Labor Relations Director
About The Position
The Labor Relations Director will lead the strategic development and execution of labor relations programs across the organization, with a focus on unionized construction environments. This role is responsible for negotiating, interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements, managing grievance and arbitration processes, and fostering strong labor-management relationships. The Director will serve as the company’s subject matter expert on union matters and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and alignment with project needs, labor laws, and union contracts. All activities will be performed in support of the strategy, vision, and values of JE Dunn.
Requirements
- Ability to perform work accurately and completely, and in a timely manner
- Ability to conduct effective presentations; present complex information in a clear, concise manner to cross-functional stakeholders
- Communication skills, verbal and written – Advanced
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Advanced knowledge of labor laws, grievance procedures, and arbitration processes
- Effective investigative and analytical skills
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement in labor relations practices
- Commitment to safety and compliance in all labor-related activities
- Ability to adapt and respond to dynamic situations
- Ability to read a situation and make sound assessments and recommendations
- Ability to rely on a heightened sense of organizational awareness
- Ability to speak confidently in large groups with executive presence
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate within a team, internally and externally
- Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field (Required)
- 10+ years of experience in labor relations within the construction industry with significant exposure to union environments required.
Nice To Haves
- Master's or other advanced degree (Preferred)
- In lieu of the above requirements, relevant experience will be considered
- Proven experience in grievance handling, arbitration, and collective bargaining negotiations (Preferred)
- 0-2 years of experience in managing teams (Preferred)
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee labor relations strategy, policy development, and compliance across all unionized projects
- Negotiate, interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements; manage grievance procedures and arbitration processes
- Participates in dispute resolution and disciplinary hearings in collaboration with Human Resources, union and operations teams
- Partner with HR, Payroll, Operations to provide education and ensure accurate processing and reporting of union-related matters and contract compliance
- Facilitate pre-job meetings with union leaders at national and local levels
- Ensure timely responses to governing committees
- Develop contingency plans for job actions (e.g., walkouts, complaints, arbitrations)
- Resolve jurisdictional disputes and grievances, lead coordination of national trade programs
- Provide labor relations training to project supervision
- Maintain positive relationships with union representatives, employees, and company leadership
- Ensure labor relations activities do not adversely affect other business units
- Partners with HR to support staffing strategies, including sourcing outside regional markets and optimizing apprentice and trainee programs
- Lead and mentor direct reports; promote a culture of safety and accountability
Benefits
- Professional Non-Union benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
