Sr Manager, Labor Relations

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Overview

KeHE Distributors is a natural, organic, specialty and fresh food distributor focused on good living, good food and good service. This role supports labor initiatives within the distribution center network, negotiates CBAs, and guides employee relations as a trusted advisor to corporate, legal, and field leadership teams.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of positive employee relations strategies to maintain a union-free environment.
• Support union negotiations and contract administration.
• Monitor workplace climate and employee sentiment to identify and address potential labor issues early.
• Train leaders on positive employee relations strategies in partnership with corporate, Operations and HR leaders.
• Analyze workforce data to identify trends and recommend improvements in engagement, retention, and productivity.
• Conduct investigations and provide guidance on conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance management.
• Support training programs to enhance leadership capabilities across all supported functions.
• Lead HR initiatives related to organizational change, network projects, and system implementations.
• Provide Change Management leadership; translate HR strategies into actionable initiatives that achieve sustainable business results.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Must be skilled in making recommendations to effectively resolve complex problems using sound judgment aligned with standards, policies, procedures, regulations, or laws.
• Proficiency with data analysis to identify, problem-solve, root cause, and action issues.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple sensitive issues, competing priorities, projects, and tight time constraints.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Field distribution/warehouse leaders, Regional HRMs, Corporate leadership, and Operations teams.
• Ability to research, create, articulate, and present information to stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements, Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 4 years in a leadership role within distribution, warehouse, retail, ecommerce, and/or transportation.
• 5+ years of experience in labor relations, union avoidance, mitigation strategies, and/or unionized environments.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• HR Certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP) preferred.
• Ability to travel 30%-50%.
• Ability to occasionally work nights and weekends.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential warehouse functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to occasionally lift, move, or carry 30-40 pounds. The associate will be required to stand, walk, climb and sit at times in the warehouse.

Temperatures can vary from very cool to very warm. Exposure to freezer (-10 degrees) and refrigerator (25-35 degrees) temperatures, outside weather conditions, and noise in the warehouse environment may occur.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources

Industries

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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