Positive Employee Labor Relations Principal

About the role

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Positive Employee Labor Relations Principal to serve as Blue Origin's expert in labor relations strategy and employee experience. This role is a cornerstone of the HR Employee Experience–Employee Relations organization, combining strategic labor relations leadership with senior employee relations expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive, site-specific labor relations frameworks that reflect workforce dynamics, regulatory environments, and operational requirements of each Blue Origin location.

• Build labor strategies that support business growth objectives while maintaining productive employee relations at every site.

• Partner with site and executive leadership to identify potential labor challenges and deploy preventative measures.

• Lead cross-functional teams in creating standardized, enterprise-wide labor and employee relations policies with necessary site-specific adaptations.

• Implement labor relations roadmaps aligned with organizational strategic initiatives and Blue Origin's Leadership Principles.

• Monitor organizational workforce trends through data analysis and direct observation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in labor relations and employee relations, with demonstrated success in complex, multi-site environments.

• Deep working knowledge of NLRA, NLRB processes, federal and state employment laws, and workplace investigation methodology.

• Proven track record advising senior and executive leadership on labor strategy, employee relations matters, and organizational risk.

• Demonstrated success leading thorough, objective, and confidential workplace investigations — including matters involving senior or executive employees.

• Experience managing all stages of the employee life cycle, including onboarding, performance management, corrective action, and offboarding.

• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and case management software with commitment to data accuracy and documentation standards.

• Strong negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution, and analytical problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to compose and present comprehensive reports to leadership audiences.

• High standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential workplace matters.

• Ability to remain objective and composed when managing complex or high-stakes situations.

• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time across Blue Origin's Huntsville, Merritt Island, and Kent locations.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or JD) in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field.

• Professional HR certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent; background in employment law is a plus.

• Advanced conflict resolution credentials or investigative certifications (e.g., AWI, ATIXA).

• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated, technical industry environments.

• Demonstrated success developing and scaling labor relations and employee relations training programs across large, distributed workforces.

• Experience navigating labor relations challenges during periods of organizational growth, restructuring, or workforce change.

• Familiarity with collective bargaining in non-union or partially unionized manufacturing/production environments.

• Experience in process improvement, program design, or organizational change management initiatives.

• Track record of building productive relationships with union representatives and employee advocacy groups.

Skills

• Strategic labor relations leadership.

• Senior employee relations expertise.

• Comprehensive labor relations frameworks.

• Site-specific labor relations strategies.

• Employee relations investigations.

• Confidential workplace investigations.

• Collective bargaining support.

• Strategic consultation and compliance.

• Workforce analytics and data-driven decision making.

• Leadership development and organizational capability building.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.

• Paid parental leave.

• Short and long-term disability.

• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.

• Education Support Program.

• Stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.