Job Overview:

The Senior Director of Labor Relations will assist the VP of Labor Relations in supporting all aspects of labor relations for the Company’s wholesale and retail unionized operations nationwide, including labor contract negotiations, labor contract administration, dispute resolution, 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 or lead negotiator for the company in labor negotiations for both first and successor collective bargaining agreements.

Handle grievances, arbitrations, and ULPs under the supervision of the Labor Relations leadership. Advise business units and makes recommendations regarding policies to comply with collective bargaining agreement obligations and federal, state, and local laws related to labor relations.

As directed by Labor Relations leadership; coordinate the communication of legal counsel and guidance to officers and management regarding contract negotiations, changes in laws and regulations, business planning, and dispute resolution concerning unionized associates.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

·         Manage and serve as a co-lead or lead negotiator during labor contract negotiations, including drafting proposals, counterproposals and facilitating meetings with union representatives.

·         Manage team responsible for day-to-day contract management and union relations at wholesale locations.

·         Oversee the grievance procedures including evaluating employee discipline decisions, reviewing the investigation of claims, analyzing relevant documentation and participating in the final steps of the grievance process.

·         Prepare for and represent the company in arbitration hearings, draft persuasive post-arbitration briefs.

·         Manage complex internal arbitration and ULP dockets, including collaboration with outside legal counsel on litigation and union defense strategies.

·         Serve as content experts on all matters arising under labor contracts and advise business partners on all issues arising under labor contracts, labor law, multiemployer benefit plans and other issues involving unionized associates.

·         Plan, conduct and lead a variety of complex projects involving specialized labor relations knowledge that have a significant impact on the business.

·         Build and maintain ongoing, long-term relationships between negotiating parties; advocate and champion a productive management/union working environment.

·         Liaison with Employment Legal / Safety / HR for policy rollout of national policies and projects.

·         Maintain knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations relating to human resources, collective bargaining, unions, and labor relations and manage company proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·         Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution required

·         Active bar membership in any state a plus

Experience:

·         Must have 8-10+ years of significant demonstrated experience managing union relationships, negotiating labor agreements and/or union dispute resolution.

·         Minimum 5 years’ experience in law firm or corporate legal department handling labor law issues, preferably including arbitration experience

·         Prior experience in labor relations or employment law in a unionized environment required.

·         Prior working experience in distribution or warehouse settings a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·         Ability to handle sensitive and highly confidential information.

·         Proven ability to lead or second-chair private sector negotiations.

·         Must be a self-starter with strong initiative and ability to work autonomously

·         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 and ability to present guidance and recommendations to leaders timely, clearly and concisely.

·         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 Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.

·         Must have excellent time management and communication skills.

Work Environment:

·         This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

·         Travel is required up to 75% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands:

·         Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment; may be exposed to warehouse and transportation environments.

o   Exposed to temperatures ranging from -20 degrees below zero to 35 degrees Fahrenheit in Perishable Operation and 37 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Grocery Operation.

·         Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·         While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·         Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·         Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.