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UNFI · 1 week ago

Senior Director Labor Relations

Providence, RI

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

8+ years exp

UNFI is a leading wholesale and retail company, and they are seeking a Senior Director of Labor Relations to support all aspects of labor relations for their unionized operations nationwide. The role involves managing labor contract negotiations, overseeing grievance procedures, and advising business units on compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements.

Food and BeverageHealth CareHospitalityOrganic Food

Responsibilities

Manage and serve as a co-lead or lead negotiator during labor contract negotiations, including drafting proposals, counterproposals and facilitating meetings with union representatives

Manage team responsible for day-to-day contract management and union relations at wholesale locations

Oversee the grievance procedures including evaluating employee discipline decisions, reviewing the investigation of claims, analyzing relevant documentation and participating in the final steps of the grievance process

Prepare for and represent the company in arbitration hearings, draft persuasive post-arbitration briefs

Manage complex internal arbitration and ULP dockets, including collaboration 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 issues 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; advocate and champion a productive management/union working environment

Liaison with Employment Legal / Safety / 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

Qualification

Labor relations expertiseArbitration experienceNegotiation skillsJuris Doctor (JD)Union dispute resolutionLabor law knowledgeMicrosoft Office proficiencyCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsTime managementAttention to detailSelf-starterTeam playerConfidentiality

Required

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution required

Active bar membership in any state a plus

Must have 8-10+ years of significant demonstrated experience managing union relationships, negotiating labor agreements and/or union dispute resolution

Minimum 5 years' experience in law firm or corporate legal department handling labor law issues, preferably including arbitration experience

Prior experience in labor relations or employment law in a unionized environment required

Prior working experience in distribution or warehouse settings a plus

Ability to handle sensitive and highly confidential information

Proven ability to lead or second-chair private sector negotiations

Must be a self-starter with strong initiative and ability to work autonomously

Strong written and oral communication skills; great attention to detail

Team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact comfortably with senior leaders and across organizational lines and ability to present guidance and recommendations to leaders timely, clearly and concisely

Must be able to work with tight deadlines in a fast-paced work environment

High-quality judgment and sound decision-making

Thorough understanding of laws and regulations relating to labor relations, employee relations, and human resources

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required

Must have excellent time management and communication skills