Labor Relations Manager

Kroger; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger is seeking an experienced Labor/Associate Relations leader to oversee the site labor strategy and administer collective bargaining agreements. You will maintain a productive union-management relationship, ensure policy compliance, and support HR in building an inclusive, high-performing distribution center team.

The role requires strong communication, supervisory experience, confidentiality, and ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Labor/Associate Relations.
• Experience negotiating multiple contracts for 500+ associates.
• Experience working in a union production environment.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to plan and organize with attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to travel independently when situation requires.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of the site labor strategy.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and labor and employment laws.
• Ensure company policy and work rules are followed and that appropriate disciplinary action is consistently administered.
• Act as site representative in all labor matters.
• Represent the company in all aspects of the grievance procedure including investigation of the complaint, coordinating meetings between parties, and resolution and closure.
• Prepare and maintain reports for all actions taken for grievances, arbitration and mediation cases, and related labor relations activities.
• Work closely with site and corporate leadership team to achieve company goals and objectives and the efficient operation of the distribution center (DC).
• Ensure required labor and associate relations training is conducted for the site.
• Support Talent Management practices for hourly associates.
• Provide timely communication to supervisors and union personnel regarding new initiatives and policies.
• Assist Human Resources Manager with associate related matters and in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Provide counsel to supervisors and managers in associate relation matters.
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provides feedback to direct reports
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Travelability

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Work collaboratively with site leadership and corporate staff to align labor agreements with the philosophy of the overall company labor strategy. Responsible for the consistent administration of the collective bargaining agreement(s) for the assigned location. Establish and maintain a good working relationship between union and management to create a positive environment and culture. Role model and demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of the site labor strategy.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and labor and employment laws.
• Ensure company policy and work rules are followed and that appropriate disciplinary action is consistently administered.
• Act as site representative in all labor matters.
• Represent the company in all aspects of the grievance procedure including investigation of the complaint, coordinating meetings between parties, and resolution and closure.
• Prepare and maintain reports for all actions taken for grievances, arbitration and mediation cases, and related labor relations activities.
• Work closely with site and corporate leadership team to achieve company goals and objectives and the efficient operation of the distribution center (DC).
• Ensure required labor and associate relations training is conducted for the site.
• Support Talent Management practices for hourly associates.
• Provide timely communication to supervisors and union personnel regarding new initiatives and policies.
• Assist Human Resources Manager with associate related matters and in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Provide counsel to supervisors and managers in associate relation matters.
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provides feedback to direct reports
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Labor/Associate Relations
• Multiple contracts, 500+ associates, involved in negotiations
• Experience working in a union production environment
• Prior supervisory experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of maintaining a high degree of confidentiality
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office
• Ability to plan and organize with attention to detail
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to travel independently when situation requires