Associate Director Labor Relations

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Springdale, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director, Labor Relations, leads the execution of the company’s labor strategy across union and non-union sites. This role partners with Labor Directors, Business Leaders, and Human Resources Leaders to drive strategic alignment and coordinate efforts across business segments. The Associate Director provides subject matter expertise in labor and employee relations, including contract administration, grievance handling, collective bargaining, conflict resolution, risk mitigation, training, and compliance. This role produces deliverables for senior leadership and builds the strategic acumen, organizational relationships, and operational depth that align with the Labor Director career path.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
7+ years of progressive experience in labor relations or a related field, with demonstrated experience working closely with unions and in collective bargaining environments.
5+ years with an advanced degree.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to adapt communication style for diverse audiences across all organizational levels, including senior leadership.
Ability to introduce and lead change effectively.
High proficiency in leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to influence others.
Advanced knowledge of professional standards, methods, and concepts in labor relations and HR management.
Solid understanding of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) administration.
Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence others, and maintain strong working relationships at all levels.
Strategic mindset with the ability to handle sensitive matters with integrity and sound judgment.
Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret labor relations data (e.g., cost, membership, risk) to inform decision making.
Analytical, interpretative, and evaluative thinking skills.
Coaching, leadership, and people development skills.
Knowledge of business unit functional strategy and well-versed in the interrelationships among organizational areas.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Prior experience coordinating across multiple business units or sites preferred.
Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications is preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive the execution of labor relations strategies across business segments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, legal requirements, and positive employee relations objectives.
Provide strategic input at the divisional level and ensure the labor relations function is planning proactively, not just reactively.
Coordinate efforts across business segments, leveraging the skills of others to keep key initiatives on track.
Partner with Labor Directors and business leaders to develop and execute negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements and related agreements.
Lead risk mitigation efforts and contingency planning related to workforce disruptions in coordination with operations leaders.
Collaborate with in-house Legal Counsel and external attorneys on labor relations strategy, planning, and compliance.
Ensure business strategies align with federal, state, and local labor laws and facility compliance standards.
Design and facilitate compliance, policy, and positive employee relations training for people leaders.
Oversee CBA administration, grievance handling, and disciplinary procedures, guiding management as needed.
Manage internal and external business relationships and represent the organization in meetings between management and labor groups.