Director, Labor Relations

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)•Seattle, WA

About The Position

As REI enters a pivotal new phase in its labor journey, we are building the next generation of our Labor Relations operating model. The Director of Labor Relations plays a critical role in this evolution—leading strategy, building capability, and establishing the foundation for long-term success This role is responsible for helping design and stand up a scalable labor relations model - one that balances strong governance, proactive partnership, and operational excellence while remaining deeply aligned to REI’s values and business priorities. This is a highly visible leadership role for a labor relations expert who thrives in complexity, brings strategic foresight, and is energized by building something new.

Requirements

Deep expertise in labor relations and collective bargaining within unionized environments.
Proven experience leading labor strategy, negotiations, and contract administration across multiple bargaining units.
Strong people leadership skills, with experience developing high-performing teams.
Ability to influence and advise senior leaders with credibility, sound judgment, and executive presence.
Excellent collaboration skills and the ability to partner effectively across HR, Legal, and Operations.
Strong analytical skills and comfort using data to inform strategy and decision-making.
In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
10+ years of progressive labor relations experience in a unionized environment.
5+ years of direct people management experience.
Ability to interpret and analyze legal materials and collective bargaining agreements.
Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or JD.

Responsibilities

Set and Execute Labor Strategy
Partner closely with the Divisional Vice President of Labor Relations to develop and execute enterprise labor strategy, including bargaining strategy, stakeholder alignment, and post-contract implementation.
Lead the design and execution of future bargaining strategies, including successor collective bargaining agreement negotiations, informed by internal and external stakeholders.
Use data, insights, and labor trends to proactively identify risk and recommend strategic course corrections.
Lead and Develop the Labor Relations Team
Directly lead and develop a team of Labor Relations Partners, ensuring strong performance, consistent practices, and alignment to labor strategy.
Provide strategic guidance and consultation to LR Partners, HR, and operational leaders on labor relations matters.
Build the infrastructure, governance models, and ways of working needed to scale the function as the organization grows.
Operationalize and Administer Collective Bargaining Agreements
Serve as the lead advisor for contract administration across multiple bargaining units.
Interpret and administer CBAs to ensure consistent, compliant, and equitable application across locations.
Establish scalable governance, education, and centralized support models for certified locations.
Build Trusted Partnerships
Partner with HR, Legal, and the Labor Relations to mitigate risk and support operational needs.
Collaborate with Legal on complex labor matters, including grievances, arbitrations, and demand letters.
Educate, Influence, and Advise
Advise on labor relations training for leaders and HR teams, including CBA administration, policy enforcement, and positive workplace culture.
Serve as a mediator and problem solver on complex labor and employment issues.
Prepare reports and presentations for senior leaders and the Board of Directors on labor initiatives and external labor trends.