Vice President - People Risk & Labor Strategy
Keller Executive Search · Buffalo, NY · 1 wk ago
On-siteHuman Resources$160k–$280k/yrFull-time
Responsibilities
- Shape and execute company-wide approaches related to workforce relations, leadership support, and organizational effectiveness
- Advise senior executives on sensitive employee matters, operational risk, and workforce planning considerations
- Establish practical frameworks that promote consistency, accountability, and strong leadership practices across multiple locations
- Direct labor strategy and provide oversight for negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution activities
- Guide leadership teams through complex labor-related situations while balancing operational priorities and long-term workforce stability
- Support proactive relationship management with represented employee groups and external stakeholders
- Oversee high-level employee relations matters, including investigations, workplace concerns, corrective action, and escalated leadership issues
- Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure employment practices remain compliant, fair, and aligned with organizational standards
- Identify trends and recurring issues that may impact retention, morale, or operational performance
- Coach and support senior leaders through organizational change, workforce challenges, and complex people situations
- Build strong cross-functional relationships and serve as a trusted advisor across the enterprise
- Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on workforce relations and organizational support
Requirements
- Essential: Bachelor's degree required
- 15+ years of senior-level experience within labor relations, employee relations, workforce strategy, or human resources leadership
- Demonstrated experience managing complex workforce environments across multiple locations or business units
- Strong background in labor negotiations, workforce risk management, and employment-related investigations
- Deep understanding of employment legislation and labor practices
- Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence at executive levels
- Prioritized: Graduate degree or advanced professional certification
- Preferred: Experience supporting large-scale operational organizations
- Experience leading workforce initiatives in unionized environments
- Experience building scalable employee relations frameworks and leadership capability programs
Benefits
- This position offers a comprehensive executive compensation package, including:
- Base salary range: $160,000 to $280,000 (depending on experience)
- Annual incentive opportunity
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Retirement savings program with company contribution
- Additional long-term growth opportunities within the organization