Manager, Labor Relations

C&S Wholesale Grocers•Keene, NH

3d•Remote

About The Position

This is a full-time, remote role with up to 50% travel to assigned locations. The Manager, Labor Relations will act as a strategic partner and subject matter expert for labor-management relations and union vulnerability strategies, supporting a network of fast-paced grocery retail locations and warehouse/distribution facilities. This role is a high-impact individual contributor with no direct reports. The Manager serves as the primary point of contact for operational leadership, providing real-time, legally defensible guidance on collective bargaining agreement (CBA) compliance, grievance resolution, and complex workplace investigations. When traveling, the Manager conducts on-site vulnerability assessments, designs proactive associate relations initiatives, and equips frontline leaders to cultivate a fair, high-performance workplace culture.

Requirements

5-7 years of labor relations experience, specifically in labor relations, employee relations, or workplace investigations.
Advanced knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) processes, and applicable federal and state employment laws.
Highly developed conflict resolution, de-escalation, and active listening skills to navigate emotionally charged situations.
The ability to build trust and coach frontline shift selectors and drivers through senior distribution executives.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements, ensuring the consistent and compliant application of multiple contracts across different locations.
Providing real-time guidance to operations and local HR partners regarding the application of collective bargaining agreements in various situations.
Investigating, documenting, and processing the final steps of the grievance process.
Serving as an objective intermediary to manage conflict resolution and mediate disputes between management and union representatives.
Partnering with Legal Counsel to prepare comprehensive case files, gather witness statements, and represent the company's interests at arbitrations, mediations, and administrative agency hearings (e.g., EEOC, NLRB).
Preparing and executing bargaining strategies by drafting tentative agreements, creating costing templates, preparing talking points, and serving as a core member of the bargaining committee.
Conducting on-site assessments and labor vulnerability evaluations at non-union facilities to proactively mitigate operational risks.
Analyzing regional labor metrics and employee engagement data to identify trends, and reporting actionable insights and mitigation strategies.
Designing and delivering training for frontline supervisors in retail and warehouse settings, focusing on contract administration, union awareness, labor trends, positive employee communication, and lawful management practices in response to organizing efforts.
Deploying rapid-response protocols to manage, navigate, and respond to active third-party organizing campaigns or corporate salting efforts within the designated region.