Labor Relations Director

Role Summary

The Labor Relations Director will lead the strategic development and execution of labor relations programs across the organization, with a focus on unionized construction environments. This role is responsible for negotiating, interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements, managing grievance and arbitration processes, and fostering strong labor-management relationships.

Key Role Responsibilities - Core

• Lead and oversee labor relations strategy, policy development, and compliance across all unionized projects
• Negotiate, interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements; manage grievance procedures and arbitration processes
• Participates in dispute resolution and disciplinary hearings in collaboration with Human Resources, union and operations teams
• Partner with HR, Payroll, Operations to provide education and ensure accurate processing and reporting of union-related matters and contract compliance
• Facilitate pre-job meetings with union leaders at national and local levels
• Ensure timely responses to governing committees
• Develop contingency plans for job actions (e.g., walkouts, complaints, arbitrations)
• Resolve jurisdictional disputes and grievances, lead coordination of national trade programs
• Provide labor relations training to project supervision
• Maintain positive relationships with union representatives, employees, and company leadership
• Ensure labor relations activities do not adversely affect other business units
• Partners with HR to support staffing strategies, including sourcing outside regional markets and optimizing apprentice and trainee programs
• Lead and mentor direct reports; promote a culture of safety and accountability

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to perform work accurately and completely, and in a timely manner
• Ability to conduct effective presentations; present complex information in a clear, concise manner to cross-functional stakeholders
• Communication skills, verbal and written – Advanced
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Advanced knowledge of labor laws, grievance procedures, and arbitration processes
• Effective investigative and analytical skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement in labor relations practices
• Commitment to safety and compliance in all labor-related activities
• Ability to adapt and respond to dynamic situations
• Ability to read a situation and make sound assessments and recommendations
• Ability to rely on a heightened sense of organizational awareness
• Ability to speak confidently in large groups with executive presence
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate within a team, internally and externally

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field (Required)
• In lieu of the above requirements, relevant experience will be considered

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in labor relations within the construction industry with significant exposure to union environments required
• Proven experience in grievance handling, arbitration, and collective bargaining negotiations (Preferred)
• 0-2 years of experience in managing teams (Preferred)

Working Environment

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds
• May require extensive periods of overnight travel
• Normal office environment
• Frequent activity: Sitting, Viewing Computer Screen
• Occasional activity: Standing, Walking, Reaching above Shoulder

Benefits Information

The benefits package aligned to this position is Professional Non-Union. Please click the link below for more details.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field
• Master’s or other advanced degree (Preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in labor relations within the construction industry with significant exposure to union environments
• Proven experience in grievance handling, arbitration, and collective bargaining negotiations (Preferred)
• 0-2 years of experience in managing teams (Preferred)

Pay

Details TBD

Schedule

Details TBD