Labor Workforce Development Program Director

McKinstry; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match and profit‑

Paid time off and holidays

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Parental leave

Job summary

McKinstry is seeking a senior leader to oversee field labor workforce development and manage national workforce programs. You will develop strategic plans, manage budgets, and foster partnerships with employers and trade resources to meet workforce needs and align with the company’s mission.

The role emphasizes collaboration across trades, program development, and governance to drive engagement scores and outcomes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of supervisory experience in labor, workforce development, or construction workforce planning.
• 10+ years of experience in labor relations, with unionized labor experience and knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; relevant experience may substitute education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal partnerships with general and trade superintendents and operational leaders to reinforce integrated delivery across McKinstry trades.
• Manage multiple workforce development initiatives with timelines, budgets, and accountability measures.
• Contribute to regional and statewide workforce strategy and labor market trend analysis.
• Design and implement workforce training programs that meet union and non-affiliated employee needs and align with regulatory standards.
• Develop multi-year program strategy aligned to business growth and labor demand.
• Provide leadership and development support to direct reports for program execution.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Labor relations

Workforce development

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or labor relations

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

This position plays a critical role in field labor and national labor workforce development and management. This role will oversee labor workforce programs by developing strategic plans, managing budgets, and fostering partnerships with employers and trade resources to meet workforce needs and align with organizational missions.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

Internal Partnerships and Support Systems:

• Partner with general and trade superintendents, trade personnel, and operational leaders to reinforce integrated delivery across McKinstry trades.
• Collaborate with McKinstry management to identify training needs and strengthen workforce capability across trade functions.
• Support organizational readiness by helping maintain strong trade competency across vertical markets.
• Coordinate with the Field Leadership Program Manager and Functional Training Cohort to align workforce initiatives and maintain continuity across upskilling efforts.

Project Management:

• Lead multiple workforce development initiatives with clear timelines, deliverables, budgets, and accountability measures.
• Coordinate across McKinstry departments and external partners to achieve program objectives and business outcomes.
• Monitor progress, performance, and resource utilization using McKinstry project management tools and reporting practices.

Workforce Strategy & Policy:

• Contribute to regional and statewide workforce strategy and economic development initiatives that advance labor availability and workforce readiness.
• Contribute to analyzing labor market trends and develop strategies to address skills gaps, strengthen worker mobility, and support long-term talent needs.

Program Development & Execution:

• Leverage internal subject matter experts to design and implement workforce training programs that meet the needs of union affiliates and non-affiliated employees.
• Ensure programs align with labor market demand, industry standards, and applicable regulatory requirements (to include JATC training agent Program Standards).
• Use data, feedback, and stakeholder input to drive program quality, innovation, and continuous improvement (program will be judged primarily by Engagement scores).
• Develop and maintain talent pipeline strategies to meet current and future labor demand.
• Develop and drive a multi-year program strategy aligned to business growth, labor demand, and workforce capability needs.
• Establish program priorities, success measures, and governance routines to evaluate impact and inform strategic decisions.
• Identify opportunities to scale, refine, or redirect workforce programs based on outcomes, stakeholder feedback, and changing market conditions.

Team Management:

Provide leadership, direction, and support to direct reports to ensure effective program execution, strong collaboration, and ongoing professional development

What You Need To Succeed At McKinstry

• Workforce readiness: Manage workforce readiness.
• Strategic Thinking: Able to connect labor planning with long-term business expansion.
• Establishing New Markets: Understands local labor markets, labor customs, and community dynamics in new geographies.
• Problem Solving: Navigates complex labor environments with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Adaptability: Works across both union and non-union environments; adjusts to regional differences in workforce ecosystems.
• influence without authority: Leads cross-functional labor efforts without always having direct control.
• Engagement: Best in class workforce engagement scores.
• Must have demonstrated proficiencies for all the responsibilities of a Project Superintendent or a Trade Superintendent or a General Superintendent.
• 8-10 years of previous supervisory experience, including experience in managing Trade personnel or involvement in a JATC or Welding/Fitting School.
• 10+ years of experience in labor relations, workforce development, or construction workforce planning.
• Proven experience working with unionized labor and understanding collective bargaining agreements
• Experience in the construction or manufacturing industry, preferably in a multi-regional or national company.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Labor Relations, or related field preferred. Relevant experience may substitute education requirements

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• “Building Good” paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $165,800 - $252,100 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.