Strategic HR & Labor Relations Site Lead – Customer Care & Aftersales Operations – Charlotte, NC – Union Partnership & Safety Leadership

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a global leader in mobility solutions, driven by a bold vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. Our commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability fuels every decision we make, and our people are the engine that turns that vision into reality. The Charlotte Customer Care & Aftersales (CCA) site is a critical hub where more than 125 dedicated associates deliver exceptional service, support, and after‑sales care to customers across the region. As we continue to expand our footprint, we are looking for an experienced HR & Labor Relations professional to lead the people strategy for this dynamic site.

Why Join arenaflex?

At arenaflex, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core value. We strive to be the most inclusive company on the planet, fostering an environment where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every employee can bring their authentic self to work. Our “Work Appropriately” philosophy gives you the flexibility to work where you can make the greatest impact, whether that’s on‑site in Charlotte or through collaborative virtual teams. By joining arenaflex, you become part of a purpose‑driven community that celebrates diversity, champions continuous learning, and rewards bold ideas.

Key Responsibilities

As the HR & Labor Relations Site Lead, you will be the strategic partner for the Plant Manager and senior leadership, shaping the employee experience and ensuring compliance with all labor agreements. Your day‑to‑day duties will include:

• Culture & Engagement: Partner with the Plant Manager to embed arenaflex’s culture, promote positive employee experiences, and drive measurable improvements in engagement scores.
• Union Relations: Build and maintain a constructive relationship with the United Auto Workers (UAW) local and national leadership, applying collective bargaining agreements consistently and fairly.
• Negotiation & Implementation: Lead negotiations for local and national agreements, translate contract language into actionable site policies, and oversee implementation.
• Grievance Management: Ensure strict adherence to the grievance procedure, act as the escalation point for complex disputes, and resolve issues promptly.
• HR Leadership: Direct talent planning, performance management, compensation design, recruiting, onboarding, and off‑boarding for the site’s workforce.
• Compliance & Investigations: Maintain compliance with arenaflex policies, local labor laws, and safety regulations; support investigations of employee concerns with confidentiality and integrity.
• Employment Administration: Oversee hourly, contract, and salaried employee administration, ensuring accurate payroll, benefits enrollment, and record‑keeping.
• Training & Development: Facilitate training on HR policies, LR procedures, and UAW agreements; coach managers on leadership best practices.
• Safety System Champion: Administer assigned Workplace Safety System elements, collaborate with the Safety team on local safety initiatives, and promote a zero‑incident culture.
• Global Manufacturing System (GMS) Support: Drive People Involvement pillar activities, champion continuous improvement projects, and align site practices with arenaflex’s global manufacturing standards.
• Strategic Communications: Cascade company‑wide announcements, craft site‑specific communications on HR/LR initiatives, and ensure transparent dialogue across all employee levels.
• Enterprise Initiatives: Partner with COE (Center of Expertise) teams to implement talent spotting, workplace‑of‑choice programs, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) strategies, and compensation frameworks.
• Legal & Regulatory Liaison: Work closely with arenaflex legal counsel and government agencies to stay current on employment regulations, mitigate legal risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related discipline or a minimum of four years of equivalent professional experience.
• At least three years of hands‑on experience delivering HR and/or LR support within a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate, interpret, and enforce collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong analytical mindset with the capacity to interpret data, identify trends, and recommend actionable solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and frontline employees alike.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HR information systems such as Workday.
• Unwavering commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive HR/LR matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, or a related field.
• Experience in manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or operations environments, especially in safety‑critical settings.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety standards and best practices.
• Proven project‑management track record, with the ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives from concept to completion.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of building trust with union representatives, plant leadership, and diverse employee groups.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast‑changing environments while meeting tight deadlines.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align HR initiatives with arenaflex’s broader business objectives and long‑term vision.
• Leadership Coaching: Skilled at identifying coaching needs, delivering constructive feedback, and developing emerging leaders.
• Conflict Resolution: Expertise in mediating disputes, managing grievances, and fostering collaborative solutions.
• Change Management: Comfortable guiding teams through organizational change, policy updates, and cultural transformations.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Proficient in using HR analytics to drive talent decisions, workforce planning, and performance metrics.
• Compliance Acumen: Deep understanding of labor law, safety regulations, and internal policy frameworks.
• Communication Excellence: Ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling messages for varied audiences.

Career Growth & Development

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional growth of its people. As the HR & Labor Relations Site Lead, you will have direct exposure to senior leadership, giving you a platform to influence enterprise‑wide strategies. You will be encouraged to pursue certifications such as SHRM‑CP, PHR, or CBA, and to attend industry conferences, workshops, and internal training programs. Success in this role can open pathways to regional HR leadership, corporate HR business partner, or senior labor relations positions within arenaflex’s global network.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

The Charlotte CCA site offers a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where safety and respect are non‑negotiable. Our open‑door policy encourages transparent dialogue, and we celebrate achievements through regular recognition programs. You will work alongside a diverse team of engineers, technicians, service specialists, and support staff, all united by a shared purpose to deliver world‑class customer care. Flexible scheduling, on‑site amenities, and a supportive leadership team ensure you can balance professional ambition with personal well‑being.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support you and your family throughout every stage of life. While exact compensation will be aligned with market benchmarks and your experience, you can expect:

• Base salary that reflects the strategic importance of the role.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to individual, site, and company outcomes.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, including a tax‑advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA) and wellness incentives.
• Generous paid time off, vacation, holidays, and parental leave for mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents.
• Employer‑matched 401(k) contributions to help you build a secure retirement.
• Continuous learning benefits such as tuition assistance, student‑loan refinancing, and access to internal learning platforms.
• Employee recognition programs that celebrate both everyday contributions and breakthrough achievements.
• Discounted arenaflex vehicle purchase programs for you, your family, and friends.
• Access to on‑site fitness facilities, wellness programs, and employee assistance resources.

Application Process & Next Steps

If you are ready to make a lasting impact on a thriving site, lead strategic HR initiatives, and champion a collaborative union partnership, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a concise cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Our recruiting team will review applications on a rolling basis and reach out to qualified candidates to schedule an initial conversation.

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Note: arenaflex does not provide immigration‑related sponsorship for this role. Candidates requiring H‑1B, TN, STEM OPT, or similar sponsorship now or in the future should not apply.

Take the next step in your career and join a company that is shaping the future of mobility. Apply today and become part of the arenaflex family!