Reporting directly to the Group VP Global Field HR & Labor the Director of Labor Relations is responsible for providing advice and guidance on a wide variety of labor and employment issues that arise from the day-to-day operations of a growing, global, foodservice and distribution company. While this position calls for a substantial amount of independence, the Director will operate as part of a small close-knit team of supportive professionals. Additional duties, engagement and oversight relating to GSF’s commercial real estate matters and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives will be specified.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Ensures the company properly administers all collective bargaining agreements effectively. Participates in the negotiation of all labor union negotiations and contracts in conjunction with company leadership to ensure that the approved contract is fair and represents the interests of both the company and the union employees.
2. Owns the GSF Labor Relations Strategy to ensure we interact effectively with GSF’s labor unions, while maintaining the non-union environment where it exists.
3. Responds to grievances under collective bargaining agreements, providing advice and direction.
4. Develops and delivers employment law related training, to include union avoidance training.
5. Provides legal counsel and guidance in all labor and employment areas of the company's business. Performs the necessary research and investigation in developing opinions for such counsel and guidance on topics such as working conditions, safety, workers’ compensation, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act, FMLA, disciplinary actions, and employee complaints and grievances.
6. Manages outside counsel and other professional costs and fees to ensure effective use of resources.
7. Keeps the company's senior management informed of significant labor decisions, legislation, and regulatory rulings that may affect the company's business or policies.
8. Drafts, reviews, analyzes, and negotiates employment-related agreements, including consulting, severance, incentive, non-compete, and confidentiality agreements.
9. Reviews and responds to all government charges (EEOC, etc.) and lawsuits against the company brought forward by third party attorneys related to any and all employment matters.
10. Participates in the review of employment terminations in advance to ensure proper documentation has been submitted in support of the decision and that legal risk has been mitigated.
11. Participates and assists in various company commercial real estate matters.
12. Participates and leads various company Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives specified in Company’s 2020 CSR Plan.
13. Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary.

SUPPORT FUNCTIONS:

1. Employment Related Matters

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited top-tier law school or equivalent relevant and continuous experience in labor relations.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience focused on labor and employment matters, ideally with practice as an Associate at a prominent law firm, with a strong background in labor and employment law
• Labor law experience required, and experience with complex and traditional labor would be looked upon favorably
• Experience with negotiating commercial agreement and commercial real estate matters

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):

• Experience in Negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements (E)
• Experience in Union Grievances (E)
• Experience in arbitration hearings (E)
• Spreadsheet software (J)
• PowerPoint presentation software (J)
• Database management (J)

Skill and ability to:

• Demonstration superior organization and project management skills
• Show sound analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project-management and planning skills, with strong self-awareness, and honed diplomacy skills
• Display excellent written, verbal, and communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, and reasoning), with an ability to listen actively and to communicate effectively throughout all levels of the organization
• Detail-oriented, resourceful and able to manage shifting priorities
• Project a professional demeanor and ability to interact at the executive level with persuasiveness and confidence.
• Work with and influence peers and senior management
• Interact successfully with other GSF employees and representatives of external organizations
• Travel via airplane and drive an automobile
• Manage assigned projects and ensure completion within expected timeframes and budgets, if applicable
• Act in accordance with GSF’s Values and Creed

LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Not applicable

PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES

• An action-oriented individual who proactively partners with business leaders to collaborate and resolve challenges
• Productivity/quality standards: accuracy, timeliness, and thoroughness
• Organization and attention to detail
• Teamwork within the department and across departments
• Project/assignment standards
• Customer satisfaction
• Responsiveness to direct supervision

The expected Compensation range for this position is $170,000 - $190,000. 

Location, confirmed job-related skills, education, experience and relevant training will be considered in setting actual starting salary.