Director of Employee & Labor Relations

Baystate Health • Springfield, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Baystate Health, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare quality and safety, is seeking an accomplished Director of Employee & Labor Relations to lead system-wide employee and labor relations strategy in Springfield, MA. Reporting to the Vice President, HR Strategy & Consulting, the Director will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, operational leaders, and HR Business Partners while leading a team of Employee & Labor Relations Specialists. The Director of Employee & Labor Relations serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, HR Business Partners, managers, and employees while shaping strategies and programs that foster a fair, respectful, engaged, and high-performing workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree, required
• 8 years of experience in employee and labor relations, preferably within healthcare or another highly regulated environment.
• 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience in a complex, multi-site organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, labor relations, collective bargaining, investigations, dispute resolution, and employment law.
• Strong experience advising leaders on complex and sensitive employee matters.
• Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise-wide HR strategies and programs.
• Strong negotiation, communication, coaching, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to navigate complex situations with sound judgment, discretion, and a balanced approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead Enterprise Employee & Labor Relations Strategy: Develop and execute an enterprise-wide employee and labor relations strategy aligned with Baystate Health’s goals and values.
• Assess the employee relations climate and use data, case trends, investigations, disputes, and other insights to identify opportunities for intervention.
• Develop proactive strategies that strengthen employee-management relationships and reduce organizational risk.
• Oversee the employee relations case and incident tracking process, including reporting, metrics, and trend analysis.
• Serve as a Strategic Advisor: Partner with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and operational leaders to address complex employee and workplace issues.
• Provide expert guidance on performance management, investigations, discrimination, disability accommodations, hiring, disciplinary actions, termination, allegations of wrongful termination, and other employment matters.
• Coach leaders and HR professionals on effective employee relations practices and appropriate approaches to workplace concerns.
• Help leaders navigate difficult situations while promoting fairness, consistency, accountability, and respect.
• Lead Labor Relations: Develop and implement the organization's labor relations strategy, programs, and policies.
• Participate as a management representative in collective bargaining and contract negotiations.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements while balancing organizational objectives and positive labor-management relationships.
• Oversee grievances, unfair labor practice matters, arbitrations, dispute resolution, and contract administration.
• Assess labor vulnerability and develop proactive strategies to address emerging labor relations issues.
• Drive Compliance & Risk Management: Partner with HR leadership and Legal to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Oversee employment-related regulatory matters, including OFCCP, Affirmative Action Plans, wage and hour compliance, and pay equity reviews.
• Ensure required regulatory reporting and compliance activities are effectively managed.
• Identify potential employee relations and labor relations risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Build Leadership Capability: Design and deliver employee and labor relations training and awareness programs for managers, supervisors, and HR professionals.
• Establish consistent practices for complaint handling, investigations, dispute resolution, and employee-management communications.
• Equip leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage workplace challenges.
• Promote open communication and a culture where employees and leaders can address concerns constructively.

Benefits

• Excellent Compensation
• High-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance
• Generous PTO – up to 25 days in the first year, with scheduled earned increases
• Continuing education support and reimbursement
• First Time Home Buyers Financial Packages
• Farm Share Memberships
• 403b retirement company match & annual company contribution increase based on years of service
• Free money coach advice from a certified professional
• Wellbeing programs that include but are not limited to mental, physical, and financial health
• Pet, home, auto and personal insurance
• Life insurance
• Reimbursement for a variety of well-being activities, included but limited to gym membership and equipment, personal trainer, massage and so much more!
• Wellbeing programs that include but are not limited to mental, physical, and financial health

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director