Labor Relations Director

Dairy Farmers of America•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

The Labor Relations Director leads labor and employee relations programs, policies, and procedures. The role establishes and maintains positive, productive labor-management relations; negotiates contracts; interprets collective bargaining agreements; and administers grievance procedures and arbitrations. It provides expertise and guidance on labor and employee relations, resolves employee disputes, maintains compliance, and collaborates with management on related goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. The director partners with DFA leadership to develop union and non-union strategies aligned with business objectives, represents DFA as chief spokesperson in bargaining, and advises and trains managers. The role also supports arbitration cases, NLRB charges, and government investigations; implements consistent work standards and policies; investigates employee concerns and appeals; resolves grievances and local conflicts; and develops effective relationships with union leadership. The director partners with HR staff to achieve department goals. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
10 or more years of employee relations and labor relations experience, including non-union and union experience.
10 or more years of experience in a union environment.
Demonstrated successful track record as first chair in collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration processes, positive employee relations, and labor-management relations.
Willingness to travel 50–75%, up to two weeks per month.
Deep understanding of management-labor relations.
Working knowledge of state and federal labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, Title VII, workers’ compensation, and unemployment.
Knowledge of human resources management principles, practices, and procedures.
Ability to negotiate major contracts independently from preparation through completion.
Ability to work independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve business unit success.
Ability to develop assessment instruments to monitor compliance and labor and employee relations standards.
Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships across the organization and with external representatives.
Strong analytical abilities and business acumen.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct the work of others.
Ability to work with a high level of accountability.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (JD).

Responsibilities

Partner with all levels of DFA leadership to develop union and non-union labor and employee relations strategies in support of business objectives.
Develop collective bargaining strategy and negotiate collective bargaining agreements in support of business objectives.
Represent DFA at bargaining sessions as chief spokesperson.
Provide expert advice, counsel, and training to managers regarding collective bargaining agreement administration and positive employee relations.
Ensure company compliance with federal, state, and municipal labor and employee relations regulations.
Prepare for and assist in presenting arbitration cases, NLRB charges, and other government agency investigations and charges.
Work with senior management to establish work standards, policies, and procedures and implement them consistently across the organization.
Investigate problems involving working conditions, disciplinary actions, and employee and applicant appeals and grievances.
Evaluate and assist with effective resolution of grievances and other local conflicts resulting from labor agreements.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with union leadership to foster and continuously improve union-management relations.
Partner with other HR staff to achieve department goals and objectives.