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Vice President of Employee Relations

Not disclosed yet
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 2/5/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/5/2025

Company Overview

A large, multinational organization within the food distribution industry is seeking a strategic labor relations and positive employee relations partner to champion its relationship with employees and cultivate a work environment that does not require unionization. The right candidate will have a strong labor relations and leadership background with experience fostering employee engagement and resolving conflicts to ensure a positive employee experience across the organization.

Job Summary

The Vice President of Employee Relations will lead the strategic direction and management of all organizational labor and employee relations activities. This individual will play a key role in promoting a culture of positive labor relations, developing strategies, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, resolving labor disputes, and fostering productive relationships between the company, its employees, and their representative organizations.

This role will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and work closely with senior leadership to align employee initiatives with the company's business goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Labor Relations

  • Develop comprehensive labor relations strategies to support the organization's goals and objectives.
  • Lead collective bargaining negotiations with labor unions, ensuring agreements align with company objectives and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
  • Develop strategies for contract negotiations, prepare proposals, and facilitate discussions with union representatives.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving labor disputes, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
  • Collaborate with legal counsel to manage arbitration cases and other labor-related legal proceedings.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with labor relations and advise leadership on best practices to avoid potential disputes.
  • Build positive relationships with union leaders and representatives to foster a collaborative working environment.
  • Monitor union activities and assess their impact on organizational operations and employee relations.
  • Analyze labor relations data and trends to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
  • Advise senior leadership by preparing reports and presentations on labor relations activities, strategies, and outcomes.
  • Remain knowledgeable about labor relations matters, trends, and best practices to manage labor issues proactively.
  • Hire appropriate direct reports to support overall labor relations and positive employee relations strategy.
  • Provide guidance, training, and development to HR teams and managers on labor relations practices, contract administration, and dispute resolution techniques.

Employee Relations

  • Foster employee engagement by designing and implementing programs that enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Work with the HR department to conduct engagement surveys to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
  • Act as a trusted advisor for employee relations issues, supporting employees and management.
  • Develop and deliver training programs for leaders on effective communication, conflict management, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
  • Organize workshops to educate employees on their rights and encourage open dialogue.
  • Implement proactive strategies to maintain a union-free environment by addressing employee concerns and enhancing communication.

    • Required Skills

  • Strong knowledge of U.S. labor laws, regulations, and compliance requirements. Knowledge of Canadian labor law is a plus.
  • Proven skills in negotiation, mediation, and effectively resolving conflicts.
  • Strong capacity to influence stakeholders and challenge peers when necessary.
  • Ability to align labor relations strategies with overall business objectives.
  • High level of emotional intelligence to navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for educating, influencing, and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proven ability to thrive in dynamic and fast-paced work settings.
  • Strong analytical abilities to identify issues and develop practical solutions.
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized, able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
  • Proven track record of building positive relationships with union representatives and navigating complex labor issues.

    • Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field required. Master's degree or JD preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in labor relations, including at least five years in a leadership role.
  • Extensive experience in collective bargaining, including serving as lead negotiator, and labor dispute resolution and positive employee relations.
  • Experience in a unionized environment within a large multinational country.
  • Experience in the food service industry, logistics, or distribution preferred.
  • Membership in professional labor relations organizations or certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR).

    • Compensation

  • Base pay commensurate with experience
  • Long-term incentive plan
  • Profit sharing
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays

    • Seniority level

    Executive

    Employment type

    Full-time

    Job function

    Human Resources, Management, and Other

    Industries

    Food and Beverage Services

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