Labor Relations Manager — Union Expertise & Strategy

Flyavl; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

Discount program

Medical plan options

401(k)

Job summary

United Ground Express is seeking a Manager of Labor & Employee Relations to lead the labor relations strategy in a multi-state, unionized environment. You will manage grievances, arbitrations, contract interpretation, and escalate union matters while partnering with HR leadership and Legal to ensure lawful, consistent practices.

The role requires guiding HRBPs, managing investigations, and coaching a team of HR professionals across locations, with a focus on proactive risk mitigation and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Labor Relations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years progressive experience in labor relations, employee relations, HR, or related field.
• 3-5+ years leading, coaching, and developing a team of HR professionals.
• Significant experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience managing grievances, hearings, and arbitrations.
• Experience conducting or overseeing workplace investigations.
• Strong written, verbal, negotiations, and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Labor Relations Leadership: Serve as SME and escalation point for labor relations matters.
• Develop and execute labor relations strategies aligned with unions, policies, and law.
• Partner with HRBPs and leaders to address labor relations risks and trends.
• Build relationships with union representatives as primary contact for escalated matters.
• Provide guidance on collective bargaining agreement interpretation and administration.
• Lead grievances, labor-management meetings, hearings, and arbitrations.
• Coordinate arbitration preparation with Legal and stakeholders.
• Monitor grievance/arbitration activity to identify trends and gaps.
• Coach HRBPs on contract administration and labor practices.
• Ensure consistent labor relations practices across locations.
• Employee Relations: Provide guidance on workplace investigations.
• Ensure investigations are conducted objectively and per process.
• Collaborate with HRBPs, Legal on resolution and risk mitigation.
• Advise on performance management, policy interpretation, and conduct.
• Lead and develop Labor Relations direct reports.
• Set team priorities, workflows, and service standards.
• Maintain escalation, documentation, and case management practices.
• Identify emerging labor risks and mitigation strategies.
• Monitor changes in labor requirements.
• Establish reporting and metrics for labor/employee relations activity.
• Maintain confidentiality and sound judgment.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee relations

HR leadership

Union experience

CBA interpretation

Grievances/arbitrations

Workplace investigations

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Labor Relations

Job description

United Ground Express is seeking a Manager of Labor & Employee Relations to lead the labor relations strategy in a multi-state, unionized environment. You will manage grievances, arbitrations, contract interpretation, and escalate union matters while partnering with HR leadership and Legal to ensure lawful, consistent practices.

The role requires guiding HRBPs, managing investigations, and coaching a team of HR professionals across locations, with a focus on proactive risk mitigation and strong