Director of Labor Relations

Job Overview:
Search Solution Group is seeking a Director, Labor Relations on behalf of our client, a leading organization in the medical device industry. The Director, Labor Relations will provide strategic and operational labor relations expertise in a complex, heavily unionized work environment. This role will be responsible for managing labor claims and grievances, interpreting collective bargaining agreements, supporting negotiations, advising internal stakeholders on labor-related matters, and building effective relationships with employee representatives and union leadership. The ideal candidate will possess strong writing, communication, analytical, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, along with the judgment and professionalism required to navigate complex labor relations matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a significant volume of labor claims, including conducting research and developing supporting documentation and positions.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements to address labor relations issues and disputes.
• Prepare for and lead labor claims conferences and grievance-related meetings.
• Support employee engagement initiatives within a heavily unionized workforce.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and union representatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance on common and complex labor relations issues.
• Research, draft, and review position papers, formal briefs, grievance responses, and discipline case appeals.
• Present oral arguments and company positions in various arbitration and labor relations forums.
• Assist with collective bargaining and labor agreement negotiations.
• Lead negotiations for smaller or less complex labor agreements as assigned.
• Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Operations, Finance, Communications, Government Affairs, Sourcing, Marketing, and other internal functions to achieve organizational objectives.
• Identify, prioritize, and address key labor relations issues that may impact business operations.
• Provide guidance to leaders and internal customers regarding labor relations matters, contractual interpretation, grievances, discipline, and employee relations.
• Conduct research and analysis to support organizational positions in labor disputes and negotiations.
• Maintain awareness of changes in labor regulations, contractual requirements, industry practices, and applicable employment standards.
• Exercise sound judgment when evaluating labor matters and determining appropriate courses of action.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of labor relations strategies and practices.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements Include: Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Postgraduate degree preferred, such as a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master's degree.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience with 1-3 years of collective bargaining exposure or equivalent experience.
• Candidates with 7+ years of relevant experience and 2-5 years of collective bargaining exposure are strongly preferred for more senior-level consideration.
• Experience managing labor claims, grievances, arbitration matters, or collective bargaining activities preferred.
• Experience working in a heavily unionized environment strongly preferred.
• Operations experience preferred.
• Experience supporting or leading labor agreement negotiations is highly desirable.
• Written and/or verbal advocacy experience preferred.

Skills:

• Superb written communication skills with the ability to develop well-researched position papers, briefs, and formal responses.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage a substantial workload and competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make thoughtful decisions involving complex labor matters.
• Strong customer service orientation when working with internal stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently while effectively communicating and collaborating across multiple departments.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.

Certifications:

• No specific certification required.
• Professional certifications or advanced education in labor relations, human resources, or employment law are a plus.

Knowledge:

• Collective bargaining agreements and labor contract interpretation.
• Labor relations practices and grievance procedures.
• Collective bargaining and negotiation processes.
• Labor claims, discipline matters, and arbitration procedures.
• Employee engagement within unionized work environments.
• Applicable labor and employment laws and regulations.
• Industry-specific labor agreements and regulatory requirements preferred.
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules and railroad union agreements preferred.
• Microsoft Office applications and other business technologies.

Key Competencies:

• Labor Relations Expertise: Strong understanding of labor relations principles, collective bargaining, grievance management, and contract interpretation.
• Written Advocacy: Exceptional ability to research, organize, and communicate complex positions through professional written materials.
• Negotiation: Ability to effectively represent organizational interests while working toward practical and sustainable agreements.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate complex information, identify key issues, conduct research, and develop well-supported recommendations.
• Sound Judgment: Demonstrates discretion and thoughtful decision-making when addressing sensitive labor and employee relations matters.
• Communication: Able to communicate complex labor issues clearly and effectively with employees, leaders, union representatives, and senior stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Builds productive and professional relationships with internal customers, union leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Conflict Resolution: Comfortable navigating disagreements, grievances, claims, and other potentially contentious workplace matters.
• Organization: Able to manage a high volume of claims, negotiations, deadlines, documentation, and competing priorities.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with Legal, Human Resources, Operations, Finance, Communications, and other departments to achieve organizational goals.
• Advocacy & Presentation: Confident presenting arguments and organizational positions in meetings, negotiations, and formal proceedings.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned labor matters and follows issues through to resolution.
• Adaptability: Able to operate effectively in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities and complex business needs.

How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please click the "Apply" button at the top right of your screen. Alternatively, you can email your application to View email address on click.appcast.io . Please ensure to include your resume and any other relevant documents or information that showcase your qualifications and suitability for the role. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and look forward to reviewing your application.

Company Overview:
Company Industry: Medical Devices

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Search Solution Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status in our hiring process or employment practices. We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique perspectives and strengths, driving innovation and growth. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our team.

Disclaimer:
Please note that the job description provided is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to meet the evolving needs of the organization and to ensure the successful completion of projects and objectives.