Labor Relations Director

Job Description

The Labor Relations Director responsible for all labor relations matters and related employee relations matters in his or her designated area.  This role will be the chief spokesperson in labor negotiations and will have primary responsibility for labor contract administration. This includes planning for, negotiating and implementing collective bargaining agreement renewals.  The Labor Relations Director will proactively interact with and advise operations managers, HR partners and regional leadership on a broad range of employment and labor relations matters, including disciplinary actions, contract administration and general methods of positive employee relations.  Responsibilities include coordinating the Company’s labor relations practices within its labor relations policies and strategies.  This role will represent the Company in arbitrations and before the National Labor Relations Board.  The Labor Relations Director will respond to union organizing activity and train managers on employee relations matters including card check neutrality (CCN) campaigns.  This position reports to the Vice President of Labor Relations for Aramark’s food and facilities lines of business in the United States.  This position offers the flexibility to work from home, however, significant travel is required to allow in-person participation in trainings, organizing activities, negotiations, arbitrations, proceedings, etc.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares and negotiates initial and renewal labor agreements in accordance with line of business and corporate mandates.
• Develops cost models for use during economic negotiations.
• Coordinates with operations managers, HR partners and regional leadership to obtain alignment on negotiations strategy and direction.
• Drafts contract proposals and counterproposals prior to and during negotiations.
• Finalizes settlements and prepares contract documents for final signature by the parties.
• Prepares and distributes contract settlement summaries to operations managers, HR partners and regional leadership.
• Creates presentations and conducts training to inform operations managers, HR partners and regional leadership regarding labor relations issues.
• Manages arbitrations, grievances and unfair labor practice charges including drafting, opening and closing briefs.       
• Contributes to the development and improvement of Company-wide standardized practices, processes and forms.
• Provides consultation regarding multi-employer benefit and pension plans.
• Conducts management training related to Positive Employee Relations (PER) and other timely topics.
• Collaborates to ensure legal compliance by reviewing federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and disseminating, explaining, and consulting regarding those requirements.
• Manages union contracts and is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with union leadership and agents.
• Prepares for and assists operations managers and regional leadership in dealing with potential labor disputes, strikes, work stoppages and other concerted activity, including advising on appropriate courses of action involving satisfactory resolution of disputes, security issues, employee concerns and media/public relations considerations.
• Provides insights on labor relations trends and patterns and translates them into proactive proposals.
• Collaborates with other departments including HR, Operations, Finance, Total Rewards, Global Security, Corporate Communications, Legal and Compliance.
• Works with external vendors to develop and deliver proposed labor relations related services on-time and within budget.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in labor negotiations and experience as first chair negotiator.
• Working knowledge and interpretation of the National Labor Relations Act.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities between multiple business units.
• Thorough knowledge of employment principles, practices and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership, change management, and success in planning, leading and driving change in a large organization while meeting or exceeding business objectives.
• Demonstrated business savvy to effectively communicate and work with other executives and leaders in support of achieving business goals.
• Deep understanding of the financial aspects of labor relations, including wage and benefits costs.
• Intermediate level or better proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Minimum of 7 years of labor relations or similar experience in a multi-contract, multi-union, complex environment.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field of study is required.
• An Advanced Degree, such as an MBA, JD or Master’s in Industrial Relations is preferred.
• Travel Requirements - Must be willing and able to travel more than 50% of the time.

Position Location - This is a remote role with travel.  This Director of Labor Relations will ideally be located in the Northeastern U.S., however, all candidates with the required experience will be considered.  

Benefits

COMPENSATION: The hourly rate or salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000.  If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer.  This is Aramark’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources.   Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage.  Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.  For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation. 

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected.  Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts.   For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.