Counsel, Labor & Employment - The Toro Company

Who Are We?  

The Toro Company is a homegrown, Minnesota-based company that has been in business since 1914. We pride ourselves on providing world class equipment to help maintain the environment that we love, while putting an emphasis on giving back to the communities that surround us. From residential lawns and gardens, to venues such as St. Andrews Links and Target Field, we are a company with a global footprint and a passion for helping people beautify whatever landscape they may be in. With 100 years of operation under our belt and an average employee tenure of 15 years, come find out what makes The Toro Company the best place in the Twin Cities to build a career.

The Toro Company (TTC) is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Labor and Employment Attorney to join our legal team. This role will provide comprehensive legal support to our Human Resources department and senior management, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulation while fostering a positive and productive work environment. The ideal candidate will possess experience in labor and employment law. Significant experience in advising clients about risks and compliance associated with federal and state employment laws is required, including but not limited to fair employment and human rights practices, nondiscrimination and anti-harassment, talent management and restructuring, employee relations compliance requirements, human resource policy administration, disability law and accommodations, pay practices, FMLA and other leave, restrictive covenants, and investigation protocols. Traditional labor law experience and experience advising on international employment laws are also considerations.

What Will You Do?  

In order to grow and build a successful career with The Toro Company, you will be responsible for:  

• Advising: Provide proactive legal advice and guidance to human resources, management, and other stakeholders on a wide range of labor and employment matters, including but not limited to employee relations, workplace policies, terminations, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour laws.

• Litigation Management: Oversee and manage employment-related litigation and disputes, including developing case strategies, coordinating with external counsel, and representing the company in hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings as necessary. Prepare Position Statements in response to EEOC and other administrative agencies.

• Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Monitor changes in labor laws and regulations and advise on necessary policy and practice updates. Provide ongoing support to compliance and ethics initiatives.

• Union and Labor Relations: Advise on union-related matters, including collective bargaining agreements, union negotiations, grievances, and labor disputes. Support management in maintaining positive labor relations and ensuring adherence to collective bargaining agreements. Lead negotiations for working agreements.

• Investigations: Lead internal investigations regarding employee relations matters, audits, and prepare written summaries and recommendations to management.

• Policy Development: Assist in the development, implementation, and enforcement of company policies and procedures related to labor and employment matters both internationally and domestically. Provide training and education to HR and management on relevant legal issues and best practices.

• Risk Management: Identify and assess potential legal risks related to employment practices and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. Conduct internal investigations into employee complaints and workplace incidents as needed.

• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare and review employment contracts, severance agreements, disciplinary documents, and other employment-related legal documents.

Note: The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the company.

What Do You Need?  

To be considered for this role, an individual should meet the following minimal requirements:  

• Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with the state bar.

• Experience: Minimum of three years of labor and employment law experience, preferably with a combination of law firm and in-house counsel roles.

• Skills:

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local labor and employment laws and regulations.

• Proven experience in managing employment litigation and disputes.

• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

• Experience and/or interest in union and labor issues, including collective bargaining and union negotiations.

• Highly motivated and takes initiative.

• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the manufacturing sector.

• Knowledge of international employment laws and regulations.

• Experience advising on privacy laws and regulations.

• Previous in-house counsel experience.

• Certification in employment law or related fields.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over any sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

What Can We Give You?     

At The Toro Company, we are always working to make sure our employees know just how valued they are. In addition to a competitive salary, an affordable and top tier medical/dental/vision plan, 401k, and many other great benefits - The Toro company offers employees at our Bloomington, MN HQ   location a variety of perks, including:  

Dress for your day - We know you're more productive when you're comfortable, which is why TTC employees are encouraged to take advantage of our casual, corporate environment.  

Location - Conveniently located near both St. Paul and Minneapolis, we are centrally located for most commuters!  

Food - Take advantage of our onsite café, which serves both breakfast and lunch. With a Caribou Coffee attached, you can grab a snack and a coffee at any time during your day.  

Wellness - The Toro Company's HQ offers complimentary use of our onsite fitness facility to employees. In addition to physical wellbeing, TTC offers a variety of mental health and financial health resources to all employees.

Volunteerism - The Toro Company is proud to provide employees 20 hours of paid time to volunteer in the community.  

Summer Hours - Enjoy a flexible schedule during the summer! By working a little more during the first few days of the week, TTC employees at our Bloomington HQ are able to start their weekends early and leave by noon on Friday.  

Flexible Work Arrangements - This team is currently implementing a hybrid work schedule. The opportunity to collaborate in the office and work from home part- time, has promoted team-building and flexibility.

Competitive Salary - The pay range takes into account skills, experience, education, and location. It is not common to be hired at or near the top of the range; compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Cash compensation is one piece of our competitive total rewards package.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non- merit based factors. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees

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