Albertsons Companies, Inc.

Director of Labor Relations

Albertsons Companies, Inc. • $100K — $130K *
Itasca, IL 60143In-Person
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctorate (JD) and active state bar membership strongly preferred.
  • Over five years of experience in Labor & Employment law or leading Union negotiations.
  • Exceptional writing and negotiation skills.
  • Experience in cross-functional team environments and achieving consensus.
  • In-depth knowledge of business operations with a strategic vision for long-term objectives.
  • Strong legal expertise in contract writing and interpretation.
  • Proven ability to diplomatically manage relationships with external stakeholders and unions.
  • Familiarity with pension and benefit program administration and costs.

Responsibilities

  • Manage negotiation, implementation, and administration of labor contracts and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Supervise Labor Relations Managers in their interactions with local unions and management.
  • Develop proposals and negotiate terms to meet employee and business needs.
  • Resolve complex employee issues related to contract interpretation and termination.
  • Jointly manage trusts for health and disability benefits, ensuring fiscally responsible administration.
  • Ensure adherence to contract terms and collaborate with management on compliance.
  • Work daily with unions to manage ongoing negotiations and labor issues.
  • Coordinate with payroll and administrative departments for contract enforcement.

Benefits

  • Competitive wages paid weekly.
  • Access to up to 50% of earned wages before payday through partnership with Stream.
  • Associate discounts on products.
  • Comprehensive health and financial benefits including Medical, Dental, and 401(k).
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
  • Commitment to employee training, career growth, and development.
  • Inclusive work environment reflecting diverse communities.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Main responsibilities:

The Director of Labor Relations is responsible for managing, negotiating, administering, and implementing contracts, agreements, bargaining/negotiations and collective bargaining agreements for the Jewel Osco Division including the Melrose Distribution Center and occasionally assist with such work at 1-2 other Divisions in the Eastern United States. This role also regularly handles traditional labor questions/issues, union organizing, interpretation of complex contract terms, policies or rules, discipline/employment related issues as well as serving as a trustee on Taft-Hartley pension and healthcare trust funds. This role further supervises a team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with local unions and local business units. Finally, this role serves as a liaison between the Senior Leadership in the Divisions and the Local Unions regarding all aspects of our business, including technological advances, new business initiatives, changes in the law, efforts to make our business stronger and more viable as well as changes and/or modifications to terms and conditions of employment for our unionized associates.

The position will be based in one of our Jewel Osco regional offices.
  • Work with union representatives to ensure proper administration of contracts.
  • Supervise team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with Local unions, unionized associates, and Division Leadership.
  • Work with management to determine the needs of the business (quality, safety, performance, etc.) and work with union representatives to work towards an agreement. This includes drafting initial proposals and reviewing union requests and feedback. Must negotiate terms that best satisfy the needs of our employees and overall business. Once terms have been agreed upon work on putting together the final contract and communicating the terms to all management and employees as applicable.
  • Act as the subject matter expert on contracts and manage and handle all escalated employee issues or problems related to the interpretation of the contracts. Negotiate and resolve difficult problems including discharge and termination of employees. Partner closely with Human Resources Directors/Vice Presidents for Divisions as needed to manage and administer any resolutions. Provide strategic direction and manage precedent setting issues or cases that come up that could have a significant impact to the business and operations.
  • Jointly manage trusts between labor, management, and third-party service providers. Work with actuaries to determine projected costs and associated expenses to administer and fund different health and disability plan options. Identify and select a contract with third party negotiators (benefit providers, clinics) that will handle the payment and administration of the benefits. Review the benefit financial statements on a quarterly basis and audit/ monitor these accounts to ensure expenses are in line with expectations and that the trusts are properly funded.
  • Collaborate closely with management and ensure that contract terms and rules are properly adhered to.
  • Partner with unions daily to manage day-to-day issues and ongoing contract negotiations. Work with federal and state regulators on compliance and employer requirement standards and laws. Federal and local agencies include DOL, FLSA, ERISA, ADA HIPAA and the EEOC, etc.
  • Works closely with payroll and other administrative departments to ensure proper interpretation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements.
  • Travel - up to 50%

We are looking for candidates who possess the following:
  • Juris Doctorate (JD) and current member of state bar strongly preferred.
  • Five years plus years of experience at a Labor & Employment law firm and/or equivalent experience leading Union negotiations.
  • Excellent writing and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to work in cross functional teams and to work towards a consensus.
  • Knowledge of business operations with the ability to see the long-term. objectives and goals Superior writing and contract development skills required.
  • Legal knowledge as it relates to writing and interpreting contracts.
  • Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult external groups and unions that have completely different objectives Ability to partner with management to determine the business needs and ensure that these areas are captured in the contracts.
  • Knowledge of pension and benefit programs and how they are administered and what they typically cost.
  • Knowledge of jointly managed trusts and how to set them up, administer them and ensure they are performing according to the terms of the agreement.
  • Knowledge of federal and state requirements and agencies including DOL, EEOC, HIPAA, ADA, etc.

We also provide a variety of benefits including:
  • Competitive wages paid weekly
  • Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
  • Associate discounts
  • Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
  • Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits
  • Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
  • An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve

Our Values - Click below to view video: ACI Values

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A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job and are not the official job description for the position. All employees must comply with Company, Division, and Store policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel may vary within store and/or from store to store and the official job description will be provided during the application process.

About Albertsons Companies, Inc.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. Careers

Join the vibrant team at Albertsons Companies, Inc., a leading name in the retail industry, where job opportunities abound and career growth is not just a possibility but a promise. As one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive culture that thrives on diversity, innovation, and leadership.

Work You’ll Do

At Albertsons Companies, Inc., you will be part of a dynamic team that pushes the boundaries of what a retailer can accomplish. With positions ranging from entry-level to senior management, our company offers a path for every ambitious professional eager to advance their career in a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted development programs and leadership training. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our comprehensive benefits package, which supports both personal and professional development. Additionally, our diversity training ensures that everyone, from interns to executives, understands and values the richness that different perspectives bring to our company.

Innovate with Us

Innovation is at the heart of Albertsons Companies, Inc. Whether it’s through cutting-edge technology implementations in our stores or pioneering sustainability practices, our team is always at the forefront of the industry. Join us and contribute to our mission of redefining the grocery shopping experience for millions of customers nationwide.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our employees are our greatest asset, and we empower each one to contribute ideas that drive change and improve our operations. Albertsons Companies, Inc. is not just a company; it’s a community where each member’s input is valued and where every job role is essential to our collective success.

Career Opportunities Await

Whether you’re looking for a direct hiring position, an internship, or a leadership role, Albertsons Companies, Inc. offers a variety of job opportunities to help you achieve your career goals. Our team is continuously expanding, and we are always on the lookout for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players.

Join Our Network

Get connected and stay ahead in your career by leveraging our robust professional networking options. Engage with leaders, gain industry insights, and enhance your skills through comprehensive training and real-world projects.

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Learn more about Albertsons Companies, Inc.
Size
300,000 employees
Industry
Food & Beverages
* Ladders Estimates

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