Senior Labor Relations Specialist

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.

But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities.  When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing.  Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

Testing Required: Not Applicable

Employment Sponsorship:  This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship currently.

Hybrid Role: This role is hybrid (Grand Rapids, MI), with an established schedule of in-person work required at an assigned work location (3 days on site ) . Any remote work is expected to be performed from an employee’s primary residence, unless allowed (or prohibited) through the Company’s remote work guidelines.

Emergency Response: Yes – Must be available to perform a primary assignment in support of DTE’s emergency response to storms or other events that impact service to our customers.

Job Summary

Provides input into the development of the labor negotiations strategy. Consults with management in the interpretation and administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements. Researches and recommends company positions relative to economic and non-economic issues as input to the collective bargaining process. Represents the company during non- economic negotiations and participates in economic negotiations. Provides work direction and coaching to less experienced professionals.

Key Accountabilities

• Identify strategies to address issues through the negotiation process, or by facilitating resolution through the union/management partnering relationship
• Represent the company position throughout the grievance and arbitration processes
• Function as a Step 3 Hearing Officer
• Respond to NLRB charges including, where necessary, expert testimony
• Serve as labor consultant to assigned client groups for the handling of all labor/management issues
• Provide advice in the administration of disciplinary actions
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements
• Assist in responding to unionization drives

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Seven years Human Resources experience with at least three years in labor relations

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate well with others
• Proficient verbal, nonverbal, written, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, guidance, and consulting to others
• Ability to research complex issues and develop position papers based upon qualitative and quantitative data
• The ability to facilitate conflict resolution
• Knowledge of NLRB regulations, employment law, HR practices and programs and the major provisions of labor agreements

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

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At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.