Labor and Employee Relations Senior Specialist

Role Summary

The Labor and Employee Relations Senior Specialist is a strategic Human Resource role that provides proactive labor and employee relations support across GDLS facilities in the United States. This onsite position focuses on partnering with union leadership and internal stakeholders to manage key labor relations activities, including negotiations, grievance processes, and contract administration. The role also advises and coaches managers on employee relations issues, discipline, and policy interpretation to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant practices. Overall, the specialist helps maintain positive workplace relationships and supports GDLS business objectives through effective labor and employee relations strategies.

About GDLS

We Serve Those Who Protect What Matters.

At General Dynamics Land Systems, we build the combat vehicles and integrated technologies that give soldiers a decisive advantage. We design, engineer and sustain advanced tracked and wheeled systems paired with modern electronic architecture, AI-enabled capabilities and autonomy-ready technology.

From Abrams to LAV, Stryker to AJAX, robotic platforms to software solutions and beyond, our portfolio delivers proven performance for customers around the world.

That’s why Soldiers and Marines have trusted General Dynamics Land Systems products in the toughest conditions for decades. We deliver the power to win.

Every day, our global team looks beyond the horizon, solving problems before they become challenges.

Bring your talent. Bring your purpose. Let’s shape the future of General Dynamics Land Systems together.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field required; master’s degree and/or HRCI certification (PHR/SPHR) is a plus. Emphasis in labor relations is highly desired.
• Ten (10) or more years of human resource experience or relevant business experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to balance the roles of employee advocate and management advisor.
• Experience working in a unionized environment and administering collective bargaining agreements.
• Demonstrated experience in business negotiations.
• Strong business acumen and customer-focus mindset.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to positively influence others.
• Ability to think strategically and with an enterprise-wide perspective.
• Ability to manage multiple efforts simultaneously.
• Strong aptitude for continuous learning.
• Proactive solution provider.
• High degree of integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality is required.
• Must be proficient with HRIS and PC applications, including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and applicant tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive labor relations support to internal customers, working directly with labor organizations across multiple U.S. sites and leading key labor relations activities.
• Serve as one of the primary interfaces with International UAW leadership (Sterling Heights, MI; Lima, OH; Scranton, PA) and USW leadership (Anniston, AL).
• Project manage and execute support for negotiations, grievance handling, labor arbitrations, NLRB proceedings, contract administration, union campaigns, and other labor relations activities.
• Lead the gathering of documentation and preparation to ensure GDLS is successful at all levels of the collective bargaining agreement grievance process, including the Regional Review and/or Appeals Board for UAW agreements, and provide support for the 4th step of the USW agreement.
• In coordination with General Counsel, guide GDLS in grievance arbitrations and responses to NLRB charges.
• Support and coach management on a wide variety of labor relations issues.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with local union leadership to successfully resolve shop floor and contract administration issues.
• Interpret policies and procedures and provide consistent guidance to managers, employees, and HR Business Partners.
• Facilitate the resolution of complex employee concerns, including disciplinary matters when appropriate.
• Counsel management on corrective actions, ensuring consistency and adherence to company policies.
• Provide guidance and leadership to GDLS leaders and employees on the Dispute Resolution Process.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Collaborate closely and positively with HR Site Managers and HR Business Partners to achieve departmental goals and objectives in a team environment.
• Report on and analyze a variety of HR metrics.
• Establish and maintain an in-depth understanding of client organizations and the business to build effective, productive working relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels.

What We Offer

• We offer a Total Rewards package that is Impactful and built for you
• Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA and Flex Spending
• Competitive base pay and incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance, and comprehensive benefits
• 401k match up to (6%)
• Educational assistance
• 9-80 work schedule (This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off)
• On-going learning opportunities rewarding work environment
• (Sterling Heights Facility) Modern office, onsite cafeteria including Coffee Cafe, remodeled fitness center, and outdoor fitness track

Additional Information

• This position may require occasional travel to various US locations
• Availability to work outside regular business hours as needed, to address critical issues.
• This position may require eligibility to obtain a US security clearance. (Non-US Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance).

GDLS considers factors such as, scope/responsibilities of the position, candidate experience, education/training background, in addition to local market comparable and business considerations when extending an offer.