HR Specialist - Attendance & LeaveJoin our HR team as an HR Specialist - Attendance & Leave, where you will serve as the plant's Single Point of Contact (SPOC) and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for attendance management.In this vital, high-impact role, you will be responsible for administering the National Attendance Program (NAP) as outlined in our National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the UAW.This is a direct, front-line, employee-facing role that requires a unique blend of exceptional administrative precision and highly developed interpersonal skills.You will be directly responsible for conducting corrective action hearings and issuing attendance-related discipline to hourly employees, up to and including discharge (termination).The ideal candidate is a resilient communicator who can de-escalate emotional situations, resolve conflicts, and deliver challenging messages with professionalism, consistency, and respect.National Attendance Program (NAP) & Leave AdministrationAdminister the NAP: Ensure the fair, consistent, and compliant administration of the National Attendance Program (NAP) in accordance with the National Agreement, local contractual agreements, and company policy.SME Guidance: Serve as the on-site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for line management, supervisors, and employees regarding NAP policies, FMLA regulations, Medical Leaves of Absence (MLOA), and bereavement.Timekeeping & Coding Audits: Audit and correct Time Worked/Off System (TWOS) coding for attendance, tardiness, and leaves to ensure absolute data integrity.Disciplinary Action & Conflict ResolutionConduct Corrective Action Hearings: Lead and document formal disciplinary hearings for chargeable absences, notification failures, and tardiness in partnership with line supervisors and UAW representatives.Issue Progressive Discipline: Deliver and execute attendance-related disciplinary actions, ranging from initial coaching/written warnings up to and including discharge (termination) for non-compliance with the NAP.Deliver Challenging Messages: Confidently navigate difficult, highly sensitive, and emotional conversations with employees regarding their attendance status and employment.De-escalate & Resolve Conflict: Utilize advanced conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to manage high-pressure situations during disciplinary discussions.Labor Relations & Stakeholder PartnershipUnion Collaboration: Partner and communicate productively with UAW representatives to address attendance issues, resolve disputes at the earliest step, and ensure adherence to contract procedures.Coaching Operations Leaders: Build trusted relationships with operations supervisors and line managers, coaching them on how to have effective, constructive attendance conversations that balance empathy with accountability.Grievance Support: Prepare clear, objective, and airtight documentation regarding disciplinary actions to support the company's position in the event of union grievances or legal challenges.Data Analysis & OffboardingReporting & Trends: Analyze plant-wide attendance data (AWOL, late reports, leave utilization trends) to identify patterns and recommend proactive interventions to reduce absenteeism.Job Abandonment: Administer the 5-Day Quit process for job abandonment cases, ensuring all legal and contractual notices are accurately issued and tracked.Skills RequiredConflict Management, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Microsoft ExcelRequirementsCommunication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Must have a proven track record of maintaining professional composure, empathy, and authority under pressure.Conflict Resolution: Strong ability to resolve conflicts, negotiate mutually acceptable outcomes where appropriate, and deliver tough decisions decisively and professionally.Attention to Detail: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to maintain meticulous, legally defensible documentation.PreferredUnion/Labor Relations Experience: Prior experience working in a unionized manufacturing or industrial environment, particularly administering collective bargaining agreements (ideally with the UAW).Leave Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, and state/federal leave regulations.Systems Experience: Experience using HRIS, timekeeping, or scheduling software (e.g., TWOS, Oracle, SAP, Kronos).EducationBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience).Additional InformationEnvironment: This role is 100% onsite within a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing facility.