Labor Relations Director

Sodexo; North Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) Plan with Matching

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Sodexo seeks a Senior Labor Relations Leader to oversee labor relations across the Western U.S., including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, and union relationship management. You will develop negotiation strategies, serve as Chief Spokesperson during labor negotiations, and guide post‑negotiation activities to finalize agreements.

Travel up to 50% is required. This role shapes employee experience and workplace practices with a focus on fairness and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 7 years of management experience.
• 7 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead labor relations across the Western U.S., including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, and union relationship management.
• Develop negotiation strategies and serve as Chief Spokesperson during labor negotiations.
• Oversee post-negotiation activities to finalize agreements.
• Travel up to 50% as required.
• Guide program and policy development to ensure fair, compliant workplace practices.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Leadership

Investigations

Policy advising

Executive presence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

This position leads labor relations across the Western U.S., including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, and union relationship management.

The role develops negotiation strategies, serves as the company’s Chief Spokesperson during labor negotiations, and oversees post-negotiation activities to finalize agreements. Travel up to 50% is required.

About the job

Step into a key leadership role where you’ll shape the employee experience and ensure fair, compliant, and consistent workplace practices. You’ll guide labor and employee relations strategies, resolve complex issues, and foster environments where people feel respected, supported, and heard.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $134640 - $209110

Incentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What’s in it for you

• Lead high-impact investigations that promote integrity, accountability, and trust across the organization.
• Influence workplace culture by advising leaders on performance, policy, and employee engagement.
• Drive fair labor practices through direct involvement in collective bargaining and grievance resolution.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on employment law, compliance, and organizational risk.
• Build and mentor a collaborative team focused on resolving issues with consistency and care.
• Use data to identify trends, inform decisions, and continuously improve employee relations strategies.
• Be part of a mission-driven team committed to equity, transparency, and doing what’s right.

What you’ll bring

• Deep knowledge of labor and employee relations practices, employment law, and HR policies with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• Skillset to lead complex investigations and guide leaders through conflict resolution, disciplinary action, and sensitive employee matters.
• Consulting skills and executive presence with the ability to influence and advise across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinking with experience managing multiple priorities, analyzing case trends, and recommending proactive improvements.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a focus on equity, collaboration, and accountability.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 7 years
• Related Experience: 7 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.