Director, Labor Relations
Hackensack Meridian Health
Edison, NJ
Description Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change. Reporting to VP, TMLR & Employment Counsel, the Director, Labor Relations will develop, deliver, and maintain a business-focused labor relations strategy across the HMH network in order to maximize business results and maintain a productive work environment. The Dir, Labor Relations will lead a team of labor relations specialists responsible for providing advice and counsel to resolve labor relations issues (disciplines, complaints, grievances, and investigations), as well as proactive engagement activities (climate assessments, conflict and team dynamic resolution, etc.). The Dir, Labor Relations partner with management and local union leadership to maintain, enhance, and optimize credible union relationships in support of business goals. The Dir, Labor Relations ensures compliance with all federal, state and local laws, CBAs, HMH policies, and Joint Commission and other regulatory standards. Responsibilties A day in the life of a Director, Labor Relations at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:
- Develops, implements, and administers Labor Relations programs by interpreting the HMH policies, union Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and recommending corrective discipline and performance management.
- Serves as subject matter expert for the handling of all labor/management issues including Union grievances. Leads collective bargaining negotiations, often serving as spokesperson. Directs 3rd party negotiators and advisors, as necessary. Manage grievance/arbitration processes.
- Investigates and resolves employee or union complaints and grievances and coordinates the internal response and grievance procedure. Such investigations involve complaints and include recommendations for disciplinary actions as well as proactive activities (including climate assessments, conflict and team dynamic resolution, etc.).
- Partners with management and local union leadership to maintain, enhance, and optimize credible union relationships in support of business goals.
- Partners with the VP, TMLR in the development and/or management of budget for assigned areas. Regularly monitors relevant key financial indicators and performance metrics, modifying business activities where needed in response to changing financial situations.
- Ensures compliance with all federal and state laws, CBAs, HMH policies, as well as Joint Commission and other regulatory standards in assigned business units.
- Advises supervisory personnel on employment issues relating to discipline, FMLA, ADA, and discrimination.
- Manages the tracking of all collective bargaining agreements throughout the network.
- Provides general employment and labor guidance, risk mitigation and management services to handle, litigate, and resolve cases.
- Works with legal counsel to resolve complex labor issues.
- Designs and provides a wide array of training programs for managers, supervisors and staff. Works in collaboration with the Organizational Education Department, as needed. May include but not limited to:
- Employment law in order to improve performance and mitigate legal risk.
- How to resolve employee disputes, conduct investigations and discipline employees.
- Performance management and human resource policies and procedures including discrimination policies.
- Labor relations and discrimination.
- A variety of topics, such as Counseling, Managing Employee Absenteeism, Peer Interviewing and Anti-Harassment, etc.
- Acts as spokesperson in all union matters including mediations and arbitrations if necessary.
- Develops and implements plans for positive TM relations and manages response to union organizing campaigns.
- Oversees in the recruitment, development, and supervision of TMs. Creates and sustains an environment that fosters TM engagement. Establishes clear objectives tied to department and/or organizational strategic goals. Coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.
- Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
- Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of 12 years of progressive HR experience and thought leadership, with particular focus on labor relations.
- Minimum of 5 years in direct management role.
- Extensive labor experience, including negotiating contracts, union avoidance.
- Strategic thinker knowledgeable on best practices for a Labor Relations function.
- Relevant experience conducting formal investigations involving all levels of interaction and providing appropriate recommendations to senior business leaders.
- Excellent knowledge of all state and federal employment laws.
- Experience in conflict resolution methods, including facilitation and mediation of agreements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
- Master's degree.
- Concentration/certification in HR, ER/LR.
- Knowledge of PeopleSoft.
- HR certification.
- Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
- Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
- Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
- Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
- Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
- Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
- Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.
Posted 2026-01-30
Recommended Jobs
Residential Coordinator
AVIDD Community Services of NJ
Denville, NJ
Avidd Community Services of New Jersey, Inc proudly serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Morris, Bergen, and Somerset Counties. Our residential programs are homes that a…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-30
Client Partner - Commercial Life Sciences (1229)
Axtria, Inc.
Berkeley Heights, NJ
Introduction Axtria is a leading global provider of cloud software and data analytics to the Life Sciences industry. We help Life Sciences companies transform the product commercialization journey…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-22
Seasonal- Cook I - In Room Dining
Ocean Casino Resort
Atlantic City, NJ
A Cook 1 will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook from scratch , and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods in various outlets/preparation locations …
View Details
Posted 2025-04-01
Mammography Technologist
201 LYONS AVENUE
Newark, NJ
Job Title:Mammography Technologist Location:Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name:Radiology - Mammography Req #:0000199404 Status: Shift:Evening Pay Range: $53.84 - $53.84, …
View Details
Posted 2025-10-30
ATHLETICS FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS STAFF ASSISTANT
Felician University
Rutherford, NJ
: Athletics Facilities and Operations Staff Assistant Felician University is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, highly organized, and student-focused individual to serve as the Athletics Facilit…
View Details
Posted 2026-02-03
Senior Devops Engineer
Exiger
Jersey City, NJ
Exiger Product and Technology is an experienced team of software professionals with a wide range of specialties and interests. We are building cognitive-computing based technology solutions to help or…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-19
Automotive Parts Counter Person
RK Vineland Chevrolet Kia Subaru
Vineland, NJ
Parts Advisor Parts Counter Person Subaru Our Dealerships seeks a full time, motivated, Parts Counter Person to enhance our service team! - Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where yo…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-28
Credentialed Trainer I
2 Crescent Place
Oceanport, NJ
Job Title: Credentialed Trainer I Location: System Business Office Department Name: IT&S Training Req #: 0000228311 Status: Salaried Shift: Day Pay Range: $62,476.00 - $88,248.00 per…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-30
Senior Manager Clinical Imaging Operations
Regeneron
New Jersey
As a Clinical Imaging Operations Lead, you will have a leading role in the design and execution of key strategic and operational aspects of complex early and late phase clinical trials across multipl…
View Details
Posted 2026-02-06
Au Pair
GreatAuPair LLC
Toms River, NJ
My wife and I work shift work days/nights. When mom is days, father is nights. Essentially we work half the year. Our schedule is Mon/tues work, Wed/Thurs OFF, Fri/Sat/sun work. Second week is Mon/Tue…
View Details
Posted 2026-02-01