Strategic HR Leader, Multi-Site Unionized Manufacturing

Upstate Niagara Cooperative; City of Batavia (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, based in Rochester, NY, seeks an experienced HR leader to oversee functions across multiple unionized dairy plants and the distribution team. The ideal candidate has deep union experience, strategic vision, and strong change management skills.

This role focuses on guiding HR policies, labor relations, employee engagement, and culture initiatives, while partnering with senior management to drive performance, compliance, and workforce development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years HR experience with labor relations, culture, and change management in a unionized setting.
• Proven leadership across multiple sites or plants.
• Comprehensive understanding of labor laws, CBAs, and union processes.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or equivalent certifications preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR across multiple unionized plants and Rochester-area distribution team.
• Lead negotiations and administer collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
• Manage grievance resolution processes and investigations.
• Foster employee engagement, morale and productivity across plants.
• Guide change management and organizational development initiatives.
• Provide strategic HR leadership to plant HR teams and senior management.

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership

Labor Relations

Negotiation

Change Management

Employee Engagement

Coaching & Mentoring

Communication

Matrix Management

HRIS

Education

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

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, based in Rochester, NY, seeks an experienced HR leader to oversee functions across multiple unionized dairy plants and the distribution team. The ideal candidate has deep union experience, strategic vision, and strong change management skills.

This role focuses on guiding HR policies, labor relations, employee engagement, and culture initiatives, while partnering with senior management to drive performance, compliance, and workforce development.