Labor Relations Manager

The Role 

The Labor Relations Manager will support our internal labor relations function. You will have responsibility for creating a proactive labor relations environment and prioritizing risk assessments, delivering labor-related training modules, responding to third-party campaigns, contract negotiations, administration, internal crisis communication development, and project management for a fast-paced, energetic cannabis company. The role requires at least 7 years of traditional labor relations or labor law experience. This individual will report directly to the Senior Labor Counsel and will partner with the Retail, CPG (manufacturing/wholesale), and Human Resources teams to ensure a positive employee relations environment. No prior cannabis experience is necessary but you must be passionate about your impact in this new and fast-paced environment. 

This role can be based in our Chicago, Illinois, headquarters or can be performed remotely. In either case, the role could require travel up to 50% of your time to visit our operations in 15 states and respond to emerging or time-sensitive issues. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Develop and sustain a pro-employee and third-party free environment 
• Thought partners with Labor Counsel on metric-driven strategies to support GTI nationwide expansion 
• Works with little oversight to develop a proactive or reactive response to third-party interventions 
• Acts a primary spokesperson for the company during workforce crisis management  
• Own the risk assessment process to ensure effective follow-up and closure of issues that drive vulnerability 
• Identify and resolve issues before they reach critical mass 
• Effectively drive labor relations practices and strategies throughout the organization 
• Establishes and maintains labor industry relationships  
• Negotiates as 1st chair for initial contracts and contract renewals 
• Leads training module development, execution, and refinement for best practices 
• Support and lead other initiatives/projects such as policy modification, workforce trends, best practices, etc. as needed 
• Execute and lead internal business partners in response to labor relations matters 
• Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act and other applicable laws 
• Key collaborator with HR and ER staff to implement and maintain proactive, positive employee relations initiatives to reduce risk 
• Oversee labor agreements administration, including advising internal business units on disciplinary and contract interpretation issues and supporting grievance handling  
• Discharge and disciplinary reviews 
• Investigate grievance arbitration as necessary 
• Develops and maintains labor project tracking tools and standard operating procedures 
• Assist with the creation and production of PowerPoint presentations 
• Organizes the Labor Relations SharePoint web page and keeps it up to date 
• Coordinate and liaise with onsite/local leadership 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders 
• Participate in internal policy development  
• Stay abreast of employee engagement best practices and labor trends 
• Familiarity with Labor Peace Agreements  
• Maintain timely internal documentation of board charges, grievance awards, and briefs 
• Work effectively with external counsel 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience required. Master’s Degree or Juris Doctor preferred 
• 7 or more years of traditional labor relations experience in the private sector in a unionized environment  
• Demonstrated knowledge of labor relations in a highly regulated industry such as cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals preferred. 
• Experience assisting management effectively in managing labor organizing campaigns 
• Must possess general knowledge of labor laws, the United States government, the regulatory state, and current labor union events 
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills are a must. 
• Ability to travel ~50% as necessary 
• Ability to simplify and explain complex issues to front-line workers and supervisors 
• Project management skills to see tasks through to completion. 
• Technologically savvy 
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft suite of tools including Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe 
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently in solving daily obstacles. 
• Accuracy, detail-oriented, and confidentiality are a must. 

Additional Requirements 

• Must pass any and all required background checks.  
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry.  

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