Director Labor Relations

We are seeking an experienced Director of Employee & Labor Relations to lead enterprise-wide labor relations strategy, drive collective bargaining outcomes, and shape a culture of accountability and positive employee experience across a large, multi-state organization. This role is highly visible, working directly with operations leaders, HR leadership, union leadership, and executive stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, execution-oriented labor relations leader who can step immediately into complex negotiations, grievance management, and union/employee relations strategy.

• Develop and implement company-wide labor relations philosophies and strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
• Interpret complex CBA provisions, arbitration awards, and employment/labor laws to ensure consistent application across multiple CBAs
• Maintain enterprise labor strategy documentation and guide labor priorities through the Labor Steering Committee.

• Lead collective bargaining negotiations end-to-end — not just support or consult.
• Build productive, trust-based relationships with union leaders across multiple states.
• Manage grievances, arbitration preparation, and dispute resolution.
• Serve as company witness during hearings and collaborate with Legal to mitigate risk.

• Design positive employee relations strategies including union avoidance, risk assessments, and leader capability-building.
• Create and maintain ER/LR scorecards to identify trends and guide interventions.

• Coach leaders to own and strengthen relationships with union representatives.
• Develop and lead a high-functioning labor relations team.
• Serve as SME on evolving labor and employment laws.

• 7+ years in labor relations, collective bargaining, and employee relations in a large, multi-state organization.
• Lead full-scale collective bargaining negotiations, not just participate.
• Conduct fact-finding investigations, grievance hearings, and arbitration prep.
• Work effectively with both union and non-union environments.
• Strong analytical, communication, and executive-presentation skills.
• Ability to influence in a matrixed environment and balance multiple stakeholders.
• Travel requirement: 50% — the candidate must be flexible and available for significant travel.

• Hands-on negotiator — someone who will roll up their sleeves, enter negotiations directly, and actively lead discussions.
• Comfortable stepping into a high-visibility, fast-paced environment.
• Skilled at building relationships with union leadership and senior executives.
• Able to translate complex labor issues into clear guidance for leaders.
• High emotional intelligence, political savvy, and conflict-resolution skills.