Summary:
The Site Director of Human Resources serves as the senior HR leader for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) account, responsible for all HR strategy execution, employee relations, and culture for a workforce of approximately 400 employees across union and non-union populations.
This role is a high-impact, hands-on HR leadership position that partners closely with operations to drive workforce stability, ensure compliance in a complex labor environment, and deliver strong recruiting results in a high-volume, service-oriented setting. Additionally, this role will work closely with Talent Acquisition to insure appropriate staffing levels.
Key Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
- HR Leadership & Business Partnership
- Act as the primary HR partner to site and regional operations leadership.
- Align HR strategies with operational goals, including staffing, retention, and performance.
- Provide day-to-day guidance to managers on employee relations, discipline, and workforce management.
- Serve as the escalation point for complex HR issues.
- Labor Relations
- Lead HR support for unionized employees, including:
- Grievance handling and resolution
- Interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
- Preparation for and participation in arbitrations (as needed)
- Advise operations leaders on contract compliance and risk mitigation.
- Build constructive working relationships with union representatives.
- Recruiting & Workforce Planning
- In conjunction with the Talent Acquisition team, insure appropriate staffing levels.
- Support recruiting strategies to meet staffing targets in a high-volume environment.
- Partner with operations to forecast workforce needs and proactively address gaps.
- Employee Relations
- Lead investigations into employee concerns, complaints, and policy violations. These may arise from internal or external (customer) sources.
- Ensure consistent and compliant application of company policies and practices.
- Coach managers on performance management, documentation, and corrective action.
- Drive proactive engagement strategies to improve retention and reduce early turnover.
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with federal, state (Massachusetts), and local labor laws.
- Oversee proper administration of policies, procedures, and HR programs. These include, but are not limited to: EAP, unemployment administration, attendance and LOA (with support from the Corporate Support Center).
- Partner with corporate HR and legal on high-risk issues, including litigation and agency claims.
- Maintain accurate employee records and documentation.
- Culture, Engagement & Retention
- Lead initiatives to improve onboarding, engagement, and retention--especially in the first 90 days.
- Support implementation of company-wide HR programs (e.g., surveys, training, SMS University).
- Identify turnover drivers and recommend targeted interventions.