Manager, Labor Relations

About the role

Service Operations North America (SONA) is part of SO&T and has about 1,000 employees across the United States and Canada. We operate the Central Distribution Center in Byhalia, MS as well as Regional Distribution Centers across the NA region. The Byhalia CDC is a 1 million square foot facility located approximately 25 miles southeast of Memphis, TN and employs 500+ employees (approximately 70% unionized).

This is a leadership position managing the site labor relations team and providing support and guidance to the operational management team, first line management, and People & Culture function with respect to the collective bargaining agreement and other labor relations matters. This role is both strategic and hands-on, driving business objectives and promoting a strong, effective working relationship with the union.

This position reports to the People & Culture Manager of the Byhalia CDC and is based full-time on-site in Byhalia, MS.

Responsibilities

• Actively partner with business and operational leaders to develop and execute a comprehensive labor relations strategy in support of operational objectives.
• Advise, coach, and educate people leaders and the People & Culture team on labor relations matters, focusing on collective bargaining agreement (CBA) interpretation, administration, and labor legal compliance.
• Lead a team of labor relations professionals, providing ongoing coaching and career development support.
• Work closely with union representation to grow and maintain a strong, effective relationship.
• Ensure consistent administration and interpretation of the CBA, site work rules, and Company policies.
• Seek guidance from the SONA Regional Employee & Labor Relations Manager to align with strategic labor relations priorities.
• Serve as the designated Company representative at the local level of the grievance procedure and participate at other levels as required.
• Support contract negotiations by identifying issues, developing proposals, and building a business case to support the Company’s position.
• Act as a change agent to drive a continuous improvement mindset in a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Champion the Volvo culture and ensure alignment of management actions with Volvo Group values and principles.
• Perform special initiatives, projects, and other assignments as directed by the People & Culture Manager.
• Lead and act according to Volvo values.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor/Industrial Relations, or a related field required; advanced/graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of Labor Relations experience, preferably in a distribution/manufacturing environment.
• Collective bargaining experience negotiating contracts and other agreements directly with the union preferred.
• 2 years of people leadership experience preferred.
• Human Resources professional certification preferred.

Skills

• Proficiency in English (all documentation is in English).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to network effectively across a diverse organization and build enduring relationships.
• Thorough knowledge of US employment and labor law, as well as HR professional practices.
• Solid business acumen (financial/operational business drivers).
• Strong problem-solving, negotiating, and conflict resolution skills; ability to be flexible and change directions when needed.
• Ability to facilitate meetings with diverse groups, resolve conflicts, and support positive outcomes.
• Ability to coach managers and employees in handling various employment and management-related issues.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and ensure high levels of collaboration with stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operational leadership and union officials at all levels.
• Ability to lead continuous improvement efforts to support business/operational strategies.
• Analytical mindset with an interest in using data for insights.
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office 365).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment striving for operational excellence guided by Volvo’s values and Code of Conduct.
• High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and ethical standards.
• Ability to travel occasionally to support business needs.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Competitive matching retirement savings plans.
• Focus on professional and personal development through Volvo Group University.
• Programs that support work-life balance.

Pay

The base pay for this position is set at $140,000 - $160,000 annually, and where applicable, bonus eligible. The range and final salary offered are determined by factors including geographic location, work-related knowledge, certifications, skills, education, and experience. Pay equity and internal equity of current team members are also considered in the final offer.