Summary

The Director of Labor Relations is responsible for all labor relations matters and related employee relations matters. This role will be the chief spokesperson in labor negotiations and will have main responsibility for labor contract administration! This includes planning for, negotiating and implementing collective bargaining agreements and renewals. 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 can be based in either our NYC or Philly office and will travel to the other as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and negotiates initial and renewal labor agreements
• Develops cost models for use during economic negotiations
• Cross functional teamwork and strategy planning with operations managers, people partners, functional leadership in all areas to acquire alignment on negotiations strategy and direction
• Drafts contract proposals and counter proposals 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, people partners and leadership
• Drafts and distributes regular executive summaries to the executive team
• Handles all litigation with outside counsel for both union and non-union employees
• Proactively interact with and advise operations managers, people partners and leadership to keep them aware of the negotiation process and outcomes. Informs group on a broad range of employment and labor relations matters, including disciplinary actions, contract administration and general methods of positive employee relations
• Creates presentations and conducts training to advise operations managers, people partners and leadership regarding labor relations issues
• Conducts management training related to Positive Employee Relations and other timely topics
• 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
• Collaborates to ensure legal compliance by reviewing federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and disseminating, explaining, and advising 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
• Facilitates meetings for cross functional partners to evolve policies where appropriate for union and non-union employees, when applicable
• Works with external vendors to develop and deliver proposed labor relations related services timely and within budget
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 7 years of labor relations or similar experience in a multi-contract, multi-union, complex environment required
• An Advanced Degree, such as an MBA, JD or Master's in Industrial Relations is preferred
• 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 motivating change in a large organization while meeting or exceeding strategic 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
• Must be willing and able to travel more than 25% of the time

About Us

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers - Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at 32 cafes, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world - putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.
For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws.

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Compensation Range: $140,000.00 - $210,000.00, plus bonus.