Director HR - Labor Relations

Company: Univar
Location: Downers Grove
Posted on: September 14, 2020

Job Description:

Want to work for a company that is reimagining distribution? Join Univar Solutions, the premier global distributor of chemicals and ingredients. Our goal is to function as a direct extension of our customers’ teams; to serve as an ally in their quest of business success.

At Univar Solutions, we’re building on our more than 90 years of experience and drawing on deep resources – inventory and logistics experts, scientists, PhDs, procurement, customer service, sales and marketers-to deliver consultative services and an unmatched portfolio to solve customers’ formulation and operational challenges. When you work for Univar Solutions, you’ll play an important role in shaping how we deliver more than chemical and ingredients.

Director, Human Resources – Labor & Employee Relations

Primary Purpose:

The Director of Labor & Employee Relations is responsible for designing and executing Univar’s overall labor and employee relations strategy, including stakeholder engagement, training and communications. He/She advises business leaders and the HR team on the ‘employee experience’ impact of strategic and operational decisions. In partnership with key stakeholders, develops and recommends strategies and programs to facilitate a positive employee experience and to avoid and/or mitigate labor disruptions and disputes. He or she leads the overall negotiation of and administration of collective bargaining agreements to ensure they are in alignment with the Company's business objectives and legal obligations. This role provides broad expertise in strategic, collaborative, and consultative services in all areas of labor and employee relations.

Labor & Employee Relations Strategy / Organization LR Awareness & Capability

In collaboration with key business leaders, formulates a comprehensive labor and employee relations strategy for Univar. Develops and implements proactive, positive employee relations strategies, including manager training to build organizational awareness and capability. Establishes processes to identify locations with high risk for union organization and creates action plans with local leadership to reduce that risk. Creates Labor Relations programs and resources, incorporating best practices, to serve as tools for the field and to support the goal of alignment, consistency and accountability in the management of labor issues across the organization. Leads the Labor Relations Steering Committee (LRSC).

Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations

Acts as chief negotiator representing management in direct union negotiations; develops the collective bargaining strategy for sites with union representation in collaboration with regional/local management to meet and support overall strategic objectives. Provides overall Labor Relations counsel/support throughout the collective bargaining process.

Union Awareness Program Management

Develops and implements union awareness programs and Univar’s response to union campaigns through planning, positive employee relations programs, site vulnerability assessments, campaign strategies, policy review, education and communications

Labor Issue Management

Reviews and develops responses to grievances; investigates and coordinates responses to formal and informal unfair labor practice charges filed by organizations against the Company. Represents the Company in arbitration proceedings. Advises management on compliance with union contracts; serves as the management representative during interactions with union representatives in meetings, investigations and other union-related activities.

Ethics and Compliance Leadership

Ensures compliance with labor policies, rules, regulations, and all federal, state and local laws; stays current on legal, regulatory and policy developments affecting areas of responsibility and communicates any significant changes to key stakeholders. Develops Univar’s overall investigation approach and process and trains/coaches HR investigators to effectively utilize it; Provides leadership, guidance, and coaching to HR community on EthicsPoint incident/case

LR/ER Policy Review and Development

Formulates, recommends, reviews and updates Human Resources policies and objectives for the Company in areas associated with labor and employee relations. Special Projects as required

Supervisory Responsibility :

No direct supervisory responsibility; high-level individual contributor with deep expertise in functional area.

Education/Experience/Training:

A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in Labor & Employee Relations roles of increasing responsibility within industrial operations/distribution environments with a proven track record of success. A blend experience working in both union and non-union environments preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field. Master’s Degree strongly preferred.

Experience in working across functional and business lines in a multi-site organization

Successful experience navigating and influencing in a complex, highly-matrixed organization

Experience with Continuous Improvement/Lean Six Sigma projects a plus

Specialized Knowledge/Skills:

Progressive experience in a labor leadership role that includes: Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing both comprehensive and reactive LR strategy and plans in close collaboration with operations and business leadership.

Experience as the chief negotiator in contract renewal negotiations and a track record of success in establishing credibility with unions

Experience developing and guiding leadership through union organizing campaigns

Strong track record of creative leadership in the development of labor policy and strategy

Collective Bargaining Knowledge and Experience: Collective bargaining process, union organization process, contract negotiations, grievance handling, and labor and management relationships.

Grievance Resolution: Knowledge of procedures used to investigate and resolve employee grievances.

Thorough knowledge of NLRB regulations, employment law, HR practices and programs and major provisions of labor agreements.

Demonstrates ironclad integrity, engenders trust among peers and colleagues

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to varied audiences, including executives, local management, and front-line employees

Ability to analyze and convey information that demonstrates business acumen that link LR/ER solutions to the execution of the business strategy; operates in role of partner/advisor to the business

Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Ability to travel approximately up to 25% of the time

Physical Demands/Environmental Conditions/Other Requirements:

General office work environment

Business travel may be required

open to candidates on the west coast

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.

We offer comprehensive benefits to employees including medical, dental, STD, LTD and life insurance, 401k, generous PTO and much more.

Keywords: Univar, Downers Grove , Director HR - Labor Relations, Other , Downers Grove, Illinois