Director of Workforce Development and Strategy

McKinstry Co.•Spokane, WA

34d

About The Position

McKinstry is seeking a dynamic Director of Workforce Development and Strategy to lead and shape our labor workforce vision across multiple regions. This newly created role plays a critical part in building the workforce of the future-strengthening labor partnerships, expanding talent pipelines, and ensuring we have the skilled tradespeople needed to support our long-term business growth. As a strategic leader, you will guide workforce planning, program development, labor market analysis, and labor readiness for expansion into new geographies. You will work closely with senior leadership, union partners, educational institutions, and community organizations to build sustainable workforce strategies that align with McKinstry's mission, operational needs, and commitment to people-centered impact. This position requires a seasoned leader who can navigate complex labor environments, build strong external partnerships, and drive innovative programs that support both our current workforce and future expansion. This role reports to the Senior Vice President of Operations - Construction and works closely with Functional Training, Operational Excellence, Labor Relations, labor unions, and project teams to advance workforce development strategies across McKinstry.

Requirements

At least fifteen (15) years of experience in labor relations, workforce development, or construction workforce planning preferred.
At least ten (10) years of supervisory experience, including managing trade personnel, preferred.
Bachelor's degree in construction management, labor relations, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in place of a degree.
Experience in the construction or infrastructure industry, preferably in a multi-regional or national company.
Proven experience working with unionized labor and interpreting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
Navigates complex labor environments and union negotiations with a solution-oriented mindset.
Works effectively across both union and non-union environments and adapts to regional differences in workforce ecosystems.
Understands local labor markets, labor customs, and community dynamics in new geographies.
Ability to mitigate labor risk and manage workforce readiness.
Connects labor planning with long-term business expansion.
Leads cross-functional labor efforts without always having direct control.
Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Lead multiple workforce development projects with defined timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
Coordinate with McKinstry departments and external partners to achieve program goals.
Track progress and performance using effective project management tools and methodologies.
Cultivate partnerships with employers, unions, training providers, and community-based organizations.
Represent McKinstry at workforce events, advisory committees, and policy forums.
Engage in public speaking and deliver presentations on workforce and labor topics.
Partner with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to align curriculum and on-the-job training with workforce needs.
Contribute to regional and statewide workforce strategy and economic development initiatives.
Analyze workforce trends and identify strategies to close skill gaps and promote worker mobility.
Develop strategies for building and maintaining talent pipelines to meet workforce demand.
Collaborates with McKinstry management to identify training needs for trade personnel.
Designs and implements innovative workforce training programs that meet the needs of union affiliates and working people.
Ensures alignment with labor market demands, industry standards, and regulatory guidelines.
Uses data and stakeholder input to drive program quality, effectiveness, and innovation.
Identify new labor markets: Research and analyze labor availability, union presence, wage rates, and local regulations in new geographic areas.
Map the union landscape: Build relationships with local unions and apprenticeship programs to understand jurisdictional dynamics.
Develop and maintain union partnerships: Strengthen relationships with local and national union organizations to support long-term workforce needs.
Negotiate labor agreements: Support or lead initial engagement on project labor agreements (PLAs), CBAs, and jurisdictional assignments.
Facilitate onboarding with new unions: Ensure smooth integration of new labor forces under the appropriate agreements.
Collaborate with Operations and HR: Align workforce planning with project execution needs and HR strategy.
Support bid proposals: Provide labor availability and cost intelligence during preconstruction and bidding phases.
Track labor metrics: Monitor labor costs, productivity, absenteeism, and retention in newly developed markets.
Ensure regulatory compliance: Stay current on labor laws, union regulations, and prevailing wage requirements across all jurisdictions.
Mitigate labor risks: Identify and address potential labor disputes, workforce shortages, misclassification risks, or jurisdictional issues.
Assess labor feasibility for market entry: Evaluate labor implications for entering new regions and advise executive leadership.
Create pipeline programs: Partner with unions, vocational schools, and community colleges to build pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways.
Manage workforce readiness: Ensure labor resources are trained, available, and prepared to meet project timelines and specifications.
Assess workforce capability: Evaluate existing workforce competencies in expansion areas and identify critical skill gaps.
Strengthen capabilities: Partner with Functional Training to address capability concerns and support targeted skill development.

Benefits

Competitive pay
401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
Paid time off and holidays
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums
Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
Transgender inclusive benefits
Commuter benefits
Pet insurance
"Building Good" paid community service time
Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers