Director, Labor Relations & Talent Business Partner

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we’re all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers’ lives easier—helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society.

More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Job Summary: 

NRG is currently seeking a Director, Labor Relations Talent, to support the Business/Plant Operations business. This position will provide Labor Relations support to all NRG unionized Power Plant Operations and Talent Partner support to  assigned Power Plant Operations

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead negotiations of collective bargaining agreements of all NRG power plants. 
• Manage union relations by acting as primary liaison between local union leaders and management
• Facilitate labor-management meetings and resolve disputes proactively
• Build effective relationships with leaders, managers, employees, union business agents and provide seamless tactical and strategic HR support. To include thought leadership on effective solutions supporting both the employee and management.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local labor laws
• Participate in all 3rd step grievance meetings and in conjunction with in-house counsel represent the company in arbitration and labor board proceedings
• Educate supervisors and management on labor relations policies and contract interpretation
• Educate areas of the business prone to union organizing activity and serve as the Lead to oppose union organization of any non-represented site across NRG (includes non-Power Plant locations).
• Lead talent business partner organization supporting  assigned Power plant operations. 
• Drive/improve employee engagement through talent review feedback, succession planning, development programs, etc..
• Facilitate and improve the recruiting process by providing strategic assistance with job descriptions, compensation analysis, approvals, interview training, and interviewing for key roles, etc.
• Partner with business leaders to confidentially manage and resolve employee relations matters in support of company policies, processes, procedures and employment law (as appropriate).
• Conduct in-depth and impartial investigations regarding compliance and employee relations matters as they should arise.
• Identify opportunities, take initiative and formulate/develop policies and services to improve the effectiveness of current HR/business processes and practices and make recommendations to business leadership

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of 7 years of HR experience as a generalist in a fast-paced, dynamic organization is required.
• Minimum of 5- 7 years of experience working with labor unions including contract negotiations, grievance/arbitration matters and employee discipline.
• Critical skills thinking & problem-solving capabilities
• High attention to detail is required with a focus on data quality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Must be organized and able to handle confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in related discipline.
• Experience with non-exempt or union employees strongly preferred

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of employment law and company policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Ability to solve problems for clients or research options/recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Exhibition of high ethical standards.
• Ability to set priorities and to respond to changing demands from multiple sources on short notice.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and strong attention to detail with a focus on data quality.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member; strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work with all levels of the Company, from front-line employees to senior leadership.  Demonstrated ability to influence others.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments on a timely basis with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid position – 4 days per week in office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, Friday is remote. 
• Ability to work in an open office environment (sitting, walking, standing, meetings, general computer use).
• 60% of travel required by labor relations needs and Talent plant operations support
• Ability to adapt work schedule to business and department demands.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

Official description on file with Talent.