Senior Labor Relations Manager

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a senior Labor Relations leader in Cincinnati to oversee minor collective bargaining agreements and coach associate relation managers. You will drive cost-effective labor strategies, partner with divisions and GO support functions, and ensure timely contract administration.

The role requires deep knowledge of Taft-Hartley pension and health benefits, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to travel up to 50% to support strategy and trust fund matters.

Qualifications

• 5+ years labor relations experience in contract negotiations with knowledge of wages, healthcare, pension, and flexibility.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to persuade/influence others.
• Ability to respond to changing business priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent oral and written communication; able to collaborate in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic collective bargaining leadership for minor contracts and act as chief company representative.
• Establish bargaining goals in consultation with management and GO support staffs.
• Collaborate with associate relations managers to prepare and finalize minor collective bargaining agreements on time.
• Negotiate mid-term Letters of Agreement and interpret minor contract terms.
• Advise HR leaders on critical projects and negotiations and align with senior leadership on strategy.

Skills

Labor relations

Contract negotiations

Wages & benefits knowledge

Confidentiality

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/H.R./labor relations

Job description

Lead the collective bargaining process in partnership with associate communications related to minor collective bargaining agreements. Achieve labor costs to be market competitive and drive associate engagement. Partner with the divisions/business units, executives, and General Office (G.O.) support functions to implement labor strategy. Advise and support activities of the division/business unit staffs in developing effective contract administration plans for minor collective bargaining agreements. Develop productive relationships with local union leadership to accomplish business objectives. Possess knowledge in all facets of Taft-Hartley Pension and Health and Welfare. Lead minor contract negotiations and provide coaching and council to associate relation managers. Ensure the 12-Month Contract Preparation Process is utilized for minor contracts. Manage labor relations successor planning and development. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic collective bargaining leadership and coaching for minor contracts, leading as chief company representative for assigned "minor" contracts
• Establish bargaining goals and objectives in consultation with division/business unit management and G.O. support staffs
• Collaborate with associate relations managers to ensure preparation and completion of all minor collective bargaining agreements in a timely manner
• Negotiate mid-term Letters of Agreement and interpretation of collective bargaining agreement related to minor contracts
• Provide direction to the division/business units Human Resources leaders on critical projects and negotiations
• Review and, in conjunction with the law department, approve arbitration cases or settlements related to minor contracts
• Participate in overall labor and associate relations strategy planning sessions
• Establish and maintain effective communication with Union, bargaining partners, across divisions and peers
• Work with divisions to assist with the costing of all collective bargaining agreements
• Organize division/business unit labor costing team for identified collective bargaining agreements
• Align with the VP and senior directors of Labor Relations to assure consistency in contract negotiations
• Train division/business unit management and associate relation managers to expand associate and Labor relations expertise
• Coordinate with senior managers of Associate Choice and division/business unit employees to ensure alignment
• Travel 50% to support collective bargaining strategy and trust fund matters
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

Minimum

• 5+ years labor relations experience in contract negotiations with excellent knowledge of wages, healthcare, pension, and operational flexibility
• Strong understanding of industry/technical terms and processes
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to persuade/influence others
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information
• Ability to respond to changing business priorities
• Strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail and ability to draw conclusions
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate and work cooperatively in a team-based environment

Desired

• Bachelor's Degree business, human resources, labor relations or related field
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification

Job Info

• Job Identification 233763
• Job Category Human Resources/Diversity
• Posting Date 09/25/2026, 03:45 PM
• Locations 1014 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you.