Labor Relations Director

Join a great team where people are at the heart of everything we do!

Sodexo is seeking a Labor Relations Director to manage labor relations activity across an assigned territory including leading labor negotiations, interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements and grievance procedures, and building constructive union relationships. This position requires significant travel, up to 50%. 

Preference is for candidates who live in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic region (NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia PA, Washington, D.C.)  

The successful candidate will:

• Prepare collective bargaining agreement negotiation strategies, act as Company’s chief spokesperson in negotiations with multiple international unions and perform post-negotiations tasks resulting in a signed labor agreement. 
• Assist and support labor contract administration to include grievance resolution and arbitration advocacy, among other related tasks.
• Administer the Company's labor relations policy subject to management guidance and approval.
• Review and evaluate collective bargaining agreements, provide accurate costing analysis, identify risks, and develop solutions to mitigate risk and support operations and sales objectives.
• Develop and maintain constructive union relationships.
• Partner with sales, retention, operations, HR, legal, and others to develop and execute labor relations strategies that promote profitable growth of Sodexo, engagement of employees, and compliance with Sodexo policies and applicable laws.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant political, economic, legal, and market developments and trends.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who have:

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• A Master’s degree in a related field or J.D. is a plus
• At least 3 - 10 years of labor negotiations experience as the chief spokesperson
• Strong experience with all aspects of labor relations, including knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act, Taft-Hartley Act, Canadian Labor laws, global labor standards, and other labor regulations, acts, or laws and Sodexo policies; union organizing campaigns and recognition processes; the collective bargaining process, multi-employer bargaining, and contract negotiation; labor contract interpretation and administration, handling of grievances, mediation, and arbitration; business acquisition and divestiture; NLRB proceedings; and constructive engagement with labor organizations
• Demonstrated experience with human resources matters, including EEO, an inclusion culture, employee relations and engagement, safety & health, compensation & benefits, training & talent development, and talent management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with all levels of management, front-line employees, and labor unions
• Ability to leverage a collaborative and supportive approach to lead and motivate teams and end-to-end management of negotiations
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, not required

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience – 7 years   

Minimum Functional Experience - 7 years labor relations experience in lead negotiating role.