Senior Proactive Labor Relations Consultant

Role Description

The Senior Proactive Labor Relations Consultant is a strategic partner to the People Team and business leadership, driving a forward-looking labor relations approach focused on prevention, engagement, and sustained workforce stability. This role leads enterprise-facing initiatives to identify emerging labor risks, coordinate cross-functional response strategies, and build leader capability to proactively manage a complex workforce.

The Senior Consultant leverages data, insights, and deep labor expertise to anticipate challenges, influence outcomes, and foster a high-trust, collaborative labor environment aligned with organizational goals. The role owns complex labor relations workstreams, drives cross-functional project execution, and partners across HR, operations, legal, and leadership teams to deliver sustainable solutions.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

• Proactive Labor Strategy Leadership
  • Lead the development, prioritization, and execution of proactive labor relations strategies that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and workforce engagement across functions and business partners.
  • Partner with senior leaders and People Team partners to embed labor considerations into business planning and decision-making, with accountability for translating labor insights into cross-functional action plans.
  • Anticipate labor trends and risks, advising leadership on mitigation strategies and long-term implications.
• Workforce Insights & Predictive Analytics
  • Own the analysis of labor data (grievances, discipline, absenteeism, engagement, etc.) to identify patterns, systemic issues, and predictive indicators, and use findings to set priorities for proactive labor initiatives.
  • Translate insights into actionable strategies that improve employee experience and reduce labor friction.
  • Develop dashboards and reporting frameworks in partnership with the People Team and other key stakeholders to inform executive decision-making and support governance of labor-related action plans.
• Early Issue Identification & Prevention
  • Drive early intervention strategies by identifying and addressing workplace concerns before escalation.
  • Coach and guide leaders on consistent, fair, and proactive employee management practices.
  • Partner closely with People Team colleagues to develop tools and frameworks that enable managers to prevent disputes and grievances, and lead implementation of those solutions across supported client groups.
• Leadership Coaching & Capability Building
  • Act as a coach and thought partner to leaders and People Team partners on labor relations, union engagement, and workforce management.
  • Influence outcomes through strong partnerships, even in complex or sensitive labor environments.
  • Design and deliver advanced training programs and cross-functional initiatives focused on proactive labor practices, including:
    • Manager effectiveness in unionized environments.
    • Conflict prevention and resolution.
    • Strategic communication and engagement.
  • Elevate organizational capability to manage labor relations confidently and independently by leading scalable solutions and leader readiness efforts.
• Continuous Improvement & Culture
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance employee engagement, trust, and workplace culture within unionized populations, with accountability for implementation and sustained adoption.
  • Champion listening strategies (e.g., pulse surveys, listening sessions) in partnership with the People Team to capture employee voice.
  • Drive continuous improvement in labor relations processes, tools, and practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in labor relations, with a strong emphasis on proactive and strategic work in unionized environments.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders and People Team stakeholders to influence outcomes.
• Deep knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and union dynamics.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM or PHR certification.
• Experience leading or supporting collective bargaining negotiations.

Requirements

• *All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Incentive and recognition programs.
• Equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).

Application Deadline

This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.