Labor Relations Strategist

HMSHost; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous PTO

401(k) with company match

Company paid life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Training and career growth

Referral bonus

Job summary

HMSHost is seeking a Labor Relations Specialist to support administration of labor relations programs, interpret CBAs, and assist with grievance and arbitration activities. This role partners with People & Culture and operations to promote compliant labor practices and operational efficiency.

The position requires deep expertise in labor relations, strong communication, and the ability to analyze workforce data to guide leadership decisions.

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years in Labor Relations with knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, grievance & arbitration processes.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in HR/IR or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in hospitality, food & beverage, or unionized environments is a plus.
• Proven ability to interpret contracts, analyze data, and counsel leadership on labor-related matters.

Responsibilities

• Administers labor relations programs and contract provisions for managers and People & Culture partners.
• Interprets CBAs and guides operations on contract administration and labor practices.
• Supports grievance handling by researching issues, compiling docs, and recommending actions.
• Assists with arbitration prep and labor-related proceedings, coordinating information requests and stakeholders.
• Tracks CBA obligations, renewal timelines, and implementation requirements.
• Collaborates with Payroll, Benefits, HR Technology, and Finance on labor-related programs.
• Performs labor relations analyses, identifying trends and providing strategic recommendations.
• Audits compliance with CBAs and policies, identifying risks and corrective actions.
• Maintains labor relations records and materials for negotiations, grievances, and decision-making.
• Identifies opportunities to improve processes, documentation, and compliance.

Skills

Labor relations

Collective bargaining

Grievance administration

Arbitration support

Data analysis

HR systems

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Industrial Relations, or related field

Advanced degree in HR or Industrial Relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS

Labor relations software

Job description

HMSHost is seeking a Labor Relations Specialist to support administration of labor relations programs, interpret CBAs, and assist with grievance and arbitration activities. This role partners with People & Culture and operations to promote compliant labor practices and operational efficiency.

The position requires deep expertise in labor relations, strong communication, and the ability to analyze workforce data to guide leadership decisions.