Director of Labor Relations

A healthcare organization in New York City is seeking an experienced Director of People Relations to lead labor and employee relations across the organization. This role is critical in creating a collaborative, compliant, and inclusive workplace that aligns with the hospital's mission to deliver patient-centered care.

Responsibilities

The Director of People Relations will be responsible for:

• Overseeing all aspects of labor relations, collective bargaining, and employee relations, ensuring legal compliance and fostering positive union-management relationships. This role combines both strategic leadership and hands-on expertise in managing workplace culture and labor relations.
• Leading labor relations strategies, including negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with multiple unions
• Acting as the main liaison for union representatives and supporting positive labor-management relationships
• Advising managers and HR staff on labor relations issues, including contract interpretation, grievance handling, and disciplinary processes
• Investigating employee grievances and complaints, ensuring fair and timely resolutions
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and maintaining awareness of relevant regulatory changes
• Overseeing workplace investigations and managing disciplinary actions to maintain a respectful work environment
• Collaborating with the HR team to develop and implement policies that support organizational goals and promote employee engagement
• Training managers on best practices in employee relations, including union interaction and conflict resolution
• Tracking labor relations metrics, identifying trends, and providing recommendations for continuous improvement
• Serving as a labor relations expert for executive leadership, supporting strategic decision-making
• Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that reflect the hospital's patient population

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or related field; Master's degree preferred
• 8 years of experience in labor or employee relations, with at least 3 years in a healthcare or hospital environment
• Extensive knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining, and union environments
• Proven experience negotiating CBAs and managing union relationships
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage sensitive issues effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, complex environment with both strategic and hands-on approaches

Desired Skills

• SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar HR certification preferred
• Experience implementing DEI programs and fostering inclusive workplace practices
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and labor relations tracking tools
• Strong strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities