Labor Relations Manager

Summary

The Manager of Labor Relations serves as the primary liaison between Wakefern Food Corp, business agents, and members across various retail locations, and union locals, fostering collaboration and mutual support. Build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives and business agents.

The Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of labor contract administration, negotiations, and compliance. This role ensures accurate implementation of collective bargaining agreements, provides analytical support during negotiations, and leads efforts to maintain compliance with labor laws while fostering positive labor-management relationships.

Essential Functions:

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison for labor relations with cooperative members and unions, addressing general inquiries.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with union representatives and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate regular communication between management and union representatives to ensure alignment on policies, practices, and contractual obligations.
• Represent the company and cooperative members in meetings with union officials, promoting constructive dialogue and problem-solving.
• Coordinate and participate in labor-management committees or joint initiatives to strengthen collaboration and resolve workplace issues.

Contract Analysis & Negotiations

• Perform cost analysis on collective bargaining agreements to support contract negotiations.
• Research and compare labor contracts to identify trends and best practices.
• Assist and attend labor negotiations, providing data-driven insights and recommendations.

Data Management & Reporting

• Run data reports for member, union, and fund office requests.
• Create and execute ad hoc queries using internal HR systems to support labor relations activities.
• Develop financial models and presentations for leadership and negotiation teams.

Systems & Compliance

• Interface with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate implementation of contract changes.
• Maintain all documentation related to union contracts and labor agreements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws through required postings and notices.

Labor & Associate Relations Leadership

• Lead all affiliated associate and labor relations matters, ensuring alignment with company policies and legal standards.
• Provide guidance to staff on labor and associate relations issues, including workplace conduct, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Manage complaints related to harassment, workplace violence, and discrimination, ensuring procedures are clearly communicated and consistently executed.

Union Relations & Contract Negotiations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the company and union locals, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives and business agents.
• Act as the company’s chief spokesperson in collective bargaining negotiations, developing strategies, drafting proposals, and analyzing cost and policy implications.
• Working closely with Human Resources team members, review and respond to grievances and represent the company in arbitration proceedings or support legal counsel as needed.
• Partner with unions daily to manage day-to-day issues and ongoing contract negotiations and work with federal and state regulators on compliance and employer requirement standards and laws, including but not limited to, DOL, FLSA, ERISA, ADA HIPAA and the EEOC, etc.

Compliance & Investigations

• Ensure consistent application of corrective actions and compliance with labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and internal policies.
• Conduct or oversee associate investigations and ensure appropriate documentation and resolution.
• Advise leadership on the labor relations impact of strategic decisions and recommend actions to minimize disputes.

Committee & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Represent the company on Labor Relations and Government Relations Committees.
• Collaborate with District Teams, Store Management, and HR leadership to align labor strategies with business goals and operational needs.

General Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as required to support the overall success of the Human Resources and Labor Relations functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in labor relations, contract administration, or HR with union exposure.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling and data reporting.
• Proficiency in PeopleSoft/ Dayforce Ceridian and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in retail or large-scale unionized environments.
• Advanced financial analysis and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of labor laws and collective bargaining processes.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands
• Ability to travel as required.
• Ability to monitor computer screens for long periods of time
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule when not traveling (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)

Core Competencies

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.