Ford Motor Company · 1 day ago
Associate, Employee Relations
Avon Lake, OH
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expFord Motor Company is a leading automotive manufacturer committed to building a better world through innovative human resources practices. The Associate, Employee Relations will play a vital role in supporting the workforce and driving business objectives while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesManufacturingTransportation
No H1B
Responsibilities
Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership, translating business strategy into impactful HR initiatives that optimize organizational effectiveness and elevate the employee experience
Leverage deep operational acumen, gained through immersive Gemba walks and direct engagement with leadership, to proactively identify and address human capital needs within our lean manufacturing and logistics environments, delivering strategically aligned HR solutions that directly accelerate business success and cultivate a high-performance culture
Design and execute advanced talent management strategies, encompassing performance optimization, leadership development, robust succession planning, strategic compensation, and integrated talent acquisition
Proactively analyze future workforce needs and capabilities, implementing innovative hourly talent programs (e.g., apprenticeship pathways, reskilling initiatives, strategic placements) that build a high-performing, engaged, and resilient workforce pipeline essential for future growth and our organizational transformation
Champion a data-first approach, leveraging HR analytics platforms (e.g., Visier, Voice) to extract critical insights, predict workforce trends, and inform strategic decision-making at the operational leadership level
Lead complex change management initiatives across diverse stakeholder groups, effectively shifting organizational mindsets and mitigating risks to successfully achieve critical business objectives during our ongoing lean and organizational transformation
Champion a high-performance, inclusive culture, fostering open communication, trust, and mutual respect in alignment with our 7 Proactive Leadership Standards
Act as a visible and influential HR leader, spearheading employee recognition, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and cultural events to significantly boost engagement and drive continuous organizational improvement
Maintain a proactive presence on the plant floor, conducting regular engagements to build strong employee relationships, ensure HR accessibility, and proactively address general workplace concerns
Orchestrate strategic interactions with local governmental agencies and lead impactful charitable initiatives, significantly strengthening the plant's community engagement and enhancing its positive external brand reputation
Lead strategic engagement with labor unions and employee representatives, fostering a proactive and high-trust partnership essential for operational stability and continuous improvement
Play a pivotal role in collective bargaining, negotiating innovative and mutually beneficial agreements that advance long-term business objectives and enhance labor-management relations within our highly dynamic unionized landscape
Master the resolution of complex, high-volume union grievances, arbitrations, and disciplinary actions, serving as a critical architect of fair, consistent, and timely outcomes central to our operational environment
Conduct incisive and impartial investigations into sensitive union-related matters, applying advanced conflict resolution and critical thinking to mitigate risk, uphold equity, and safeguard organizational interests
Demonstrate expert command of local and national collective bargaining agreements, ensuring precise interpretation and application across all operational facets
Collaborate proactively with operational leaders and union representatives to drive consistent and ethical implementation of contractual terms, proactively resolving inquiries and ensuring fair application
Ensure meticulous adherence to contractual obligations for representative compensation, mitigating financial risks and upholding operational continuity through rigorous compliance and ethical stewardship
Lead comprehensive HR compliance and risk management, proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal, reputational, and operational exposures across all employment laws and company policies
Champion an ethical culture, collaborating with legal counsel and corporate investigatory teams on sensitive ethics and compliance matters to reinforce integrity and transparency
Optimize critical HR operational processes, including payroll, attendance management, and vacation tracking, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and seamless efficiency
Administer complex leave of absence programs (FMLA, WC, ADA), leveraging HRIS systems for meticulous tracking and compliance, ensuring comprehensive employee support and adherence to regulatory requirements
Drive initiatives with safety and occupational health leaders to foster a proactive culture of employee well-being, supporting strategic safety audits and promoting innovative wellness programs that enhance a healthy, safe, and compliant workplace
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in human resources, Organizational Development, or any other related discipline or commensurate work experience required
Minimum 1-3 years of relevant HR and labor work experience with a bachelor's degree, preferably in a manufacturing setting
Must be able to work a rotating schedule
This role requires onsite presence at the manufacturing plant to fulfill job responsibilities
Involves occasional (defined as one-third or less of the time) lifting of no more than 10 pounds at a time
Work is performed primarily in a seated position and entails no significant stooping, climbing, etc
Role does require time walking and standing on plant manufacturing floor at least 20% of the time
Many sedentary jobs require good use of the hands and fingers for repetitive hand-finger actions
Working conditions occur within low to moderate noise levels related to the use of standard office or classroom equipment
Preferred
PHR or SHRM-CP certification
Benefits
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
Company
Ford Motor Company
We don't just make history -- we make the future.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$16.23BKey Investors
US Department of EnergySoros Fund Management
2025-07-29Post Ipo Debt· $3B
2023-08-17Post Ipo Debt· $4B
2023-06-22Debt Financing· $9.2B
Leadership Team
James Farley
Chief Executive Officer
Efrat Barit
COO
Recent News
2026-01-08
DBusiness Magazine
2026-01-08
Company data provided by crunchbase