Director Labor Relations

BNSF; Fort Worth, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health care options

Life & disability insurance

Parental & family benefits

Travel discounts

Annual bonus

Job summary

BNSF Railway is seeking a Director of Labor Relations to guide collective bargaining administration, workforce relations, and dispute resolution in a highly unionized environment.

You will partner with engineering leadership, union representatives, and cross-functional teams to mitigate risk, support safe and efficient operations, and foster productive labor-management relationships. This senior role emphasizes negotiations, analytics, and strategic guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience including at least 2 years of formal collective bargaining.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience interpreting and administering labor agreements and resolving complex issues.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with persuasive communication.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage priorities.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated success leading negotiations and labor-management relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead labor relations strategy and contract administration in a highly unionized environment.
• Represent the organization in labor claims conferences, arbitrations, and dispute proceedings.
• Build partnerships with union leadership and stakeholders to drive objectives.
• Lead and support labor negotiations, including local agreements and CBAs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify and resolve complex labor issues.

Skills

Labor relations strategy

Negotiation leadership

Stakeholder influence

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Advanced degree in Law or related field

Job description

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.Come make a difference with us!

Job Location:Fort Worth
Other Potential Locations:Fort Worth, TX
Anticipated Start Date:10/16/2026
Number of Positions:1
Salary Range:$130,800 - $142,700

The BNSF RailwayLabor Relations Department is critical in fostering positive relationships between BNSF, our union employees, and their collective bargaining representatives. This team promotes business decisions that enable safe, satisfying, and financially rewarding work for all BNSF employees while ensuring efficient customer-driven support. With a focus on collaboration and communication, the Labor Relations Department helps to create a supportive and productive work environment for everyone at BNSF.

This is a full-timeposition located in Fort Worth, TX. For certain positions, including this one, employees can work one day per week remotely. Our leaders also foster a culture where work life balance, which requires flexibility for when life happens, is important and respected.

Travel is minimalup to 25%.

The Director of Labor Relations serves as the primary labor relations leader supporting BNSF's Engineering Department, providing strategic guidance on collective bargaining agreement administration, workforce relations, grievance resolution, and labor negotiations. This role partners closely with Engineering leadership, union representatives, and cross-functional stakeholders to foster productive labor-management relationships, mitigate risk, and support safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Lead the company's labor relations strategy by providing expert guidance on collective bargaining agreement interpretation, contract administration, grievance resolution, and workforce relations matters across a highly unionized environment.
• Represent and advocate for the organization in labor claims conferences, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution proceedings, leveraging strong research, writing, and presentation skills to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Build trusted partnerships with union leadership, business leaders, and key stakeholders to foster productive labor-management relationships, support employee engagement, and drive business objectives.
• Lead and support labor negotiations, including local agreements, contract modifications, and collective bargaining initiatives, while balancing operational needs, workforce considerations, and long-term organizational priorities.
• Partner cross-functionally to identify and resolve complex labor issues, developing proactive strategies that mitigate risk, ensure contractual compliance, and support safe and efficient operations.

Daily work is conducted in a safety indoor office environment.

Relocationis required if located more than 50 miles from Fort Worth, TX. Relocation package may be provided for eligible candidates.

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position.This is notan exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Does not require BNSF's assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) now or in the future to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization(including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience including a minimum of 2 years’ formal collective bargaining experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and administering labor agreements and resolving complex labor relations issues.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to develop persuasive business and labor relations communications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgment in high-impact situations.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships, influence stakeholders, and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated success leading negotiations, influencing outcomes, and building productive labor-management relationships.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Law, Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Knowledge of railroad operations, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, and railroad labor agreements.
• Operations experience, preferably within the transportation, logistics, or railroad engineering industries.
• Experience utilizing technology and data to analyze labor relations trends, mitigate risk, and support business decision-making.

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits includingparental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process . Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SF:Internal Posting Only; MO|[[mfield5]]|Labor Relations|Fort Worth,TX|76131

Nearest Major Market: Fort Worth
Nearest Secondary Market: Dallas
Job Segment: Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Contract Manager, Manager, Engineer, Human Resources, Legal, Management, Engineering