Senior Proactive Labor Relations Consultant - Remote

UnitedHealth Group•Chesapeake, VA

3d•$91,700 - $163,700•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Proactive Labor Relations Consultant is a strategic partner to the People Team and business leadership, driving a forward-looking labor relations approach focused on prevention, engagement, and sustained workforce stability. This role leads enterprise-facing initiatives to identify emerging labor risks, coordinate cross-functional response strategies, and build leader capability to proactively manage a complex workforce. The Senior Consultant leverages data, insights, and deep labor expertise to anticipate challenges, influence outcomes, and foster a high-trust, collaborative labor environment aligned with organizational goals. The role owns complex labor relations workstreams, drives cross-functional project execution, and partners across HR, operations, legal, and leadership teams to deliver sustainable solutions. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive experience in labor relations, with a strong emphasis on proactive and strategic work in unionized environments
Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders and People Team stakeholders to influence outcomes
Deep knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and union dynamics

Nice To Haves

SHRM or PHR certification
Experience leading or supporting collective bargaining negotiations

Responsibilities

Lead the development, prioritization, and execution of proactive labor relations strategies that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and workforce engagement across functions and business partners
Partner with senior leaders and People Team partners to embed labor considerations into business planning and decision-making, with accountability for translating labor insights into cross-functional action plans
Anticipate labor trends and risks, advising leadership on mitigation strategies, long-term implications
Own the analysis of labor data (grievances, discipline, absenteeism, engagement, etc.) to identify patterns, systemic issues, and predictive indicators, and use findings to set priorities for proactive labor initiatives
Translate insights into actionable strategies that improve employee experience and reduce labor friction
Develop dashboards and reporting frameworks in partnership with the People Team and other key stakeholders to inform executive decision-making and support governance of labor-related action plans
Drive early intervention strategies by identifying and addressing workplace concerns before escalation
Coach and guide leaders on consistent, fair, and proactive employee management practices
Partner closely with People Team colleagues to develop tools and frameworks that enable managers to prevent disputes and grievances, and lead implementation of those solutions across supported client groups
Partner closely with People Team colleagues to develop tools and frameworks that enable managers to prevent disputes and grievances
Act as a coach and thought partner to leaders and People Team partners on labor relations, union engagement, and workforce management
Influence outcomes through strong partnerships, even in complex or sensitive labor environments
Design and deliver advanced training programs and cross-functional initiatives focused on proactive labor practices, including: Manager effectiveness in unionized environments, Conflict prevention and resolution, Strategic communication and engagement
Elevate organizational capability to manage labor relations confidently and independently by leading scalable solutions and leader readiness efforts
Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance employee engagement, trust, and workplace culture within unionized populations, with accountability for implementation and sustained adoption
Champion listening strategies (e.g., pulse surveys, listening sessions) in partnership with the People Team to capture employee voice
Drive continuous improvement in labor relations processes, tools, and practices