Job description

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, “I can’t live without them.”

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 17,500 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash’s People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location: 850 76th Street S.W. - Byron Center, Michigan 49315

Job Description:
Position Summary:
This role is responsible for Labor/Union Relations work is focused on representing the organization in labor relations including Negotiating, interpreting, and administering union/labor collective bargaining agreements. Monitoring compliance with agreements, administering grievance procedures, and participating in arbitration. Building and maintaining relations with Trade/Labor Unions. May be responsible for developing union-avoidance programs at nonunion facilities, and for coordinating decertification activities at union facilities.

Here’s what you’ll do:
Provide guidance to the supply chain management team and human resources regarding interpretation and administration of employees' contracts with respect to grievances, wages, healthcare benefits, pensions, union practices, and other stipulations.
Full accountability for the negotiation and administration of the collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiate collective bargaining agreements covering 1,500 associates on behalf of the company upon expiration.
Work with the Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations teams to determine cost of contract goals and model implications of contractual decisions.
Represent the company for arbitrations and provide counsel to managers and HR Business partners on management of grievances.
Lead and support the organizations positive associate relations/union free strategy for our 18,000 non-union associates.
Develop and implement union risk assessment by location; review current union avoidance training and update as needed.
Deliver union avoidance training.
Partner with Management and HR Leadership Team on an overall positive employee relations strategy.
Partner with benefits on administration of union healthcare and pension plans.

Here’s what you’ll need:
10+ years of deep labor relations experience, including labor and associate relations, contract negotiations, and union healthcare and pension plans. Preferably labor experience with the Teamsters.
15+ years of professional experience in Labor Relations, HR, Legal, or General Business functions.
Master's degree preferred.
Supreme negotiation skills and business acumen.
Multi-site responsibility, union experience; warehousing, supply chain, environment. Extensive knowledge of multi-state and federal laws, including EEOC, ADA, NLRA, Title VII, OFCCP, etc.
Ability to develop and present recommendations at the executive leadership level that are aligned to the business strategy.
Articulate and able to express an independent point of view and will be comfortable (appropriately) challenging conventional wisdom.
Proven history of building and executing upon Labor Relations and Labor Avoidance strategies based on a nuanced understanding of the organization’s culture.
Able to be an influential change agent who will challenge mindsets and inspire new points of view.
Data driven with the ability to communicate strategic or complex concepts in an understandable manner to all levels of associates.
Proven experience taking a systemic approach to solving problems and improving processes.
Travel required 25%.
Communication: Communicates well one-on-one, in small groups and in public speaking events. Fluent, quick on feet, command of language. Keeps people informed.
Strategic Skills: Determines opportunities and threats through comprehensive analysis of current and future trends. Comprehends the big picture.
Resourcefulness/Initiative: Passionately finds ways over, around, or through barriers to success. Achieves results despite a lack of resources. Goes beyond the call of duty. Shows bias for action. A results-oriented “doer.”
Training/Development/Coaching: Actively and successfully trains people. Coaches and develops for promotion into positions where they succeed. People builder and leader.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings. Travel requirements vary by assignment.
As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package .

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran, that celebrates diversity and believes employing a diverse workforce is key to our success. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.

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