Director of Labor Relations - Remote

This is a full-time remote position that requires significant domestic travel, approximately 50-75%.

PURPOSE:

The Director of Labor Relations will assist the Sr. Director & AGC in supporting all aspects of labor relations for the Company’s wholesale unionized operations nationwide, including labor contract negotiations, employee benefits, labor contract administration and dispute resolution, including multiemployer benefit pension plan and health plan obligations as part of a team of labor relations and associate relations professionals. Serve as a co-lead negotiator for company in a wide range of labor negotiations for both first and successor collective bargaining agreements. Handles grievances, arbitrations, ULPs, and contract negotiations, under the supervision of the Sr. Director & AGC. Advises business units and makes recommendations regarding policies to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreement obligations, federal, state, and local laws related to labor relations and employee benefits. As directed by the Sr. Director & AGC, coordinates the communication of legal counsel and guidance to officers and management regarding contract negotiations, employee benefits, changes in laws and regulations, business planning and dispute resolution concerning unionized associates.

JOB RESPONSIBILITES:

• Serves as content expert on all matters arising under labor contracts and advises business partners on all issues arising under labor contracts, labor law, multiemployer benefit plans and other issues involving unionized associates.
• Build and maintain ongoing, long-term relationships between negotiating parties; advocate and champion a productive management/ union working environment.
• Manage the grievance process procedures including as needed by evaluating employee discipline decisions, reviewing the investigating investigation of the claims, reviewing analyzing relevant documentation and participating in the final steps of the grievance process, including union grievance meetings and arbitration proceedings, on behalf of the company.
• Manages and serves as a negotiator during labor relations contract negotiations, including drafting proposals and facilitating meetings with union representatives.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations relating to human resources, collective bargaining, unions, and labor relations.
• Performs other relevant job duties as required
• Domestic travel- approximately 50-75% of the time, including potentially on consecutive weeks, to various facilities across the United States.
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Law degree strongly preferred.
• SHRM-SCP a plus.
  
  

Experience:

• Must have 7+ years of significant demonstrated experience managing union relationships, negotiating labor agreements and/or union dispute resolution.
• Prior experience in labor relations or human resources in a unionized environment required.
• Prior working experience in distribution or warehouse settings a plus.
  
  

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive and highly confidential information.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; great attention to detail.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact comfortably with senior leaders and across organizational lines.
• Must be able to work with tight deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
• High-quality judgment and sound decision-making.
• Thorough understanding of laws and regulations relating to labor relations, employee relations and human resources.
• Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint a plus.
• Must have excellent time management and communication skills.
• Must be able to work with tight deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
  
  

PHYSICAL ENVIORNMENT/DEMANDS:

• Fully remote; approximately 50-75% domestic travel required.
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment; may be exposed to warehouse and transportation environment.
• Exposed to temperatures ranging from -20
• to 35
• Fahrenheit in Perishable Operation and 37
• to 90
• Fahrenheit in Grocery Operations
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment during normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.