This position serves as a key partner to plant leadership, overseeing labor relations activities and ensuring a stable, productive, and legally compliant work environment. This role leads the administration of collective bargaining agreements, supports grievance resolution, and fosters positive employee–management relationships within a chemical manufacturing environment.  In addition, this position oversees plant recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, training, employee relations and various projects furthering organizational objectives.

• Provide expert guidance to management on employment and labor law, collective bargaining interpretation, disciplinary actions, and workplace investigations, while partnering with union representatives to address issues proactively and maintain constructive relationships. 

• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to the Plant Manager and leadership team supporting leadership effectiveness and development of future leaders 

• Promote a positive labor - management environment and drive improvements in labor relations.   

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies that support staffing and employment goals and ensure tracking and applicant flow data are properly maintained for information and compliance. 

• Counsel employees on HR matters, including benefits, pay practices, performance management, personnel concerns, relocation, etc. 

• Oversee the creation, accuracy, and maintenance of employee records for all employment events, including hire, termination, retirement, transfer, promotion, demotion, benefit changes, disciplinary issues and personal status changes.
•  Ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment-related laws and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and support HR initiatives by developing, coordinating, and delivering employment‑related training programs and special projects aligned with company objectives.
•  
• Maintain employee/employment related programs such as random substance abuse testing and service award programs, 360 degree performance management and advisor programs. 

• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to team‑building efforts by facilitating or supporting activities that strengthen communication, collaboration, and our culture.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field
• Demonstrated strong HR leadership and advanced knowledge and understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining agreements and union-management dynamics typically obtained by working in similar roles of increasing complexity for 7 years or more.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• SPHR or equivalent certification
• Supervisory experience
• Labor relations experience or working for a company with collective bargaining agreement(s).
• Experience developing and/or presenting employee training along with assessing training needs in an organization

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and use of the most up-to-date recruitment and hiring methods
• Knowledge of employment-related compliance issues
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict‑resolution skills
• Ability to operate with the highest level of integrity.
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility with both hourly employees and plant leadership.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and tolerate multiple work interruptions.
• Possess strong problem identification and problem solving skills as well as effective conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive confidential personal employee information.
• Ability to interpret complex policies, contracts, and regulations with accuracy and clarity
• Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.

Working at Afton 

Who We Are – We are a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way feel about our neighbors and communities. 

Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives. 

Benefits / Compensation - 

Pay Range: $110,000 - $140,000

Our employees are our most treasured asset and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis.  In addition to the salary listed above, we offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

• 100% Company funded Pension Plan
• 401kSavings Plan including a company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft insurance

The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training.  Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.