Director, Labor Relations

Hackensack Meridian Health helps our patients live better, healthier lives and supports one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, we strive to advance our mission to transform healthcare and lead positive change.

Reporting to the VP, TMLR & Employment Counsel, the Director, Labor Relations will develop, deliver, and maintain a business-focused labor relations strategy across the HMH network to maximize results and maintain a productive work environment. The Director will lead a team of labor relations specialists who provide advice and counsel on labor relations issues—including disciplines, complaints, grievances, investigations—and proactive engagement activities such as climate assessments and conflict resolution.

The Director will partner with management and local union leadership to maintain, enhance, and optimize credible union relationships in support of business goals while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, CBAs, HMH policies and regulatory standards.

• Develop, implement, and administer Labor Relations programs by interpreting HMH policies, union Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and recommending corrective discipline and performance management.
• Serve as subject matter expert for all labor/management issues including Union grievances, leading collective bargaining negotiations and acting as spokesperson when necessary.
• Direct third‑party negotiators and advisors; manage grievance/arbitration processes.
• Investigate and resolve employee or union complaints and grievances, coordinate internal responses, and recommend disciplinary actions and proactive activities such as climate assessments.
• Partner with management and local union leadership to maintain and optimize union relationships.
• Manage budget development and monitoring of key financial indicators and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state laws, CBAs, HMH policies, and regulatory standards.
• Advise supervisory personnel on employment issues related to discipline, FMLA, ADA, and discrimination.
• Track all collective bargaining agreements throughout the network.
• Provide employment and labor guidance, risk mitigation, and management services for cases.
• Work with legal counsel to resolve complex labor issues.
• Design and deliver training programs for managers, supervisors, and staff in collaboration with the Organizational Education Department. Training topics include: employment law, dispute resolution, investigation and discipline, performance management, anti‑harassment, absenteeism, counseling, and peer interviewing.
• Act as spokesperson in union matters including mediations and arbitrations.
• Develop and implement plans for positive team‑member relations and manage responses to union organizing campaigns.
• Oversee recruitment, development, and supervision of team members; create and sustain an engaging environment; set clear objectives tied to strategic goals; coach, counsel, and evaluate direct reports.
• Fulfill other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive HR experience with a focus on labor relations.
• Minimum 5 years in a direct management role.
• Extensive labor experience, including negotiating contracts and union avoidance.
• Strategic thinking with knowledge of best practices for a Labor Relations function.
• Relevant experience conducting formal investigations at all levels and providing recommendations to senior leaders.
• Excellent knowledge of all state and federal employment laws.
• Experience in conflict resolution methods, including facilitation and mediation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite.

Preferred

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Master's degree in Labor Relations or equivalent.
• Concentration or certification in HR, ER/LR.
• Knowledge of People Soft.
• HR certification.

Minimum rate of $ annually.

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market‑competitive total rewards package.

In addition to compensation, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.