OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Leads SEPTA’s comprehensive labor relations strategy including labor contract negotiations, grievance, arbitration administration, compliance with applicable laws and positive labor relations processes. Monitors processes to ensure that terms of agreements are consistently applied.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Principal negotiator and strategist for all Authority labor agreements. Conducts negotiations which aim at fair and equitable contracts covering wages, hours, working conditions, and fringe benefits. Maintains comparative benefit levels between unions and locals throughout the Authority and industry through study, analysis, and research. Protects the Authority's interest in all negotiations and discussions with international union officials, local union officials and staff officers, representatives, and delegates.  
2. Prepares language for negotiations and directs the preparation and drafting of all collective bargaining agreements. 
3. Collaborates with the senior management team in developing contract language changes which improve workplace efficiency, employee morale, and attractiveness of SEPTA as an employer. Ensures that input received for contract language changes is consistent with the Authority’s mission, strategic, operational and financial plans. 
4. Oversees grievance processes and the cases appealed to arbitration. Ensures all necessary investigations with department managers are conducted. Ensures all efforts are conducted to uphold Authority policies and avert adverse decisions from proceedings. 
5. Oversees the interpretation of union contract language when disputes arise. Provide expert advice and guidance on labor relations practices, policies, laws and rules.
6. Ensures all efforts related to labor relations activities comply with fair employment practices, equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, etc.
7. Maintains compliance with all aspects of labor law, its time limits, and reporting procedures, involving the Railway Labor Act and the Pennsylvania Employee Relations Act.
8. Makes independent judgments and agreements during collective bargaining sessions with international union attorneys and officials, local attorneys, officials and staff officers.  Participates in the preparation and presentation of issues for litigations in conjunction with attorneys from various legal firms.  Testifies in court on behalf of the Authority for attainment of favorable court opinions for injunctions, court matters, etc.
9. Utilizes in depth knowledge of international unions' philosophies and constitutions while interacting effectively with international union officials, international and local attorneys, local union officials, staff officers, and delegates.
10. Oversees the training of all levels of supervision of various divisions of the Authority in uniform interpretation and application of labor agreements.  Serves as the Authority's specialist in the meaning, intent, and philosophy of contract provisions within the labor agreement.
11. Responsible for the Authority’s response to and interaction with the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation. Supervises the management of unemployment compensation claims made against the Authority and representation of the Authority at unemployment compensation hearings.  
12. Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
13. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree and fifteen (15) years overall working experience in the area of Labor Relations and/or related areas required; which include experience in labor contract negotiations, grievance administration, and positive employee relations processes.   
• First chair experience in labor negotiations required. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in team management or a related leadership role required.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills required.
• Ability to deal with complex problems and review related information to evaluate and make recommendations.
• Must demonstrate ability to manage multiple priorities, to make quick decisions and to function effectively under pressure.
• Must possess excellent analytical, interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to effectively present information to senior management, board of directors and/or public groups required.
• Must possess excellent negotiation skills and experience negotiating and administering complex collective bargaining agreements required

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate Degree (i.e., MBA or J.D.) preferred.
• Several years at a Senior Management/Director level preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of, and experience with Pennsylvania Labor Relations Act and Federal Railway Labor Act preferred.
• Transportation industry background preferred.