Labor Relations Manager

About the role

The Labor Relations Manager supports and executes labor relations strategy across multiple manufacturing and distribution sites in the United States and Canada. This role leads lower-complexity collective bargaining negotiations and partners on more complex negotiations, while also supporting union organizing response efforts. The position operates with a balance of independent judgment and alignment with senior Labor Relations and Legal leadership and reports to the Sr. Director Labor Relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support collective bargaining negotiations, including preparation, costing, and issue analysis.
• Serve as first chair for smaller bargaining agreements and contribute to larger negotiations.
• Advise leaders on contract interpretation, grievance handling, and day-to-day union interactions.
• Support arbitration preparation and partner with Legal on case strategy.
• Monitor and respond to union organizing activities in coordination with leadership and Legal.
• Coach site leaders on labor relations best practices and risk mitigation.
• Identify labor relations trends and proactively address systemic risks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, CBAs, and company standards.
• Maintain accurate and defensible labor relations documentation.

Scope & Decision Making

Supports labor relations activities across assigned sites and bargaining units. Serves as first chair within delegated authority. Aligns with senior Labor Relations and Legal leadership on economic, legal, and high-risk decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Labor Relations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–8 years of progressive labor relations experience in unionized environments.
• Experience leading or supporting collective bargaining negotiations.
• Experience supporting union organizing response efforts.
• Experience advising leaders in manufacturing or distribution settings.
• Strong judgment, communication skills, and ability to influence without authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working across both U.S. and Canadian labor environments.
• Experience supporting multiple bargaining units or unionized sites.
• Familiarity with arbitration strategy and settlement analysis.