Job description
SummitWorks Industries is seeking an experienced Industrial Relations Manager to lead strategic labor relations initiatives across our manufacturing and logistics operations in New York City. The ideal candidate negotiates proactively with unions, implements fair employment policies, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters constructive employee relations to drive operational excellence.
In this role you will partner with HR, Legal, and Operations to design policies, respond to grievances, and manage risk while maintaining a productive and safe workplace culture.
Responsibility
- Lead and manage all industrial relations matters, including collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and union relationships across NY operations.
- Develop and implement labor policies, grievance procedures, and effective conflict resolution frameworks.
- Advise executives and site leaders on labor law compliance, risk mitigation, and strategic change management.
- Coordinate with HR, Legal, and Operations to respond to investigations, audits, and regulatory changes.
- Lead union negotiations and contract renewals, balancing business needs with workforce stability.
- Design and deliver training for managers on employee relations, performance management, and policy adherence.
- Monitor workplace relations metrics and employee engagement to drive continuous improvement.
- Provide guidance on disciplinary actions, whistleblower protections, and incident investigations while preserving fairness.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Law, or related field; JD or labor law background preferred.
- 7+ years of industrial relations, labor relations, or HR experience, including unionized environments.
- Strong knowledge of US labor laws (NLRA, FMLA, state regulations) and compliance frameworks.
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven experience handling investigations, grievances, and policy development with discretion and integrity.
- Track record of successful contract negotiations and multi-site IR program management.
- Analytical mindset with data-driven decision making; proficiency with HRIS and analytics tools.