Director, Labor Relations

Meijer•Grand Rapids, MI

15h

About The Position

The Labor Relations Director is responsible for all labor relations matters, including development and implementation of labor relations initiatives and strategies. In partnership with the Vice President Team & Labor Relations and Supply Chain & Manufacturing HR, the Director Labor Relations will be a spokesperson in labor negotiations, including preparation, negotiation and implementation of multiple collective bargaining agreements to achieve organizational objectives. The Director Labor Relations is also responsible to sustain positive union relationships and identifying internal labor relations trends that can be actioned to continuously improve the team member experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or Business preferred.
10+ years of work experience in labor relations.
Five years of prior bargaining experience as a lead/first chair negotiator in a unionized environment is required.
Familiarity with all aspects of labor relations, including collective bargaining, union organizing, grievance and contract administration, dispute resolution, benefits and pension plan design and administration.
Demonstrated experience in labor relations strategic planning and contract administration.
Ability to synthesize information, weigh risk and determine the best course of action, including gathering, analyzing and interpreting economic and wage data and industry trends.
Interpret and analyze legal materials and collective bargaining agreements.
Strong attention to detail, documentation, and execution of agreements and process.
Ability to influence others and change attitudes, perspectives and decision through influence, data and relationships.
Negotiating skills: ability to both influence others on both sides of the table and effectively lead successful contract negotiations.
Ability to manage competing priorities between multiple functions and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and positively interact with all levels of management including union leadership is required.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven results achieving conflict resolution is required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree, such as JD or Master’s in Industrial/Labor Relations and/or PHR/SPHR preferred.
Experience in union free environments preferred.
Preferably in retail (for bargaining experience).

Responsibilities

Responsible for overseeing the companywide Labor Relations strategy, programs, policies and procedures.
Oversee the management of the grievance and arbitration process, including education of leadership and line management regarding labor contract terms.
Provide guidance and input for labor negotiations preparation, based on known trends and issues in contract administration.
Based on overall labor relations strategy, partners with leadership, HR COEs, HR generalist teams to manage day-to-day labor relations issues, disciplinary actions, grievances and CBA language application.
Serve as spokesperson in formal contract negotiations including ownership of implementation of changes and the communications strategy throughout the negotiations process to ensure key audiences and stakeholders are properly informed.
Stay up to date on relevant labor legislation, labor issues, innovative industry labor relations practices, etc. to support effective labor relations management.
Manage the issue/grievance process from onset through arbitration to sustain company objectives and ensure effective and timely resolution to team member and labor relations issues.
Identifies key metrics and root cause issues to concerns to develop and implement mitigation actions to improve the team member experience while ensuring alignment with current and future company objectives.
Provide COE expertise counsel on the interpretation and execution of CBAs and labor relations issues (including negotiating history, past practice, etc.) to resolve issues effectively and sustain alignment of CBAs within HR generalist, HR COEs and other key stakeholders.
Develop and implement strategies and initiatives to create and sustain positive team member relations at all organizational levels.