Senior Human Resources Advisor

Job Description

At Puget Sound Energy (PSE), we're more than an energy company. We're working together to become our customers' clean energy partner of choice while delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable energy to the communities we serve. Achieving that vision depends on our people. That's why we are committed to creating an employee experience where employees can contribute, belong, thrive, trust, and grow. As PSE continues its transformation to support our clean energy future, Human Resources plays a critical role in enabling organizational success. We help create the conditions for employees and leaders to do their best work by fostering a workplace that is productive, inclusive, respectful, and aligned with our values: we all have a voice, we have each other's back, and we do what's right.

PSE is seeking two (2) Senior HR Advisors to join our Employee and Labor Relations team. This role directly shapes the employee experience across the organization by partnering with leaders, employees, and union representatives to navigate complex workplace matters, strengthen working relationships, and support a consistent and positive employee experience. The work performed in this role helps ensure employees are supported, engaged, and equipped to contribute to PSE's mission and business objectives.

The ideal candidate brings significant experience in employee relations, labor relations, and performance management within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This includes conducting complex workplace investigations, leading grievance and dispute resolution processes, responding to legal and information requests, managing organizational change, and mentoring HR colleagues. Success in this role requires strong business partnership, consulting, and influencing skills, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment, navigate ambiguity, and solve complex workplace challenges.

Under general supervision, the Senior HR Advisor is responsible for the administration and execution of employee and labor relations programs, policies, and practices. The role provides strategic guidance and support to leaders and employees on a broad range of workplace matters, including conflict resolution, performance management, workforce changes, contract interpretation, and employee engagement. This position helps drive consistency in how employees experience the workplace while supporting compliance with collective bargaining agreements, employment laws, and company policies. Through trusted partnerships and proactive consultation, the Senior HR Advisor contributes to broader Human Resources initiatives and organizational objectives that enable business performance and employee success.

All PSE employees are expected to uphold the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities and promote and support a culture of total safety. Additionally, employees need to demonstrate commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. All duties are to be performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities

• Resolves complex employee and labor relations issues under the guidance of Employee Relations and Labor Relations leadership. Conducts thorough workplace investigations, presents findings, and recommends appropriate resolutions.
• Researches, participates, documents, and coordinates activities related to grievances, labor contract administration, arbitrations, disciplinary actions, and labor-management meetings.
• Provides guidance and consultation to managers and employees on employee relations, labor relations, performance management, leave administration, accommodations, and policy interpretation.
• Mentors and supports HR team members by sharing expertise in complex case management, investigations, and labor relations practices.
• Partners with Legal, leadership, and stakeholders to address employee relations matters, respond to legal and information requests, and mitigate organizational risk.
• Administers collective bargaining agreements and provides contractual interpretation to leaders, employees, and union representatives.
• Supports the development and implementation of HR programs, policies, training, and resources that strengthen leadership capability and organizational effectiveness.
• Educates managers and employees on company policies, procedures, benefits, leaves, performance expectations, and other HR programs to ensure consistent application and compliance.
• Reviews and responds to legal requests, requests for information, unemployment claims, and other employment-related inquiries.
• Analyzes employee and labor relations trends to identify risks, opportunities, and proactive solutions.
• Delivers HR and management training programs as required.
• Ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Travels throughout PSE's service territory as needed to meet with employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and 3 years related experience with emphasis in labor relations, employee relations, performance management, compensation, and training and development, or an equivalent combination of experience and education necessary to perform the job.
• Strong demonstration of high ethics and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Solid understanding of local, state, and federal employment law.
• Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex, difficult, and emotional issues.
• Proven customer relations skills including problem solving and conflict resolution. 
• Excellent communications skills (oral, written, listening).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Group presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor and influence others.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Proficient in using Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (Microsoft software).

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.A.) or graduate work in HR-related field and/or PHR or SPHR certification.
• 5 years hands on experience in resolving labor contract disputes and grievances.
• 5 years related experience in HR including employee relations, performance management, compensation, and training and development.
• Organizational development and diagnosis skills.
• Previous managerial experience.
• Change management skills.
• Experience using SAP or other HRIS system.

Additional Information