Job description
We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Industrial Relations Manager to lead our labor relations initiatives for a leading manufacturing organization in Chicago. You will partner with executive leadership, plant managers, and unions to ensure productive relations, compliant practices, and sustainable business outcomes. The ideal candidate blends deep knowledge of labor law with exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
In this role, you will shape ER strategy, oversee collective bargaining processes, manage grievance procedures, and implement policy improvements across multiple sites. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment and bring a data-driven approach to measure outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
Responsibility
- Lead development and execution of industrial relations strategy across multiple facilities, aligning with business goals and compliance requirements.
- Oversee collective bargaining negotiations, prepare proposals, and manage agreements to maximize value and minimize risk.
- Advise leadership on employment law, dispute resolution, disciplinary processes, and risk mitigation.
- Collaborate with HR, EHS, operations, and union representatives to address workplace issues and implement solutions.
- Design and manage grievance procedures, investigations, and disciplinary hearings to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- Monitor labor trends, benchmark performance, and implement policy changes to improve productivity and engagement.
- Develop training for managers on labor relations, investigations, and ethical decision-making.
- Lead change management initiatives related to organizational restructuring, site expansions, or workforce reductions with compliance and sensitivity.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field; advanced degree or IR certification preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive industrial relations experience within manufacturing or heavy industry; union environment experience highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws; experience with multi-site bargaining a plus.
- Proven track record in collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance resolution.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and communication skills with the ability to build credibility with executives, managers, and union representatives.
- Analytical mindset with data-driven approach to metrics, trend analysis, and performance improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, handle sensitive investigations, and maintain confidentiality; high integrity and ethical standards.
- Proficiency with HRIS, case management systems, and MS Office; familiarity with labor relations software is a plus.