Director of Employee & Labor Relations

baystatehealth; Springfield (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO 25 days

Education reimbursement

Home buying packages

401k/Company Match

Farm Share Memberships

Job summary

Baystate Health, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare quality and safety, seeks a Director of Employee & Labor Relations to lead system-wide strategy in Springfield, MA. You will partner with executives to shape enterprise relations, guide investigations, and drive compliance across multiple sites.

In this role, you will mentor leaders, oversee bargaining and contract administration, and build proactive programs that reduce risk while ensuring fairness and accountability in a complex,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8 years of experience in employee and labor relations, preferably healthcare.
• 5 years of progressive HR leadership in a multi-site org.
• Expertise in investigations, contract administration, and labor relations.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise employee & labor relations strategy aligned with Baystate Health goals.
• Advise senior leaders on performance management, investigations, and employment matters.
• Oversee labor relations including bargaining, grievances, and contract administration.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management across sites.
• Build leadership capability through training and consistent complaint handling practices.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor relations

Negotiation

Leadership

Investigation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Lead strategy. Shape culture. Strengthen relationships.

Baystate Health, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare quality and safety, is seeking an accomplished Director of Employee & Labor Relations to lead system-wide employee and labor relations strategy in Springfield, MA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Enterprise Employee & Labor Relations Strategy

  Develop and execute an enterprise-wide employee and labor relations strategy aligned with Baystate Health's goals and values.

  Assess the employee relations climate and use data, case trends, investigations, disputes, and other insights to identify opportunities for intervention.

  Develop proactive strategies that strengthen employee-management relationships and reduce organizational risk.

  Oversee the employee relations case and incident tracking process, including reporting, metrics, and trend analysis.

• Serve as a Strategic Advisor

  Partner with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and operational leaders to address complex employee and workplace issues.

  Provide expert guidance on performance management, investigations, discrimination, disability accommodations, hiring, disciplinary actions, termination, allegations of wrongful termination, and other employment matters.

  Coach leaders and HR professionals on effective employee relations practices and appropriate approaches to workplace concerns.

  Help leaders navigate difficult situations while promoting fairness, consistency, accountability, and respect.

• Lead Labor Relations

  Develop and implement the organization's labor relations strategy, programs, and policies.

  Participate as a management representative in collective bargaining and contract negotiations.

  Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements while balancing organizational objectives and positive labor-management relationships.

  Oversee grievances, unfair labor practice matters, arbitrations, dispute resolution, and contract administration.

  Assess labor vulnerability and develop proactive strategies to address emerging labor relations issues.

• Drive Compliance & Risk Management

  Partner with HR leadership and Legal to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

  Oversee employment-related regulatory matters, including OFCCP, Affinitive Action Plans, wage and hour compliance, and pay equity reviews .

  Ensure required regulatory reporting and compliance activities are effectively managed.

  Identify potential employee relations and labor relations risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

• Build Leadership Capability

  Design and deliver employee and labor relations training and awareness programs for managers, supervisors, and HR professionals.

  Establish consistent practices for complaint handling, investigations, dispute resolution, and employee-management communications.

  Equip leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage workplace challenges.

  Promote open communication and a culture where employees and leaders can address concerns constructively.

SCHEDULE

Full-time

Monday-Friday

Occasional weekends depending on case severity

LOCATION

280 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA

Will be required to travel to other Baystate Health entities as needed.

Hybrid work opportunity- minimum of 3 days on-site required. Candidate must live in MA or CT

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree, required
• 8 years of experience in employee and labor relations, preferably within healthcare or another highly regulated environment.
• 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience in a complex, multi-site organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, labor relations, collective bargaining, investigations, dispute resolution, and employment law.
• Strong experience advising leaders on complex and sensitive employee matters.
• Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise-wide HR strategies and programs.
• Strong negotiation, communication, coaching, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to navigate complex situations with sound judgment, discretion, and a balanced approach.

THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH BAYSTATE!

• Excellent Compensation High-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance
• Generous PTO - up to 25 days in the first year, with scheduled earned increases
• Continuing education support and reimbursement
• First Time Home Buyers Financial Packages
• Farm Share Memberships
• 403b retirement company match & annual company contribution increase based on years of service
• Free money coach ad