases are investigated and closed within the timelines and standards set within the Disciplinary Framework
• Ensure proper documentation of investigative steps, findings and recommendations
• Provide guidance and recommendations to stakeholders on the handling of employee relation issues including but not limited to grievance cases, performance management, misconduct to mitigate risk to the University
• Advocate good Employee Relations practices through organising regular sharing sessions, develop new initiatives and projects that support People Managers in good ER practices.
• Promote good industrial relations by working closely with union leaders, members and the management team to build an engaged workforce
• Represent the University’s interest in driving Collective Agreement negotiations with the trade union
• Ensure regular engagement with the Union to build strong working relationship and maintain an open communication channel
• Undertake the role of an advocate to partner the trade union on initiatives such as upskilling of employees
• Undertake supervisory duties to 1 direct report; guide and provide guidance to him/her in resolving the complex cases

Requirements:

• Degree in any discipline with at least 8 – 10 years of Employee / Labour / Industrial Relations experience
• Proven experience in leading a team in resolving a large volume of Employee / Labour / Industrial Relations issues.
• Strong knowledge in local employment legislation framework
• Demonstrated full understanding of disciplinary, grievance and performance management processes
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills, with a proven ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy and working collaboratively across multiple business lines with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels
• Highly resilient and can effectively organise, prioritise and handle multiple assignments simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and proven problem-solving skills and business acumen
• Comfortable navigating complex, highly matrixed organisation. Candidates with proven ability in driving the Industrial Relations portfolio in such settings would have an added advantage

Hiring Institution: NTU