Job description
Join Apex Industrial Solutions, a leading manufacturing partner in New York State, committed to ethical labor practices, workforce development, and sustainable growth. We are seeking a Senior Industrial Relations Manager to lead labor relations strategy across multiple Northeast facilities.
You will partner with HR leadership to navigate union relationships, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with practical execution, and has a proven track record of de-escalating workplace disputes and fostering productive labor management partnerships.
In this role, you will influence policy, support operations, and drive outcomes that balance employee engagement with business objectives, while representing the company with clarity and integrity in all labor relations matters.
Responsibility
- Develop and execute a comprehensive industrial relations strategy across multiple facilities to support business goals.
- Negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements; serve as primary counsel in labor relations matters.
- Provide guidance to HR, operations, and management on discipline, grievances, investigations, and policy interpretation to minimize risk.
- Lead labor relations activities including grievance handling, arbitration, and dispute resolution with unions and employee representatives.
- Monitor compliance with NLRA, wage-and-hour laws, OSHA, and other applicable regulations; develop policies that align with business needs.
- Analyze workforce data and trends to inform IR strategy, cost control, and productivity improvements.
- Coach and mentor HR business partners and site managers on best practices in employee relations and union negotiations.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial or labor relations within manufacturing or industrial sectors.
- Proven track record in collective bargaining and contract negotiation; experience with unions and labor representatives.
- Strong knowledge of NLRA and applicable state labor laws; compliance-driven mindset.
- Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Analytical thinker with experience using HRIS, data analytics, and policy development.
- Strategic thinker with business acumen; able to influence at the executive level; occasional travel required (up to 20-30%).