Senior Manager - Labor Relations
About The Position
The Senior Manager, Labor Relations is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for managing complex labor relations matters across multiple sites. This role serves as the escalation point for grievance handling beyond local plant-level processes, leads arbitration strategy and execution, and acts as a key negotiator (including first-chair responsibility) in collective bargaining activities. The position partners closely with HR Managers at each of the manufacturing locations, Operations senior leadership, and Legal to ensure consistent, compliant, and effective labor relations practices aligned with business objectives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, or related field
- 8+ years of progressive labor relations experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Demonstrated experience handling complex grievances and arbitrations
- Proven experience as lead or first-chair negotiator in collective bargaining
- Deep knowledge of U.S. labor laws (NLRA) and contract administration
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and influencing skills
Nice To Haves
- Experience in multi-site, unionized manufacturing environments
- Experience working with UAW regions and heavy truck division leadership
- Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or relevant Master’s)
Responsibilities
- Lead and resolve escalated grievances beyond plant-level steps (Step 3+), ensuring consistency, contract compliance, and sound risk management.
- Provide advisory support and direction to plant HR teams on grievance handling, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
- Identify trends and systemic labor issues; recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risk and improve labor stability.
- Ensure consistent interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) across locations.
- Own end-to-end arbitration process, including case strategy, evidence development, and witness preparation.
- Serve as company spokesperson/lead representative in arbitration proceedings.
- Partner with internal/external legal counsel to develop case strategy and position statements.
- Evaluate arbitration outcomes and implement lessons learned to strengthen labor practices.
- Serve as first chair or lead negotiator in collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
- Develop negotiation strategy, costing models, and counterproposals aligned with business objectives.
- Lead preparation activities, including data analysis, stakeholder alignment, and proposal development.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with union leadership while maintaining a firm and consistent company position.
- Collaborate with Operations, Director HR Manufacturing and LR, and Legal to align labor strategy with business goals.
- Coach and develop plant HR leaders on labor relations best practices.
- Support workforce planning initiatives and positive employee relations.
- Provide counsel to senior leadership on labor risks, strategies, and emerging issues.
Benefits
- annual variable pay bonus program
- eligible for the use of a company vehicle
- 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
- starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
- 13+ calendar holidays
- 8 weeks paid parental leave
- employee assistance program
- comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs
- onsite fitness (at some locations)
- tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
- short-term and long-term disability plans
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
