Lead, Labor Relations

The J.M. Smucker Co.

16d•Remote

About The Position

Your Opportunity as the Lead, Labor Relations Lead end‑to‑end labor relations and collective bargaining efforts, including labor analytics and project management. Serve as the primary partner driving pre‑ and post‑negotiation strategy across union manufacturing sites and select non‑union locations. Collaborate closely with operations, site leadership, and key stakeholders while supporting labor negotiations, data management, and labor‑related initiatives across the organization. Location: Working Remote U.S. Work Arrangements: remote with 10% annual travel required In this role you will: Provide analytical support through the development of pre-negotiation financial models, benefit comparisons, and contract reviews for all collective bargaining agreements. Analyze essential employee demographics and statistics to serve as the foundation for negotiation strategies and to provide on-demand support during active negotiations. Pre-negotiation responsibilities: partner with internal stakeholders (i.e., Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, HRIS, HR Shared Services) to explore change management priorities; coordinate preparatory meetings with site leadership, labor contingency/security vendors and corporate leadership; develop pre-negotiation tools, lead actions items, and develop required presentations. Coordinate, gather, and prepare data collection for respective Union requests in advance of negotiations, Unfair Labor Practice charges, and arbitrations preparation. Participate and support labor negotiation including development of contract language, proposals and tentative agreements as prescribed in standardized labor processes. Identify contractual opportunities and participate during “at the table” negotiations. Post-negotiation responsibilities: create contract change presentations for communication to various internal stakeholders (i.e., Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, HRIS, HRSSC); develop contract implementation plan and ensure timely completion of all action items for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement; maintain the Labor Relations SharePoint site content. Prepare draft contract changes for review by Labor Relations, site leadership, and Unions. Supports corporate initiatives impacting union-represented locations, including benefit rollouts, time-tracking enhancements, and employee communications. Manage the assessment of employee inquiries and helps coordinate action items within the investigation framework. Conduct special projects as appropriate to align with strategic priorities and cross-functional needs. What we are looking for:

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field
3+ years experience in labor relations, operations or human resources
Advanced Microsoft Excel experience
Intermediate PowerPoint skills
Experience with Microsoft applications (i.e. SharePoint, Lists, Planner, etc.)
Effectively handles competing demands without compromising attention to detail
Experience in labor relations and supporting negotiation process including development, enhancement, and delivering analytics to support strategic Labor efforts
Experience successfully managing projects with multiple priorities and stakeholders
Strong people skills and a demonstrated track record of success supporting critical initiatives

Nice To Haves

3+ years of financial analyst experience
Prior employee relations experience
Experience working in labor relations with unionized workforce
Experience working in or supporting a manufacturing environment
Experience with Microsoft Power Apps and Workflows

Responsibilities

Provide analytical support through the development of pre-negotiation financial models, benefit comparisons, and contract reviews for all collective bargaining agreements.
Analyze essential employee demographics and statistics to serve as the foundation for negotiation strategies and to provide on-demand support during active negotiations.
Partner with internal stakeholders (i.e., Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, HRIS, HR Shared Services) to explore change management priorities; coordinate preparatory meetings with site leadership, labor contingency/security vendors and corporate leadership; develop pre-negotiation tools, lead actions items, and develop required presentations.
Coordinate, gather, and prepare data collection for respective Union requests in advance of negotiations, Unfair Labor Practice charges, and arbitrations preparation.
Participate and support labor negotiation including development of contract language, proposals and tentative agreements as prescribed in standardized labor processes.
Identify contractual opportunities and participate during “at the table” negotiations.
Create contract change presentations for communication to various internal stakeholders (i.e., Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, HRIS, HRSSC); develop contract implementation plan and ensure timely completion of all action items for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement; maintain the Labor Relations SharePoint site content.
Prepare draft contract changes for review by Labor Relations, site leadership, and Unions.
Supports corporate initiatives impacting union-represented locations, including benefit rollouts, time-tracking enhancements, and employee communications.
Manage the assessment of employee inquiries and helps coordinate action items within the investigation framework.
Conduct special projects as appropriate to align with strategic priorities and cross-functional needs.