Senior Director, Labor Relations

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization: SHSO-Sutter Health System Office-Bay

Position Overview: Provides system wide strategic leadership for the development and execution of a comprehensive labor relations strategy that advances organizational objectives, workforce stability, and operational effectiveness. Serves as the organization's senior labor relations authority and thought leader, advising executive leadership on complex labor matters, collective bargaining strategy, workforce trends, and labor risk management. Leads and oversees contract negotiations on behalf of entities while engaging and partnering closely with operating unit and entity leadership to develop negotiation strategies, assess risks, and achieve favorable outcomes. Fosters a collaborative environment that drives the identification and implementation of innovative labor strategies to address critical organizational challenges. Provides strategic guidance, education, communications, and labor preparedness support to entities, promoting proactive labor relations practices, strengthening labor-management partnerships, and mitigating organizational risk.

Job Description : This role requires a strong background in labor relations and experience working within a complex, multi-union environment. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience managing labor and union negotiations, interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements, and addressing complex labor relations issues. This individual will be expected to build and maintain effective relationships with union representatives, business leaders, HR partners, and other key stakeholders while navigating sensitive and complex employee and labor matters. The position operates in a hybrid work environment and requires a strong onsite presence in the Bay Area . Candidates must be able to work onsite and effectively partner with leaders, employees, union representatives, and cross-functional teams in person.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

8 recent relevant experience

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE :

Progressive labor relations experience, including significant collective bargaining responsibility and labor strategy leadership.

Leadership experience directing professional staff, programs, or enterprise-level initiatives.

Experience leading complex union negotiations within large, matrixed organizations.

Expert knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining, grievance administration, arbitration, labor law, and employment regulations.

Demonstrated success leading complex negotiations, workforce transitions, and organizational change initiatives.

Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, influence, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Ability to develop enterprise-wide strategies and translate them into actionable operational plans.

Proven ability to assess risk, solve complex problems, and lead through ambiguity.

Strong financial, analytical, strategic planning, and project leadership capabilities.

Ability to build effective partnerships with executive leaders, labor representatives, attorneys, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

Job Shift: Days

Schedule: Full Time

Days of the Week: Monday - Friday

Weekend Requirements: As Needed

Benefits: Yes

Unions: No

Position Status: Exempt

Weekly Hours: 40

Employee Status: Regular

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $0.00 to $0.00 / annual salary

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.