Director, Engagement and Labor Relations

Location

MUST WORK ONSITE AT ONE OF OUR US SITES. Ideally in Chattanooga, TN - Astec Headquarters. However, could be performed onsite at another Astec US facility.

The Positive Employee Engagement and Labor Relations Director is responsible for fostering a workplace culture that promotes trust, collaboration, employee satisfaction and equity. This role will lead strategies to strengthen employee relations, labor relations, enhance engagement, and ensure compliance with labor laws and organizational policies. The Director will serve as a key advisor to leadership, driving initiatives that support a positive work environment and align with the company’s values and business objectives.

• Develop and implement proactive employee relations programs to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers in resolving workplace concerns fairly and consistently.
• Serve as liaison between the organization and collective bargaining units, ensuring effective communication and collaboration on labor‑related matters.

• Reduction in employee grievances annually
• Average resolution time for employee issues
• Positive feedback score from employee representatives

• Design and execute engagement strategies to improve employee morale, retention, and overall satisfaction.
• Lead employee surveys, analyze results, and create action plans to address feedback.
• Facilitate regular listening sessions across departments to gather employee input, identify concerns, and foster open communication.

• Employee engagement score improvement year‑over‑year
• Listening sessions conducted
• Participation rate of workforce
• Completion of action plans post‑survey

• Lead negotiations for collective bargaining agreements and labor contracts.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and labor unions.
• Monitor and interpret labor laws, regulations, and union agreements to ensure compliance.

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner with Legal and HR teams to mitigate risks and manage investigations when necessary.
• Develop and administer workplace compliance strategy, including policies, audits, and training programs to ensure organizational adherence to legal and ethical standards.

• 100% completion of compliance audits on schedule
• Compliance training completion rate

• Partner with HR Business Partners (HRBPs) to develop and execute retention strategies that address turnover trends and enhance employee experience.

• Reduction in voluntary turnover annually
• Retention rate of high‑performing employees
• Implementation of retention initiatives

• Provide guidance and training to managers on effective employee and labor relations practices.
• Promote leadership behaviors that reinforce a positive and inclusive culture.

• Improvement in leadership effectiveness scores
• Reduction in escalated employee relations cases

• Develop communication strategies that keep employees informed and engaged.

• Increase in internal communication engagement
• Positive culture survey results

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive HR experience with a focus on employee relations and engagement.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations and experience with collective bargaining agreements.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of the organization.

• Strategic Thinking
• Problem‑Solving
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Change Management

• Manage employee relations budget initiatives such as engagement surveys, manager trainings, engagement activities.

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

30% of domestic travel

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.