Employee and Labor Relations Specialist (Remote)

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. 

Sonoco is looking for a qualified Employee and Labor Relations Specialist, for the Employee/Labor Relations (ER/LR) team. This candidate must be a team player and have excellent organizational skills, decision making skills, be eager to learn, and open to a challenge.  The successful candidate will be capable of working with minimal direction while exercising good judgment, discretion and tact.  

What you'll be doing:

• Coaches and advises staff on solving problems and implementing resolutions for performance management challenges; provides guidance on corrective actions, corporate policy interpretation, and other workplace human resources challenges.
• Advises HR employees on employee relation issues and resolution recommendations that align with Sonoco policy, values, and past practices.
• Assisting the Employee and Labor Relations Manager with Union related issues, including grievance responses, grievance meetings, contract interpretation and contract negotiations.
• Attends all Union contract negotiations and sits as second-chair while learning how to negotiate.
• Builds partnerships with all levels of employees, from individuals to teams, and from entry-level to executive leadership.
• Works closely with all members of HR, including Field HR, Benefits, Compensation, Employee Services, and Legal.
• Develops a clear understanding of how to apply Sonoco policies and procedures. Can clearly communicate Sonoco procedures regarding policy, benefit information and procedure, employee leave procedures, and compensation practices.
• Reviews all background check information to determine if candidates are employable.
• Participates in and supports the documentation of investigations of workplace complaints and allegations such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, hostile work environment, and policy violations.
• Leads investigations of workforce complaints and allegations, including those involving high level operations management.
• Investigate and draft position statements to EEOC and other legal entities. Support mediation activities. 
• Drive continuous improvement by creating tools, documentation, and articles to keep others informed on best practices, and to support a positive work environment and maintain legal compliance.
• Acts 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 and Sonoco practices.
• 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.
• Willingness to take on additional roles and responsibilities as needed.

This is a remote position with up to 50% travel required.

We'd love to hear from you if:

• 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
• Experience working with union’s is preferred
• Experience in union contract negotiations is preferred
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the ti