Director Colleague and Labor Relations

1004 Lehigh Valley Hospital; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Valley Health Network is seeking a Director of Colleague and Labor Relations to provide strategic leadership and guidance across labor relations, employee relations, and compliance. The role supports policy design, negotiation activities, and proactive workforce engagement within a large health system.

The candidate will lead a team of HR professionals, partner with senior leadership, and ensure lawful, fair practices while fostering a positive workplace culture aligned with LVHN's values

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Management, Business or related field.
• 5 years of Employee and Labor Relations experience.
• 3 years of leading a team of employees.
• Knowledge of labor relations issues.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Supports the development and execution of employee and labor relations strategies aligned with organizational goals. Partners with senior leadership to address employee relations matters, workforce trends, and labor law considerations.
• Labor Relations Management: Manages day-to-day labor relations activities, including collective bargaining support, contract administration, and union relationships. Serves as a lead negotiator or key member of the negotiation team, as appropriate.
• Employee Relations: Leads the employee relations function, including workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensures adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and organizational policies.
• Leadership and Team Development: Manages and develops an employee and labor relations team. Provides guidance and coaching to HR business partners and managers.

Skills

Labor relations

Union relations

Policy development

Employee advocacy

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR/Management/Business or related field

Job description

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks. Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work. LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Summary The Director of Colleague and Labor Relations provides strategic leadership and technical guidance and consultation for managing all aspects of labor relations and enforcing our philosophy on positive employee relations. This role requires balancing colleague advocacy with organizational objectives while ensuring legal compliance and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Job Duties

• Strategic Leadership: Supports the development and execution of employee and labor relations strategies aligned with organizational goals. Partners with senior leadership to address employee relations matters, workforce trends, and labor law considerations. Contributes to the design and implementation of policies and programs that promote fair treatment, engagement, and effective conflict resolution.
• Labor Relations Management: Manages day-to-day labor relations activities, including collective bargaining support, contract administration, and union relationships. Serves as a lead negotiator or key member of the negotiation team, as appropriate. Oversees grievance and arbitration processes and works to maintain productive relationships with union representatives. Ensures compliance with applicable labor laws and agreements.
• Employee Relations: Leads the employee relations function, including workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes. Establishes and maintains consistent practices for addressing employee concerns, complaints, and performance issues. Partners with HR and business leaders to improve employee engagement and strengthen manager effectiveness.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensures adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and organizational policies. Identifies potential employee relations risks and partners with legal and HR leadership to address complex issues. Supports responses to agency inquiries and employment-related claims.
• Leadership and Team Development: Manages and develops an employee and labor relations team. Provides guidance and coaching to HR business partners and managers on employee relations best practices. Supports the delivery of training on labor relations, conflict management, and employment law.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Management, Business or related field
• 5 years of Employee and Labor Relations experience and 3 years of leading a team of employees
• Knowledge of labor relations issues.

Physical Demands

Lift and carry 25 lbs. frequent sitting/standing, frequent keyboard use, *patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.

Job Description Disclaimer

This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.

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Lehigh Valley Health Network does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Agencies should not forward resumes to our job aliases, our employees or any other organization location. Lehigh Valley Health Network is not responsible for any agency fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Work Shift: Day Shift Address: 3435 Winchester Rd Primary Location: Winchester Building Position Type: Onsite Union: Not Applicable Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00a-4:30p - Variable Department: 1004-13101 CSS-Human Resources Admin

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is the region’s largest employer and health care provider of choice. Our nearly 20,000 health care professionals take pride in what they do and are driven by our mission to heal, comfort and care for the people of our community.

LVHN is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work®. LVHN’s culture of trust – and the positive things colleagues said about working at LVHN when surveyed by Great Place to Work and Fortune – align perfectly with what makes a great workplace. This designation tells you that LVHN is a great place to work from hire to retire. If you are someone who aligns with LVHN’s core values – Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence – you will have a rewarding and successful career here.