Director Labor Relations

BNSF Railway; United States; Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan benefits

Health care options

Annual bonus

Generous leave / time off policies

Job summary

BNSF Railway in Fort Worth, TX is seeking a Director of Labor Relations to lead interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, and to foster productive labor-management relationships. The role partners with Engineering leadership, union reps, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient operations.

Required are a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, including two years in formal collective bargaining, plus strong writing,

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).

Responsibilities

• Lead the company's labor relations strategy by interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements and managing workforce relations.
• Represent the organization in labor claims conferences, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Build partnerships with union leadership, business leaders, and stakeholders to support engagement and objectives.
• Lead and support labor negotiations, including local agreements and contract modifications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify and resolve complex labor issues and mitigate risk.

Skills

Labor relations

Collective bargaining

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

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!

Learn More About BNSF And Our Benefits

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 Railway Labor 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-time position 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 minimal up 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.

Relocation is 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 not an 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 including parental, 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)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

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.