JE Dunn Construction

Labor Relations Director

JE Dunn Construction$100K — $130K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Required)
  • 10+ years of labor relations experience in the construction industry, particularly in union environments (Required)
  • Strong knowledge of labor laws, grievance procedures, and arbitration processes (Required)
  • Proven experience in grievance handling and collective bargaining negotiations (Preferred)
  • 0-2 years of experience managing teams (Preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee labor relations strategy, policy development, and compliance for unionized projects
  • Negotiate, interpret, and administer collective bargaining agreements while managing grievance procedures
  • Participate in dispute resolution and disciplinary hearings with HR and union teams
  • Educate and ensure accurate processing of union-related matters in collaboration with HR and Operations
  • Facilitate pre-job meetings with union leaders at both national and local levels
  • Develop contingency plans for job actions, such as walkouts or disputes
  • Maintain positive relationships with union representatives, employees, and company leadership

Benefits

  • Professional Non-Union benefits package with details available via link
  • Career path opportunities available
  • Support for staffing strategies and apprentice programs
  • Culture of safety and accountability emphasized in management
Full Job Description
Role Summary

The Labor Relations Director will lead the strategic development and execution of labor relations programs across the organization, with a focus on unionized construction environments. This role is responsible for negotiating, interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements, managing grievance and arbitration processes, and fostering strong labor-management relationships. The Director will serve as the company's subject matter expert on union matters and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and alignment with project needs, labor laws, and union contracts. All activities will be performed in support of the strategy, vision, and values of JE Dunn.
  • Autonomy & Decision-Making: Makes decisions within defined limits of authority and consults supervisor on other decisions.
  • Career Path: Various


Key Role Responsibilities - Core

LABOR RELATIONS LEADERSHIP FAMILY - CORE
  • Lead and oversee labor relations strategy, policy development, and compliance across all unionized projects
  • Negotiate, interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements; manage grievance procedures and arbitration processes
  • Participates in dispute resolution and disciplinary hearings in collaboration with Human Resources, union and operations teams
  • Partner with HR, Payroll, Operations to provide education and ensure accurate processing and reporting of union-related matters and contract compliance
  • Facilitate pre-job meetings with union leaders at national and local levels
  • Ensure timely responses to governing committees
  • Develop contingency plans for job actions (e.g., walkouts, complaints, arbitrations)
  • Resolve jurisdictional disputes and grievances, lead coordination of national trade programs
  • Provide labor relations training to project supervision
  • Maintain positive relationships with union representatives, employees, and company leadership
  • Ensure labor relations activities do not adversely affect other business units
  • Partners with HR to support staffing strategies, including sourcing outside regional markets and optimizing apprentice and trainee programs
  • Lead and mentor direct reports; promote a culture of safety and accountability


Key Role Responsibilities - Additional Core

N/A

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Ability to perform work accurately and completely, and in a timely manner
  • Ability to conduct effective presentations; present complex information in a clear, concise manner to cross-functional stakeholders
  • Communication skills, verbal and written - Advanced
  • Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Advanced knowledge of labor laws, grievance procedures, and arbitration processes
  • Effective investigative and analytical skills
  • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement in labor relations practices
  • Commitment to safety and compliance in all labor-related activities
  • Ability to adapt and respond to dynamic situations
  • Ability to read a situation and make sound assessments and recommendations
  • Ability to rely on a heightened sense of organizational awareness
  • Ability to speak confidently in large groups with executive presence
  • Ability to build relationships and collaborate within a team, internally and externally


Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field (Required)
  • Master's or other advanced degree (Preferred)
  • In lieu of the above requirements, relevant experience will be considered


Experience

  • 10+ years of experience in labor relations within the construction industry with significant exposure to union environments required.
  • Proven experience in grievance handling, arbitration, and collective bargaining negotiations (Preferred)
  • 0-2 years of experience in managing teams (Preferred)


Working Environment
  • Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds
  • May require extensive periods of overnight travel
  • Normal office environment
  • Frequent activity: Sitting, Viewing Computer Screen
  • Occasional activity: Standing, Walking, Reaching above Shoulder


Benefits Information

The benefits package aligned to this position is Professional Non-Union. Please click the link below for more details.

Click here for benefits details

This role is expected to accept applications for at least three business days and may continue to be posted until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.

JE Dunn Construction Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of JE Dunn Construction without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of JE Dunn Construction Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Requisition ID: 62321

About JE Dunn Construction

JE Dunn Construction is a commercial general contractor based in Kansas City, Missouri. The company was founded in 1924 by John Ernest Dunn and has since grown to become one of the largest construction companies in the United States. JE Dunn Construction has completed many high-profile projects, including the Sprint Center in Kansas City and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The company has won numerous awards for its work, including several AGC Build America Awards and ENR Best Projects Awards. JE Dunn Construction is committed to sustainability and has completed many LEED-certified projects.
Learn more about JE Dunn Construction
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1924

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