Director of Labor Relations

Prime Healthcare Management Inc•Chicago, IL

42d•$136,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Labor Relations leads and executes Prime Healthcare’s labor relations strategy across multiple facilities. The role partners closely with the Executive Human Resources Director and Managing Labor Counsel to align labor strategy with legal requirements and organizational priorities. It also collaborates with Corporate Finance to develop economically sound bargaining proposals and leads the internal approval process with executive leadership, including the EVP/CHRO and President. The Director advises senior leaders and plays a central role in collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and workforce planning. This is a full-time, in-office role at a Prime hospital in the Chicagoland market. Remote work is not offered. The position works day shift and requires frequent travel to support operational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressive labor relations experience, preferably in a healthcare or unionized environment.
Demonstrated experience leading collective bargaining negotiations and managing complex labor environments.
Strong knowledge of federal and state labor laws, including the NLRA and related regulations.
Experience partnering with finance teams on economic modeling and labor cost analysis.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to influence senior leaders and navigate executive-level approval processes.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently to support operational needs.
Deep understanding of collective bargaining, contract interpretation, and labor relations strategy.
Financial acumen to model labor costs, benefits, wage structures, and proposal impact.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Professional HR certification, such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement labor relations strategies aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Prepare for collective bargaining negotiations, develop negotiation strategies, and administer contracts.
Develop, analyze, and model economic proposals for collective bargaining agreements.
Lead internal review and approval of labor strategies and economic proposals with senior executives, including the EVP/CHRO and President.
Serve as the primary liaison with union representatives and foster effective working relationships.
Advise executives, HR leaders, and operational management on labor laws, union contracts, and employee relations issues.
Partner with HR and legal teams to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
Support workforce planning, including restructuring, workforce transitions, and change management.
Train and coach leaders on labor relations practices, contract interpretation, and conflict resolution.
Maintain knowledge of federal and state labor law, including the NLRA and related regulations.
Apply healthcare workforce knowledge, including staffing models, operational constraints, and regulatory considerations.
Model labor costs, benefits, wage structures, and the impact of bargaining proposals.
Work with local HR leaders to track grievances and arbitration cases.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.