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The Director of Labor Relations provides enterprise-level leadership for labor relations across Network Operations, serving as a primary authority on union engagement, collective bargaining strategy, and labor risk management. This role is responsible for designing, executing, and sustaining proactive labor relations strategies that support operational continuity, workforce stability, regulatory compliance, and long term business objectives. Operating as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the Director partners closely with Operations, Human Resources, Legal, and Finance to navigate complex unionized environments, lead collective bargaining negotiations, resolve disputes, and manage labor-related transformation initiatives. The role requires deep expertise in U.S. labor law, strong executive presence, and the ability to balance business priorities with constructive union relationships in a high-volume, time-critical logistics environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Labor Relations Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and lead a comprehensive labor relations strategy aligned with Network Operations objectives, ensuring consistency, compliance, and risk mitigation across all unionized locations.
• Serve as the senior labor relations authority for hubs and facilities, providing strategic counsel on workforce planning, operational changes, and labor-sensitive initiatives.
• Anticipate and proactively address labor relations risks through data analysis, trend monitoring, and scenario planning.

Collective Bargaining & Union Engagement

• Lead end-to-end collective bargaining negotiations, including preparation of negotiation strategy, economic modeling, stakeholder alignment contract drafting, and post-ratification implementation.
• Establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with union leadership, fostering open dialogue, transparency, and constructive problem-solving.
• Provide guidance to operational leaders on contract interpretation, application, and consistent enforcement of collective bargaining agreements.

Dispute Resolutions & Compliance

• Oversee the resolution of labor disputes, grievances, arbitrations, and labor board matters, ensuring fair, timely, and compliant outcomes.
• Partner closely with Legal and HR to ensure adherence to all applicable labor laws and regulations, including NLRA, FMLA, OSHA, and related federal and state requirements.
• Represent the organization, directly or through counsel, in labor board proceedings, arbitrations, and external labor-related forums as required.

Executive Advisory & Change Management

• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on labor implications of organizational change , including workforce restructuring, operational realignments, expansions , closures, and policy changes.
• Support major business initiatives by integrating labor relations considerations into planning and execution, minimizing disruption and maintaining operational continuity.
• Provide clear, data-driven recommendations to leadership on labor cost, risk exposure, and workforce sustainability.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, develop, and mentor the labor relations team , ensuring high performance, professional growth, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Build a structured labor relations capability through skill matrix development, succession planning, and targeted training initiatives.
• Establish standard processes, playbooks, and governance models to ensure consistency and scalability across the region.

Analytics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Leverage labor metrics, grievance data, arbitration outcomes, and workforce trends to inform strategy and continuous improvement.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and labor relations trends, translating insights into actionable strategies and leadership briefings.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen labor relations effectiveness, negotiation outcomes, and operational alignment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

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

Experience:

• 10+years of progressive labor relations experience, including 3-5 years in a senior or director-level leadership role.
• Proven track record of leading complex collective bargaining negotiations and managing labor disputes in unionized environments.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. labor and employment laws, including NLRA, FMLA, OSHA, and related regulations.
• Strategic leadership with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and operational leaders.
• Exceptional negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management skills.
• Strong judgement and discretion in handling sensitive labor matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex labor issues into clear business implications.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, operationally intensive environments.

Skills:

• Data Interpretation & Analysis: Ability to analyze labor metrics, trends, and financial data to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Contingency & Risk Planning: Develop and execute contingency plans to mitigate labor disruptions and operational risk.
• Vendor & External Communications: Represent DHL in labor-related communications with vendors, third parties, and external stakeholders as appropriate.
• Capability & Skill Matrix Development: Assess team capabilities, identify skill gaps, and implement development strategies to strengthen organizational readiness.

Other important information about this position:

• Position may be based in any DHL Express location within the Americas region.
• Requires weekday (Monday-Friday) onsite or hybrid attendance depending on location.
• Regional travel up to 50% required.
• DHL Express will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job duties.