Senior Director Labor Relations

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The Senior Director of Labor Relations will assist the VP of Labor Relations in supporting all aspects of labor relations for the company’s wholesale and retail unionized operations nationwide, including labor contract negotiations, labor contract administration, dispute resolution, multiemployer benefit pension plan, and health plan obligations.

• Manage and serve as a co‑lead or lead negotiator during labor contract negotiations, drafting proposals, counter proposals, and facilitating meetings with union representatives.
• Manage the team responsible for day‑to‑day contract management and union relations at wholesale locations.
• Oversee the grievance procedures, evaluating employee discipline decisions, reviewing investigations of claims, and participating in the final steps of the grievance process.
• Prepare for and represent the company in arbitration hearings, drafting persuasive post‑arbitration briefs.
• Manage complex internal arbitration and ULP dockets, collaborating with outside legal counsel on litigation and union defense strategies.
• Serve as content experts on all matters arising under labor contracts and advise business partners on all issues arising under labor contracts, labor law, multiemployer benefit plans, and other matters involving unionized associates.
• Plan, conduct and lead a variety of complex projects involving specialized labor relations knowledge that have a significant impact on the business.
• Build and maintain ongoing, long‑term relationships between negotiating parties and champion a productive management‑union working environment.
• Liaise with Employment Legal, Safety, and HR for policy rollout of national policies and projects.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations relating to human resources, collective bargaining, unions, and labor relations, and manage company proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.

• Education
  :
  Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution required. Active bar membership in any state a plus.
• Experience
  : 8‑10+ years of managing union relationships, negotiating labor agreements, and/or union dispute resolution; 5+ years in a law firm or corporate legal department handling labor law issues, preferably with arbitration experience; prior experience in a unionized environment required; experience in distribution or warehouse settings a plus.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  :
  Handle sensitive confidential information; lead or second‑chair private sector negotiations; strong initiative, written and oral communication, teamwork, interpersonal skills, ability to present guidance to leaders; excellent time management; high‑quality judgment; thorough understanding of labor‑relations laws; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Remote (primarily from home). May be required to travel up to 75% and, as directed, visit office locations.
• Physical demands include extended periods of sitting, use of keyboards, occasional stooping and lifting; exposure to temperature extremes in warehouse operations.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request.

UNFI anticipates paying the above‑referenced pay rate (or within the above‑referenced pay range). Actual pay will depend on multiple factors, including education, experience, training, and applicable collective‑bargaining agreements.

Candidates hired into this position will be eligible for benefits programs including paid time off, sick time, paid holidays, parental leave, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and other benefits subject to eligibility and program terms.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.