Director of Labor Relations

Job Summary

The Director of Labor Relations is a key leadership role reporting to the Chief People Officer. This position is responsible for leading Levy’s labor relations strategy to ensure labor environments are cost-effective, competitive, consistent with company policies, and minimize litigation risk. The Director oversees the negotiation and administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and provides expert consultation, supervision, and training to senior and field leaders across the organization.

Location: This role can be based in any major U.S. metropolitan market where Levy operates, but residence in Chicago, IL is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy, Negotiation, and Administration

• Serve as the chief negotiator for the company in contract negotiations.
• Establish an annual contract negotiations calendar and identify key negotiators for each.
• Support unit and senior leaders in developing effective strategy, objectives, and tactics for contract negotiations.
• Ensure the consistent use of the labor costing tool for all contracts.
• Provide expert consultation on CBA administration and interpretation to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary costs and litigation.

Policy, Compliance, and Risk Management:

• Establish foundational policies, procedures, and best practices for labor relations processes that comply with all federal, state, and local legislation.
• Partner with Legal, HR, and Operations to educate internal stakeholders on all organized labor issues and raise awareness of potential compliance gaps.
• Review, interpret, and make recommendations on company policies and procedures related to labor issues.
• Analyze bid opportunities from a labor relations perspective.
• Champion union-free environments and promote positive team member relations in partnership with unit leaders and regional HR.
• Act as the company advocate in arbitration and other NLRA proceedings, collaborating closely with Legal to prepare and present the company's position.

Training and Leadership Support

• Develop and communicate appropriate training tools to support the overall labor relations strategy.
• Provide coaching and counseling to management teams as needed.
• Provide internal consultation, supervision, and work direction to field and senior leaders.

Experience & Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Labor Relations leadership experience.
• Extensive experience in negotiations and grievance proceedings through arbitration.
• Experience with Union organizing campaigns and conducting awareness training for operators.
• Proven ability to work persuasively across all levels of management to achieve corporate labor relations objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of all applicable labor laws, regulations, and industry trends.
• Proven business acumen and negotiation ability.

Education & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required (Business or Communications focus preferred).
• Excellent organization and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Desired Experience (A Plus)
• Multi-unit HR experience.
• Experience negotiating with the UNITE HERE Union.