Manager Arbitration at CSX in Jacksonville, FL

Job description

Job Summary Leads and executes labor relations processes in partnership with CSX Transportation (CSXT) leaders, internal stakeholders, and labor organizations. Serves as a management advocate in written and oral arbitration proceedings and develops persuasive, well-supported positions in disputes involving the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), established precedent, and past practice. Anticipates business needs, identifies emerging risks, develops practical solutions, and provides strategic recommendations to management and labor representatives. Uses data, technology, and approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve research, analysis, drafting, case preparation, and decision support while applying sound professional judgment and safeguarding confidential information. Drives business results through trusted partnerships with Senior Directors, Directors, Managers, and cross-functional leaders. Primary Activities and Responsibilities Lead a portfolio of discipline appeals and interpretation grievances scheduled for hearings under Section 3 of the Railway Labor Act (RLA), establishing case strategy, priorities, and deadlines. Partner with Labor Relations leaders and designated hearing officers on agreement interpretation, case risk, and arbitration strategy. Manage the formal on-property handling of discipline appeals, including timely, accurate, and persuasive written communications between management and labor organizations. Advise field management and senior leaders on CBA requirements, discipline processes, attendance matters, risk, and consistent application of policy. Serve as a subject matter expert on discipline and attendance provisions, related policies, arbitral precedent, and evolving labor relations practices. Support designated departments and long-term initiatives aligned with the strategic agenda, working across Labor Relations, Human Resources, Legal, and Operations to advance business objectives. Act as a trusted liaison between Operations management and labor organizations, aligning Labor Relations services with internal client needs and identifying opportunities to add measurable value. Build and sustain effective partnerships with management, labor representatives, and employees to resolve disputes fairly, consistently, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Investigate claims, evaluate evidence, research arbitral precedent and past practice, assess risk, and prepare detailed, well-reasoned written positions and recommendations. Use approved AI-enabled tools to accelerate document review, issue spotting, precedent research, data analysis, drafting, and preparation of case summaries, presentations, and training materials; independently verify outputs and comply with all confidentiality, data security, legal, and records-management requirements. Monitor case trends, outcomes, and recurring issues; translate findings into actionable insights, preventive strategies, and process improvements for leaders and stakeholders. Design and deliver authoritative presentations, guidance, and training on Labor Relations topics for managers, hearing officers, witnesses, and other stakeholders. Lead or contribute to special projects and perform other duties as assigned by the manager. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution 2 or more years of progressively responsible experience in Labor Relations, Human Resources, employment law support, railroad operations, or other related field. Demonstrated experience analyzing complex issues, preparing formal written positions, and advising leaders or stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree Knowledge and Skills Exceptional written, oral, presentation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively. Working knowledge of the railroad industry, the Railway Labor Act, collective bargaining, grievance handling, discipline, and arbitration proc