Job description
Join Midwest IR Partners, a leading specialist in industrial relations and labor strategy. We partner with manufacturers, logistics and energy sectors to navigate complex labor environments, drive performance, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
As a Senior Industrial Relations Specialist, you will lead strategic labor relations initiatives, advise executives, and represent the company in negotiations and arbitration as needed. This role combines policy development, risk assessment, and collaborative stakeholder engagement to create sustainable, high-performing workplaces.
We offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and a clear path for career growth in a dynamic market.
Responsibility
- Lead and develop industrial relations strategies across multiple business units, aligning with business goals and union relationships
- Manage collective bargaining processes, negotiate settlements, and monitor agreement implementation to protect productivity and compliance
- Provide expert counsel on labor law, risk assessment, and dispute resolution to executives and site managers
- Partner with HR, operations, and legal teams to resolve workplace conflicts and minimize disruption
- Lead investigations into grievances and potential labor disputes with due process and confidentiality
- Design and implement policy updates, training programs, and communications for employees and managers
- Analyze workforce data and labor trends to inform strategy and forecast future needs
- Represent the company in external negotiations, mediations, and regulatory inquiries when required
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial relations, law, human resources, or a related field; master’s degree preferred
- 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial relations, labor law, or union negotiation in manufacturing or logistics
- Strong knowledge of federal and state labor laws, collective bargaining processes, and arbitration procedures
- Proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills with a track record of reducing grievances and improving productivity
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities across all organizational levels
- Ability to analyze data-driven trends and translate insights into actionable strategies
- Experience leading investigations with adherence to due process and confidentiality
- Professional certification in IR or HR (e.g., CCP, SHRM-SCP) is a plus