HR Specialist, Labor Relations

International Executive Service Corps; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 85,500 - 104,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health savings account

Flexible spending arrangements

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Sick leave

Team discount 20%

Job summary

Metropolitan Market, LLC in Seattle, WA seeks an HR Specialist, Labor Relations to act as a trusted resource in a highly unionized environment, conduct complex workplace investigations, provide guidance on labor issues, and ensure timely, compliant resolutions. This role partners with store leaders to navigate CBAs and regulatory requirements.

The position requires strong judgment, exceptional communication, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across teams, while upholding

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of HR experience required.
• Minimum of three years of conducting employment investigations required.
• Minimum of three years of HR experience in a union environment required.
• Human Resources certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP) strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations in a collectively bargained environment and develop strategies to resolve labor relations matters.
• Coach store leaders on fact-finding and documentation; participate in meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with Senior HR Manager, Labor Relations and VP HR to implement resolutions following investigations.
• Educate on CBAs and intersection with company policies and laws.
• Compile documentation and respond to union information requests.
• Foster strong relationships among employees, leaders, and union representatives.

Skills

HR experience

Labor relations

Investigations

Union environment

Communication

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

HR certifications (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) preferred

Job description

THE ROLE

Acting as a trusted resource and service provider, the HR Specialist, Labor Relations plays a key role in labor relations management in a highly unionized environment. This role partners closely with store leaders to conduct workplace investigations, provides guidance on labor relations matters, and ensures timely, compliant resolutions. Success in this role requires impeccable judgment, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships while navigating complex and sensitive situations. This position is based in Seattle, WA.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex investigations in a collectively bargained environment. Assess and analyze facts and develop and apply strategies to resolve labor relations matters effectively and efficiently, consistent with company policies and requirements, as well as applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and local, state, and federal laws.
• Coach store leaders on conducting fact‑finding meetings and obtaining other necessary documentation. Participate in fact‑finding meetings with team members, when appropriate.
• Partner with Senior HR Manager, Labor Relations and Vice President, Human Resources to determine and execute timely, appropriate, and compliant resolutions following conclusion of investigations.
• Coach, counsel, and educate store leaders on proper interpretation and application of CBAs and intersection with company policies and procedures, as well as local, state, and federal laws.
• Compile documentation and prepare responses to union requests for information.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with and between employees, operational leaders, and union representatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of HR experience required.
• Minimum of three years of conducting employment investigations required.
• Minimum of three years of HR experience in a union environment required.
• Human Resources certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP) strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field strongly preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion essential.
• Curious and solutions‑oriented thinker. Flexible, intellectually nimble, and resilient. Able to pivot on the spot and think creatively.
• Proven ability to navigate challenging conversations with differing perspectives and varied priorities. Shapes outcomes through sound judgment, effective communication, and strong relationship management.
• Strong working knowledge of HR policies/procedures and federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail required. Must be able to multi‑task effectively and manage multiple competing demands and deadlines at the same time.
• Demonstrates a high level of self‑motivation, takes initiative, and problem solves.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 20% team member discount
• Medical, dental, vision insurance (very low cost to team members)
• Health savings accounts (subject to qualified medical plans)
• Flexible spending arrangements (subject to qualified medical plans)
• Company‑funded disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program available to all team members
• Retirement plans available to all team members
• Paid vacation, personal, and holiday time off
• Sick/safe leave provided consistent with local and state requirements
• Reduced cost ORCA Card program for King County team members
• Education support
• Career development opportunities
• Salary: $95,000

The specific programs and options available to any given team member are dependent upon eligibility factors such as position, date of hire, work location, and terms of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Other Things to Know

All store employees must have a valid Washington State Food Workers Card to begin work.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

It is the policy of Metropolitan Market, LLC that all employees and applicants be afforded equal opportunities in employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender identity and gender stereotypes), national origin, religion, disability, or retaliation for engaging in an EEO protected activity. The Company prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any of these categories, as well as on age, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, military service, or any other bases protected under applicable local, state, or federal law.