Director, Labor & Employee Relations (Northfield, IL) (Finance)

Job Summary

The Director of Labor & Employee Relations plays a critical leadership role within our organization, directly reporting to the Vice President of Labor and Employee Relations. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive labor relations strategies across our distribution and manufacturing facilities, with a priority focus on sustaining and fostering a positive, proactive work culture.

This individual will be the organization's subject matter expert on labor relations and will act as a pivotal resource to leadership on best-in-class employee engagement practices. The Director of Labor Relations will demonstrate strong executive presence while connecting authentically with a diverse and dynamic workforce at all levels.

Job Description

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement our labor relations strategy across distribution and manufacturing locations with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Monitor and analyze external and internal trends to proactively address areas of vulnerability; and develop comprehensive action plans.
• Partner closely with facility, regional, and corporate leaders to ensure alignment on labor relations objectives drive forward with the PULSE team the best-in-class employee relations practices that strengthen direct relationships with employees.
• Maintain a visible presence across all company sites, fostering trust and open communication with frontline employees. Act as a listening post for issues, concerns, and suggestions from employees, ensuring prompt follow-up and resolution.
• Lead and facilitate robust training programs for all levels of management and supervision on effective employee relations, policy enforcement, and positive workplace culture. Develop training content to reflect the latest trends, legal updates, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and Legal to develop policies and procedures that uphold a positive work environment, consistent with applicable laws and organizational goals and reduce risks of third-party intervention. Ensure policies are consistently communicated, interpreted, and applied across all sites.
• Serve as a mediator and problem solver for complex labor and employment matters, working to resolve issues before they escalate. Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws, regulations, and internal standards.
• Responsible for working with cross functional partners to develop predictive labor organizing and employee sentiment analytics. Utilize data to inform strategy and recommend strategic changes to leadership.
• Ensure effective communication, transparency, and consistency in messaging across all levels of the organization.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in labor relations, with substantial experience managing union organizing campaigns and labor relations strategies in a distribution and/or manufacturing setting.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of relevant labor laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Exceptional executive presence, interpersonal, and communication skills; proven ability to connect with diverse employee groups at all organizational levels.
• Experience designing and leading management and employee training sessions and workshops.
• Ability to travel 50-75% and maintain a visible, hands-on presence at various company locations
• Flexible schedule to accommodate site visits and meetings across multiple shifts, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be comfortable interacting with employees in industrial, operational, and office environments.
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust and credibility with both leadership and frontline employees.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.

Medline Industries, LP, and its subsidiaries, offer a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.

The anticipated salary range for this position:

$152,880.00 - $229,320.00 Annual

The actual salary will vary based on applicant's location, education, experience, skills, and abilities. This role is bonus and/or incentive eligible. Medline will not pay less than the applicable minimum wage or salary threshold.

Our benefit package includes health insurance, life and disability, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, etc., for employees working 30 or more hours per week on average. For a more comprehensive list of our benefits please click here. For roles where employees work less than 30 hours per week, benefits include 401(k) contributions as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups and the Employee Service Corp.

We're dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career. We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best. Explore our Belonging page here.

Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodivergence, protected veteran status, marital or family status, caregiver responsibilities, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.