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

What you'll receive from us:

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 with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
• 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.