Senior Director Labor Relations

Avolta•BETHESDA, MD

13d•$153,500 - $198,100•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Director of Labor Relations supports the VP of Labor Relations by developing and implementing labor strategies, managing labor relations processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and effectively managing union relationships. This role involves collaborating with senior leadership to develop and implement labor strategies and programs that address workplace disputes and promote a supportive work environment. It also includes developing and applying policies and procedures, supporting the implementation of best practices for various labor relations issues, and administering the company’s labor strategy at both company and local levels. The position ensures systems and processes are in place for compliance and provides guidance on dispute resolution, including negotiations, grievances, and arbitration. Additionally, it involves developing and executing bargaining strategies that align with business objectives, leading Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, and building/maintaining relationships with national and local union organizations. The role also coordinates with Finance for CBA-related budgeting, partners with Training & Development for management strategies, and stays informed about current employment trends and regulations to maintain compliance.

Requirements

The combination of education and professional experience must exceed 10 years
In a leadership role: requires 5 years of experience setting Labor Relations strategy, influencing senior level partners, managing outside labor relations consultants and law firms, and maintaining union relationships
In a technical role: requires 10 years first chair negotiating collective bargaining agreements, representing management in grievances and resolving labor relations issues
A bachelor’s degree in a program related to the functional area can count for 3 of the ten-year requirement
An MBA, JD, or a master’s level degree in a program related to the functional area can count for an additional 2 years of the ten-year requirement
In the industry: 3-5 years of Hospitality, F&B and/or Retail experience
5 years of experience with Unite HERE
Training that leads to an in-depth understanding of NLRA, and state and federal employment regulations and statutes
Training that leads to an understanding of Canadian collective bargaining
Expert level negotiation, communication, and socialization skills
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and implement labor agreements at a national level
Strong business acumen with a strategic mindset for long-term labor relations decisions
Demonstrated history of anticipating and balancing the needs of the business with the needs of complex stakeholders, the employee population and individual circumstances
Demonstrated history of creating and maintaining positive work environments through coaching, developing, and leading teams to achieve common goals
Demonstrated experience exhibiting a continuous improvement mindset with the ability to optimize work processes and achieve positive results

Responsibilities

Collaborates with senior leadership to develop and implement labor strategies and programs that address workplace disputes and promote a supportive work environment
Develops and applies policies and procedures, supporting the implementation of best practices for various labor relations issues
Administers the company’s labor strategy at both company and local levels and ensures systems and processes are in place for compliance; provides guidance on dispute resolution, including negotiations, grievances, and arbitration
Develops and executes bargaining strategies that align with business objectives, working closely with senior Operations leadership and People & Culture
Leads Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, as well as the details of each CBA for effective budgeting and planning for assigned region
Builds and maintains relationships with national and local union organizations; sets parameters for local union interactions
Coordinates with Finance for CBA-related budgeting and economic considerations
Partners with Training & Development to create effective management strategies through training and resource development
Stays informed about current employment trends and regulations to maintain compliance with legal requirements; ensures that policies and procedures are updated as needed