Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. 

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. 

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. 

Job Summary

The Employee and Labor Relations Specialist serves as a key advisor in managing workplace relationships and ensuring compliance with labor laws and organizational policies. This role involves conducting investigations, supporting collective bargaining processes, and fostering a positive work environment. The specialist collaborates with HR and management to develop and implement strategies that promote fair treatment, resolve conflicts, and enhance employee engagement. Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations skills, and interpersonal communication are essential for success in this role.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a liaison between management and employees to address workplace concerns and promote positive relations.
• Investigate employee complaints, grievances, and allegations of misconduct, ensuring fair and thorough resolution.
• Advise management on labor law compliance, disciplinary actions, and performance management.
• Support collective bargaining processes, including contract interpretation and negotiation assistance.
• Develop and implement employee relations policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Monitor workplace trends and recommend proactive strategies to improve employee engagement and retention.
• Maintain accurate records of employee relations cases and ensure confidentiality.
• Collaborate with HR and legal teams to ensure consistent application of policies and legal standards.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation sessions between employees and supervisors.
• Stay current on labor laws, regulations, and best practices to ensure organizational compliance.
• Ability to partner and influence the organization at multiple leadership levels and act as a resource for employees.
• Engages and utilizes HR centers of expertise to obtain consultative support on common tools, systems, and processes. 
• Aligns Labor solutions with business strategies, structures and challenges.
• Exercises discretion on complex problems by providing recommendations and assisting in the development and implementation of Labor practices to meet organizational needs and comply with state and federal law.
• Represents the company in hearings, which may include unemployment cases, grievances and arbitrations, involving labor employees.
• Collaborates and partners with other HR and Labor team members on assigned projects with limited guidance.
• Collaborate with union representatives to foster positive labor-management relations. 

Education Description

• Bachelor's degree required. 

Experience

• Requires a minimum of five years of employee relations experience in employee dispute resolution, investigations, implementation of HR and/or employee and labor relation initiatives. 

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together. 
 

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time 
Posting Start Date: 07/31/2025​
Posting End Date: 08/28/2025

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

#LI-CNP