Senior Labor Relations Partner

The Labor Relations Partner will play a crucial role in overseeing the relationship between the organization and its employees, particularly in areas related to labor laws, industrial relations, and employee agreements. The position can be based in Chennai or Bawal.

Key Responsibilities:

Labor Law Compliance:

• Ensure the organization complies with all labor laws and regulations, including the Industrial Disputes Act, Minimum Wages Act, Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Act, and others relevant to the region.
• Monitor changes in labor laws and industry standards to advise management on potential impacts.

Employee Relations:

• Foster and maintain positive relationships between employees and management.
• Resolve disputes, grievances, and conflicts between employees and management to minimize disruptions and maintain a harmonious work environment.
• Advise both management and employees on rights, obligations, and responsibilities under labor laws and company policies.

Disciplinary Actions and Grievance Handling:

• Manage and oversee disciplinary procedures, ensuring they are in line with company policies and legal requirements.
• Investigate and resolve grievances filed by employees, maintaining a fair and unbiased approach.

Workplace Policies and Practices:

• Review, draft, and implement company policies relating to labor relations, workplace safety, compensation, and employee conduct.
• Develop strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention by fostering a positive organizational culture.

Training and Development:

• Provide training to management and HR teams on labor laws, conflict resolution, and best practices for maintaining positive labor relations.
• Ensure that HR staff are equipped with the knowledge to handle labor relations issues effectively.

Industrial Disputes and Strike Management:

• Act as a liaison in the event of industrial disputes, working to resolve issues in a way that minimizes business disruptions.
• Manage negotiations during labor unrest and implement strategies to prevent labor disruptions.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain comprehensive records of labor relations activities, disputes, negotiations, and outcomes.
• Provide regular reports to senior management regarding labor relations issues and any potential legal challenges.

Employee Welfare:

• Ensure that employee welfare programs, such as health benefits, work-life balance initiatives, and other employee-related services, are in place and compliant with regulations.

 Coaching & Mentoring:

• Serve as a mentor and coach to team members, fostering their professional development and enabling them to achieve their full potential.
• Provide guidance on both technical and interpersonal skills to enhance individual and team performance.
• Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions to address development needs, resolve challenges, and encourage continuous learning.

 Stakeholder Management:

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders, including - labor commissioners, factory inspector, local government authorities, legal advisors etc. to ensure compliance with Indian labor laws and promote harmonious industrial relations
• Foster strong relationships with local communities and panchayats (village councils) in cases where they influence workforce dynamics, especially in rural or semi-urban settings.
• Manage relationships and conduct regular audits for staffing agencies, contractors, and other labor vendors to ensure compliance with contractual terms, statutory obligations, and company policies.
• Educate and collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as HR, operations, and legal teams, on evolving labor regulations and cultural sensitivities to align business strategies with the socio-economic context.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: A degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree or diploma in Labor Laws or Industrial Relations can be an added advantage.
• Experience: 10-15 years of experience in HR or labor relations, with a focus on legal compliance, industrial relations, and negotiations.
• Knowledge of Labor Laws: Strong understanding of Indian labor laws and regulations, including statutory requirements, compliance, and dispute resolution procedures.
• Negotiation and Communication Skills: Ability to negotiate with unions, management, and employees, and effectively communicate in conflict resolution situations.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Ability to assess complex situations, analyze labor-related data, and develop strategies to address challenges.
• Conflict Resolution: Proficiency in mediating disputes and resolving conflicts in a way that aligns with both legal standards and company goals.
• Travel: It's important that the person is open to travel frequently within India. Also good to have had experience in both North and South India.
• Language: Fluency in Hindi, Tamil and English will be an added advantage.

FLSmidth is the leading supplier of engineering, equipment and service solutions to customers in the mining and cement industries – for more information please visit FLSmidth.com/careers