HQA Sr. Director Labor and Associate Relations

Swissport International AG•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

Swissport is seeking a flexible, adaptive, progress-driven senior director to lead associate communications and relations across talent recognition, engagement, labor, and internal communications. The role oversees the policies, procedures, and programs of the associate relations department and develops and improves programs that support employee morale and satisfaction. It includes approximately 15% regular travel, with sporadic periods of higher travel. The employee may occasionally perform other duties as assigned. The position leads employee and labor relations programs, including union matters, negotiations, grievances, arbitration, mediation, and administrative matters. It advises employees and managers on workplace concerns, company policies, performance, discipline, and applicable employment laws; maintains and updates policies and procedures; and trains management and HR teams across the network. The role also manages subordinate employee relations staff and departmental objectives and budget. The expected pay rate is $170,000–$200,000 per year. Full-time employees are offered health and wellness benefits, a 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, sick time, and company-paid holidays.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
At least 10–15+ years of related experience, including three years of management experience.
Significant experience handling labor union matters, including grievances, arbitration, administrative matters, mediation, and conflict resolution.
Significant first-chair labor negotiation experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience working closely with executive-level officers and leading strategic initiatives.
Thorough understanding of human resources and labor relations principles, practices, and procedures.
Excellent management skills.
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with employees, boards, officials, directors, and other stakeholders.
Ability to maintain working relationships with union officials while upholding company directives, goals, and confidential information.
Working understanding of statistical concepts and data collection methods.
Ability to compile, research, and analyze information and prepare and present comprehensive reports.
Ability to understand the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and related administrative practices.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or related software, including Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Strong project management skills and ability to multitask.
Ability to build and manage corporate relationships with key influencers, including senior support staff, HR, and operational leaders.
Self-directed and proactive; able to work under pressure and meet short deadlines in tight turnaround situations.
Ability to take ownership, maintain a positive and supportive manner, and work with a team mentality.
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

JD degree preferred.
Aviation industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Train, hire, and oversee subordinate employee relations staff.
Supervise and direct the development of in-service employee training and recruitment.
Ensure subordinate staff comply with human resource policies and procedures.
Conduct timely and constructive performance evaluations.
Handle labor union matters, including grievances, employer representation in arbitration hearings, administrative matters such as NLRB and NMB matters, and union mediation and conflict resolution.
Lead and facilitate the employee relations program and related functions.
Maintain, develop, recommend, and implement program objectives, policies, and procedures.
Develop and pursue goals and objectives to improve employee relations.
Communicate with employees about employee relations concerns and provide guidance and recommendations for resolving issues.
Counsel employees on legally significant concerns involving applicable equal employment opportunity laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
Assist managers and supervisors in understanding and implementing company policies related to performance, discipline, and related topics.
Update policies and standard operating procedures and lead labor and employee relations training for management and HR across the network.
Develop, present, and administer the departmental budget.
Perform other related duties as assigned.