Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Associate Relations, the Senior Manager, Associate Relations will assist with the development and implementation of the CarMax Associate Relations strategy. This position represents the company in matters related to union petition response, negotiations & contract administration if necessary, culture, associate experience and escalated labor and employee relations. This position assists Field and Corporate leadership with the creation, analysis, and improvement of Company programs to foster and improve the unique CarMax culture, highly engaged workforce, associate relations issues, employment practices, and maintenance of an issue-free workplace.
What you will do - Essential Responsibilities
Assist in the development and implementation of the Associate Relations Strategy.
Responsibility for assisting Company leadership in identifying and implementing programs, practices, and tools that foster and grow the unique CarMax culture.
Assist with the preparation and delivery of CarMax campaign material responding to union petitions. Lead after action reviews of events leading to union petition and necessary corrections to avoid in the future.
Assist with preparation and execution of union contract negotiations as required (2nd chair)
Primary responsibility for administration of the contract and related grievance procedure and response should this become necessary.
The analysis of the associate life cycle understanding engagement drives at differing stages. Review and recommend changes to employment procedures, forms, testing, training, company communications, etc. necessary to improve associate relations culture and engagement.
Responsible for identifying, analyzing, and improving sources of associate "voice" and assisting leadership in the development of programs that address identified issues.
Lead rigorous monitoring of associate relations issues including but not limited to: AR Dashboard, AR data pack, AR store visits, Wage & Benefit analysis, and social media audits.
Develop and conduct training for CarMax managers to maintain positive associate relations including: Quick Response Team, Manager training and Associate Union education.
Conduct investigations into escalated Help Line Calls and Executive Letters and make recommendations to senior leaders.
Examines complaint and/or issue trends by department, store, region, etc. and makes recommendations to preempt serious problems. Monitor, respond, and promptly address field labor relations issues.
Responsible for knowledge of best practices related to engagement, culture, leadership, and teams. This includes best practice and benchmark collection, analysis, and incorporation into CarMax practices.
Represent HR and associate interests in the development and implementation of company initiatives.
Qualifications and Requirements
Minimum of 4 years HR experience with emphasis on associate relations and maintaining an issue free work environment.
Degree in Human Resources, psychology, education or relevant field.
Ability to read, interpret and take action based on events, reports, data and other forms of information relative to duties and responsibilities.
Ability to draw conclusions and provide context to randomly connected events and information.
Ability to use word-processing, spreadsheet, and other miscellaneous databases and software to accomplish job duties and responsibilities.
Proficiency in the facilitation of training.
Excellent interpersonal skills - must be able to build and maintain effective working relationships with all contacts. Must be able to influence outcomes outside the reporting relationships.
Superior communication skills - including written, verbal and listening.
Ability to plan and organize effectively.
Travel: 30%, some overnight.
Maintain and demonstrate an action-oriented management style.
Excellent analytical skills. Must be able to recommend preventive tactics.
Promote teamwork, build trust, and gain influences in all business arenas.