Senior Labor Relations Strategist — CBA Negotiations Lead

Constellation; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 129,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Constellation in Warrenville, Illinois, is seeking a Principal Labor Relations Specialist to provide strategic guidance on CBAs, labor strategy, and dispute resolution. You will partner with management, legal counsel, and union leadership to support positive labor relations while protecting Constellation’s objectives.

The role requires leading negotiations as first chair, guiding leaders, and delivering labor relations training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, or a related field.
• 8 years of progressive experience in labor relations or employee relations, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Experience handling complex and sensitive issues requiring sound judgment and independent decision making.
• Experience working with employees at all levels of the organization including senior leadership and union representatives.
• Proven ability to lead in a high-performance culture with the ability to manage by influence.
• Strong analytical skills the ability to clearly communicate complex concepts in speaking and writing.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage labor and management activities within the assigned business unit.
• Assist business unit management in day-to-day labor activities, including the formulating of responses to union related inquiries.
• Provide expert consultation on disciplines, terminations, grievances, arbitrations, and union-related matters, ensuring consistent application of CBAs and company policies.
• Lead negotiations as first chair and company spokesperson in grievance proceedings or other labor relations meetings at the direction of the Employee and Labor Relations Senior Manager or Director.
• Provide support to the Director of Corporate Employee/Labor Relations in all negotiations.
• Consults with Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Union Officers, and attorneys on labor strategy and policies, dispute resolution, contract administration, and negotiations.
• Research, analyze, interpret, and prepare contract language and background information to support company interest and positions.
• Deliver labor and employee relations training to leaders, HR professionals, and frontline management.
• Lead or support due diligence efforts related to labor relations in mergers, acquisitions, or reorganizations.
• Operate independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong communication and collaboration within the Labor Relations team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership by influence

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Labor Relations, Business, or related field

Advanced degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Constellation in Warrenville, Illinois, is seeking a Principal Labor Relations Specialist to provide strategic guidance on CBAs, labor strategy, and dispute resolution. You will partner with management, legal counsel, and union leadership to support positive labor relations while protecting Constellation’s objectives.

The role requires leading negotiations as first chair, guiding leaders, and delivering labor relations training.