Department: Labor Relations

Reports To: V.P. of Labor Relations

Location: Corporate Office- Edwardsville, IL 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, Thrift, Life Insurance  

Position Overview

The Director of Labor Relations is a key member of the Labor Relations leadership team and works in close partnership with the Vice President of Labor Relations and the Senior Director of Labor Relations to support the organization’s labor relations strategy. Together, the team oversees collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, grievance administration, Joint Area Committee meetings, and ongoing union engagement, while collaboration with Operations, Legal, and Human Resources to ensure consistent interpretation and application of CBAs, compliance with applicable labor laws, and effective resolution of labor-related matters. The Director plays an active role in preparing for and participating in negotiations, managing grievances and disputes, and fostering constructive labor-management relationships that support operational stability and a productive workforce. 

Key Responsibilities

Collective Bargaining & Union Engagement

• Collaborate with the Labor Relations team to develop, implement, and support the organization’s labor relations strategy across all unionized and labor-sensitive locations. 
• Partner with labor relations leadership and executive stakeholders to provide insight and guidance on labor relations trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor the labor relations environment and proactively identify potential issues impacting employee relations, productivity, or compliance, elevating concerns and recommendations to the labor relations leadership team as appropriate. 
• Work closely with Human Resources, Operations, and leadership partners to align labor relations strategy with broader workforce, culture, and performance initiatives. 

Collective Bargaining & Union Engagement

• Lead preparation for and execution of collective bargaining negotiations, including strategy development, costing, proposal drafting, and negotiations. 
• Act as the primary point of contact with union leadership and external labor representatives.
• Interpret, administer, and ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements.
• Maintain constructive labor-management relationships while protecting the organization’s interests.

Grievances, Disputes & Arbitration

• Oversee the grievance process, ensuring timely, consistent, and compliant responses for escalated matters.
• Lead or support grievance meetings, mediation efforts, and arbitration proceedings.
• Coordinate with leadership and external legal team, as needed.
• Analyze grievance and arbitration outcomes to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including the National Labore Relations Act (NLRA) and applicable state regulations.
• Stay current on labor law developments and assess organizational impact.
• Provide guidance and training to leaders and HR partners on labor law compliance, union-related matters, and effective labor relations practices. 
• Support audit readiness and documentation related to labor relations activities

Leadership, Training & Partnership

• Coach and support HR and Operations leaders on managing unionized environments and labor-related issues.
• Develop and deliver labor relations training for leaders, HR teams, and management.
• Collaborate with Operations, Safety, Payroll, Benefits, and other functions to ensure alignment with CBAs and labor agreements. 
• Support organizational change initiatives (restructuring, acquisitions, facility changes) from a labor relations perspective. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive labor relations experience, including direct experience with collective bargaining and union negotiations. 
• Strong working knowledge of labor and employment laws and union environments.
• Proven experience managing grievances, arbitrations, and labor disputes.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and advise senior leaders in a complex, multi-location organization.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Master’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in manufacturing, food production, transportation, or other labor-intensive industries.
• Experience supporting multi-state or multi-union environments.
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or similar professional certification.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to proficiently operate computers with experience using Microsoft Suites (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain comprehensive records and notes
• Ability to identify issues and concerns as they arise and assist in developing plans for resolution

Required Soft Skills:

• Ability to be a self-starter and work without direct supervision
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• The ability to collaborate and engage with others outside of the department
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and on the phone

Competency

• Labor Strategy & Risk Asse
• Collective Bargaining & Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation 
• Executive Presence & Influence
• Compliance & Legal Acumen
• Relationship Management 
• Change Management

Working Conditions and Travel

• (S)he will be required to sit and stand for long periods of time. 
• Will be required to lift and move large amounts of paperwork (boxes of files). 
• Will be required to stoop, bend, and reach above the head and below the knees to file and retrieve data.
• Travel required to unionized locations, negotiation sessions, and hearings (estimated 20-30%)
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support negotiations, grievances, or operational needs

About Prairie Farms – “Farmer Owned. Locally Produced. Since 1938.”

We are a farmer-owned cooperative. This means we are owned and operated by over 800+ farm families who are critical members of society. They have selflessly taken on the tremendous task of producing nutritious, high-quality milk for a growing population, which requires being on the job 24/7, 365 days a year.

We have represented American agriculture since our founding in 1938. Many of our dairy farms are operated by several generations of family members with roots dating back to the 1800s. On average, each farm milks around 120 cows and everyone pitches in to keep them happy and healthy - which means around-the-clock care!

Our Mission:

• To produce dairy products of the highest quality
• To conduct our business with professional integrity
• To exceed expectations of our customers and consumers
• To support our communities in a positive, sustainable manner
• To deliver exceptional patronage to our network of farm families
• To simply “do right” for our farm families, employees, and communities

EEO Statement

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.