Positive Employee Labor Relations Principal
About the role
The Positive Employee Labor Relations Principal serves as Blue Origin's expert in labor relations strategy and employee experience. This role is central to 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.