What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP, Employee Relations position at UPMC?
The Vice President, Employee Relations is responsible for enterprise-wide labor strategy encompassing both traditional labor relations and collaborative labor-management partnership initiatives. Reporting to HR executive leadership with matrixed responsibility to Legal executive leadership, this executive will oversee union relationships, collective bargaining, compliance, grievance resolution, and strategic partnership efforts that drive workforce engagement, operational excellence, and high-quality patient care. This leader acts as a trusted advisor to senior executives, aligning labor strategies with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Labor Relations Strategy
- Lead enterprise labor relations strategy, ensuring compliance with labor laws, union agreements, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage collective bargaining, contract interpretation, grievance resolution, and arbitration processes across all unionized units.
- Provide counsel to executives and operational leaders on labor issues, workforce planning, and high-profile disputes.
- Mitigate risk associated with labor relations, including potential strikes, grievances, or regulatory violations.
Labor-Management Partnership
- Establish and lead labor-management partnership programs that promote joint problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Serve as liaison with union leadership to foster trust, collaboration, and transparency.
- Facilitate joint governance councils and committees focused on operational improvements, quality, safety, and workforce engagement.
- Drive interest-based bargaining practices and promote partnership training for managers and union representatives.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead a team of labor relations and partnership professionals, fostering professional growth and expertise.
- Coach operational leaders on contract compliance, labor strategy, and partnership practices.
- Prepare the team and structure for scalability and rapid response tactics, in partnership with key supporting partner functions.