Director Labor Relations

Reporting to the Vice President, Human Resources, the Director, Labor Relations serves as a strategic advisor to business and manufacturing leaders, shaping labor and employee relations strategies that advance both organizational performance and employee engagement. This leader develops and executes a modern labor relations strategy across manufacturing operations, fostering productive relationships with represented employees, union leadership, plant leadership teams, and key stakeholders.

Develop and execute an enterprise labor relations strategy that aligns workforce practices with manufacturing, operational, and financial objectives. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leaders on labor, workforce, organizational, and employee relations matters.

Anticipate labor and workforce trends, emerging risks, and external market dynamics, developing proactive strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness and workforce stability.

Leverage workforce, operational, and financial data to identify opportunities, assess risk, and influence business decisions.

Lead collective bargaining strategies and serve as chief spokesperson during labor negotiations.

Direct negotiation preparation, costing, bargaining priorities, and implementation planning to achieve sustainable business outcomes.

Provide oversight and strategic guidance on contract administration, grievance management, arbitration, and dispute resolution. Partner with site leadership teams to ensure consistent application and interpretation of labor agreements.

Drive strategies that strengthen employee engagement, trust, inclusion, and workforce retention across manufacturing sites.

Build collaborative relationships with union representatives, plant leadership, and employees to promote constructive labor‑management partnerships.

Partner with Human Resources Business Partners and Operations leaders to address complex employee relations issues and foster a respectful, high‑performing workplace culture.

Lead initiatives that support positive employee relations and help maintain union‑free environments where applicable through strong leadership practices, employee engagement, and workforce communication.

Enhance labor relations capability across Human Resources and Operations by developing leaders' skills in employee relations, conflict management, contract interpretation, and labor strategy.

Coach and influence senior leaders through complex organizational, workforce, and labor challenges. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across manufacturing locations.

Collaborate with Human Resources Centers of Excellence, Finance, Total Rewards, Legal, and Operations leaders to develop integrated workforce solutions.

Support strategic business initiatives including organizational redesign, workforce planning, acquisitions, divestitures, facility changes, automation, and operational transformation.

Ensure compliance with all labor, employment, and regulatory requirements while balancing employee and business needs.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field required.

Minimum 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant labor relations leadership within a manufacturing, industrial, or unionized environment.

Demonstrated success leading complex labor negotiations and developing labor relations strategies that support business performance.

Experience partnering with executive leaders to drive organizational and workforce outcomes.

Deep knowledge of labor and employment laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), FMLA, WARN, Department of Labor regulations, and applicable state and local laws.

Extensive experience in collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance procedures, arbitration, workforce planning, and employee relations.

Strong financial acumen with demonstrated ability to evaluate…