Manager, Labor Relations

Univar Solutions•Downers Grove, IL

3d•$125,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Labor Relations Manager supports and executes Univar Solutions’ labor relations strategy across U.S. operations. The role partners with business leaders, HR, Legal, and union representatives to foster positive employee relations, support collective bargaining, mitigate labor risks, and ensure compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). It also supports the Company’s union-free workplace philosophy through proactive employee relations, leadership education, and employee engagement initiatives. The position is hybrid and based at the company’s Corporate Headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois. The role supports multiple locations and business functions, and works across HR, Payroll, Benefits, Finance, Total Rewards, and Legal on labor relations issues and CBA administration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 7 years of progressive HR experience with a strong focus on labor relations in industrial, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, or similar environments.
Proven experience supporting collective bargaining negotiations, grievance management, and labor contract administration.
Strong knowledge of labor and employment laws, with the ability to apply legal and contractual requirements to business situations.
Experience working across multiple locations and business functions in a complex organization.
Ability to interpret labor laws, company policies, and CBAs and communicate their impacts effectively to stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Labor costing and total rewards experience.

Responsibilities

Execute labor and employee relations strategies across U.S. operations in partnership with HR and business leadership.
Advise on labor relations matters, including CBA interpretation, grievance administration, discipline, employee relations, and labor law compliance.
Lead or support collective bargaining negotiations as first or second chair, including bargaining strategy, proposal development, costing, contract language, and implementation.
Conduct economic and labor cost analyses to support bargaining decisions and workforce planning.
Manage union awareness initiatives and coordinate company responses to union organizing activities with leadership, HR, Legal, and outside counsel.
Investigate and resolve grievances, unfair labor practice charges, labor board matters, and other represented employee issues.
Represent management in grievance meetings, labor-management meetings, arbitrations, and union interactions.
Develop and deliver labor relations training, tools, communications, and leadership development programs.
Serve as the primary labor relations contact for multi-employer benefit and retirement plan fund audits, coordinating responses across Payroll, HR, Finance, Total Rewards, and Legal.
Lead cross-functional implementation of CBA changes, contract renewals, and ongoing administration, and serve as a resource to HR Shared Services, Payroll, and Benefits teams.