Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

ACTS-Aviation Security, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for an Employee & Labor Relations Manager based in the company's corporate headquarters in Des Plaines, IL.

Position Type: Full-time (hybrid)

Experience Level: Mid-Level

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000

Work Location: Des Plaines, Illinois

Position Overview

We are seeking a mid-level Human Resources professional to serve as Employee & Labor Relations Manager and ultimately grow into a leader of our Human Resources team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel and working closely with our Senior Human Resources Managers, this role will serve as a key resource in ensuring organizational compliance with employment laws and regulations while managing labor relations activities. The ideal candidate will have a background supporting multi-state business operations and possess a strong understanding of employment law, varied experience in employee investigations and management, and ability to navigate complex workplace issues with professionalism and sound judgment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance Management

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and OSHA requirements
• Develop, maintain, and implement HR policies and procedures to maintain compliance and alignment with organizational objectives
• Develop and deliver training programs in coordination with external partners on compliance topics, company policies, and labor relations matters
• Support administration of leave of absence programs including FMLA, state family and medical leave, paid sick leave, and leaves afforded by collective bargaining agreements and living wage ordinances
• Track and monitor wage and hour compliance including meal and rest break requirements and timekeeping practices
• Work with external partners to prepare and submit required regulatory reports to appropriate agencies including EEO-1 reports and OSHA 300 logs

Labor Relations

• Maintain positive working relationships with union representatives and facilitate collaborative problem-solving on workplace matters
• Administer CBAs to ensure consistent interpretation and application
• Manage formal grievance process from initial filing through final resolution, ensuring adherence to contractual procedures and timelines and coordinating with operational leaders on appropriate remedies
• Assist internal stakeholders and external partners with CBA negotiations, System Board proceedings, and arbitrations

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance to managers and employees on compliance-related questions, workplace policies, and employee relations issues
• Partner with operational leadership to address performance management issues and provide coaching on effective communication, conflict resolution, and employee management strategies
• Address and investigate employee complaints and concerns by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings
• Document investigative findings and fashion appropriate corrective actions including coaching, training, or progressive discipline
• Advise managers on appropriate use of progressive discipline and review and approve disciplinary actions to ensure consistency and compliance with company policy, applicable laws, and CBAs

* Manage employee recognition programs and develop effective employee engagement strategies to drive retention and development

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree (concentration in HR, Business, Labor Relations, or related field preferred)
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with substantive exposure to compliance, employee relations, and/or labor relations matters
• Working knowledge of employment law and regulatory requirements
• Experience conducting workplace investigations
• Ability to quickly process workflows and prioritize and manage a varied workload
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred

• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP)
• Experience working in the service industry and/or labor-based business environments (airline industry a plus)
• Experience supporting multi-state business operations with demonstrated knowledge of varying state and local employment laws and regulations across different jurisdictions
• Working knowledge of HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) including data management, reporting capabilities, and compliance tracking functionalities

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Health and Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Retirement and Financial Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid Time Off

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy including vacation, sick leave, and personal days
• Paid holidays

Work-Life Balance

• Hybrid work schedule (Tuesday-Thursday onsite, Monday and Friday remote under normal circumstances)
• Employee recognition programs

Professional Development

• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
• Conference and training attendance opportunities

Additional Benefits

• Employee discounts and perks programs

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms. Complete benefits information will be provided to candidates selected for interview.

Work Environment & Travel

This role involves both sedentary office work (e.g., prolonged sitting with minimal standing/lifting in a noise/climate-controlled setting) and active fieldwork requiring movement throughout diverse operational environments.

Occasional travel (10-15%) in support of business operations may be required.

Off-site operational environments may include both traditional office environments and airport operational settings which may involve extended periods of standing and walking (including stairs and various floor types) and exposure to varying temperatures (refrigerated/freezer areas and outdoor ramp/dock areas) and operational noise (aircraft, equipment, and warehouse operations).

Equal Employment Opportunity

ACTS-Aviation Security, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age (40 and over), disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations

ACTS-Aviation Security, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws.

Background Check and Employment Verification

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including verification of employment history, education credentials, and any other checks required by law or company policy.

ACTS-Aviation Security, Inc.

Established in 2001, ACTS-Aviation Security has grown to become one of the leading providers of security solutions to the US aviation market. ACTS-Aviation Security, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the international security company ICTS Europe and specializes in the provision of security solutions and services and is primarily focused on catering, aircraft, and cargo screening. With its corporate office in Chicago and operational centers at more than 30 airports across the United States, ACTS provides nationwide coverage. As an ICTS Europe subsidiary, ACTS offers unmatched experience, expertise, quality, and innovation.

• Airlines and Aviation