Director of Labor Relations

Albertsons Companies•Bellevue, WA

9h•$135,800 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for managing, negotiating, administering, and implementing contracts, agreements, bargaining/negotiations, and collective bargaining agreements for the Jewel Osco Division, including the Melrose Distribution Center, and occasionally assisting with such work at 1-2 other Divisions in the Eastern United States. The position regularly handles traditional labor questions/issues, union organizing, interpretation of complex contract terms, policies or rules, discipline/employment related issues, and serves as a trustee on Taft-Hartley pension and healthcare trust funds. This role supervises a team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with local unions and local business units. Finally, this role serves as a liaison between Senior Leadership in the Divisions and Local Unions regarding all aspects of the business, including technological advances, new business initiatives, changes in the law, efforts to make the business stronger and more viable, and changes and/or modifications to terms and conditions of employment for unionized associates. The position will be based in Seattle, WA or Boise, ID and will require 4 days per week in office.

Requirements

Five years plus years of experience at a Labor & Employment law firm and/or equivalent experience leading Union negotiations.
Excellent writing and negotiation skills.
Ability to work in cross functional teams and to work towards a consensus.
Knowledge of business operations with the ability to see the long-term. objectives and goals Superior writing and contract development skills required.
Legal knowledge as it relates to writing and interpreting contracts.
Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult external groups and unions that have completely different objectives Ability to partner with management to determine the business needs and ensure that these areas are captured in the contracts.
Knowledge of pension and benefit programs and how they are administered and what they typically cost.
Knowledge of jointly managed trusts and how to set them up, administer them and ensure they are performing according to the terms of the agreement.
Knowledge of federal and state requirements and agencies including DOL, EEOC, HIPAA, ADA, etc.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate (JD) and current member of state bar preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with union representatives to ensure proper administration of contracts.
Supervise team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with Local unions, unionized associates, and Division Leadership.
Work with management to determine the needs of the business (quality, safety, performance, etc.) and work with union representatives to work towards an agreement. This includes drafting initial proposals and reviewing union requests and feedback. Must negotiate terms that best satisfy the needs of our employees and overall business. Once terms have been agreed upon work on putting together the final contract and communicating the terms to all management and employees as applicable.
Act as the subject matter expert on contracts and manage and handle all escalated employee issues or problems related to the interpretation of the contracts. Negotiate and resolve difficult problems including discharge and termination of employees. Partner closely with Human Resources Directors/Vice Presidents for Divisions as needed to manage and administer any resolutions. Provide strategic direction and manage precedent setting issues or cases that come up that could have a significant impact to the business and operations.
Jointly manage trusts between labor, management, and third-party service providers. Work with actuaries to determine projected costs and associated expenses to administer and fund different health and disability plan options. Identify and select a contract with third party negotiators (benefit providers, clinics) that will handle the payment and administration of the benefits. Review the benefit financial statements on a quarterly basis and audit/ monitor these accounts to ensure expenses are in line with expectations and that the trusts are properly funded.
Collaborate closely with management and ensure that contract terms and rules are properly adhered to.
Partner with unions daily to manage day-to-day issues and ongoing contract negotiations. Work with federal and state regulators on compliance and employer requirement standards and laws. Federal and local agencies include DOL, FLSA, ERISA, ADA HIPAA and the EEOC, etc.
Works closely with payroll and other administrative departments to ensure proper interpretation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements.

Benefits

Competitive wages paid weekly
Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
Associate discounts
Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay).
Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve
medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
sick pay (accrued based on hours worked)
PTO/Vacation Pay (accrued based on hours worked) or Flexible Time Off
paid holidays (8-9 days annually)
bereavement pay
retirement benefits (pension and/or 401k eligibility)
quarterly bonus