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Senior Labor Relations Manager

Cincinnati, OH, United StatesPosted Sep 25, 2026

Job description

Lead the collective bargaining process in partnership with associate communications related to �minor� collective bargaining agreements. Achieve labor costs to be market competitive and drive associate engagement. Partner with the divisions/business units, executives, and General Office (G.O.) support functions to implement labor strategy.

Advise and support activities of the division/business unit staffs in developing effective contract administration plans for �minor� collective bargaining agreements. Develop productive relationships with local union leadership to accomplish business objectives. Possess knowledge in all facets of Taft-Hartley Pension and Health and Welfare.

Lead �minor� contract negotiations and provide coaching and council to associate relation managers. Ensure the 12-Month Contract Preparation Process is utilized for �minor� contracts. Manage labor relations successor planning and development. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

  • Provide strategic collective bargaining leadership and coaching for �minor� contracts, leading as chief company representative for assigned "minor" contracts
  • Establish bargaining goals and objectives in consultation with division/business unit management and G.O. support staffs
  • Collaborate with associate relations managers to ensure preparation and completion of all �minor� collective bargaining agreements in a timely manner
  • Negotiate mid-term Letters of Agreement and interpretation of collective bargaining agreement related to �minor� contracts
  • Provide direction to the division/business units Human Resources leaders on critical projects and negotiations
  • Review and, in conjunction with the law department, approve arbitration cases or settlements related to �minor� contracts
  • Participate in overall labor and associate relations strategy planning sessions
  • Establish and maintain effective communication with Union, bargaining partners, across divisions and peers
  • Work with divisions to assist with the costing of all collective bargaining agreements
  • Organize division/business unit labor costing team for identified collective bargaining agreements
  • Align with the VP and senior directors of Labor Relations to assure consistency in contract negotiations
  • Train division/business unit management and associate relation managers to expand associate and Labor relations expertise
  • Coordinate with senior managers of Associate Choice and division/business unit employees to ensure alignment
  • Travel 50% to support collective bargaining strategy and trust fund matters
  • Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation Minimum - 5+ years labor relations experience in contract negotiations with excellent knowledge of wages, healthcare, pension, and operational flexibility
  • Strong understanding of industry/technical terms and processes
  • Strong negotiation skills and ability to persuade/influence others
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information
  • Ability to respond to changing business priorities
  • Strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail and ability to draw conclusions
  • Excellent oral/written communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate and work cooperatively in a team-based environment Desired
  • Bachelor's Degree business, human resources, labor relations or related field
  • PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification

Description copied from The Kroger Co.'s careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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