Senior Director for Labor Relations

Smithfield Foods is a leading consumer packaged meats company. We are also the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer, committed to providing good food in a responsible way. We accomplish that by maintaining robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs.

The Senior Director of Labor Relations ensures the development and implementation of proactive labor relations strategies for both union and non-union facilities throughout the Company. The Sr. Director is responsible for building strong partnerships with human resource and business leaders across the organization as well as relationships with local and national labor leaders. This position requires very extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience handling difficult labor relations and contract negotiations for a large organization as the Chief negotiator and experience managing union free campaigns.

* Chief negotiator representing management in direct union negotiations for approximately 40 collective bargaining agreements across the company. * Develop the collective bargaining strategy for facilities with union representation in collaboration with management to meet business objectives. Train and provide counsel to managers and employees regarding the interpretation and application of the CBA; the National Labor Relations Act; state and Federal regulations and laws; provide sound labor relations advice to all levels of management. * Evaluate grievances resulting from labor agreements to determine contractual violations and implement appropriate remedies if applicable. * Establish and implement “union free” best practice strategies that promote employee engagement and team building and that supports Company values and business goals. * Develop proactive plans, policies and procedures to combat union threats to existing non-union facilities. * Works closely and collaboratively with human resources, in/outside counsel and consulting services to address and positively resolve labor matters. * Assess and provide counsel regarding legislative and arbitration decisions, industry trends and threats and stay informed of political actions that may impact the labor environment of the Company. * Extensive travel is required for this position – 75% or more can be expected. **Supervisory Responsibilities:** * May have responsibility for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a Human Resources support staff. * Carries out managerial/supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. * Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

**Qualifications:** * To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. * Juris Doctorate (law degree) degree is preferred for this position; Master’s degree (MBA) from a regionally accredited college and/or university in Business, Human Resources or Labor Law or closely related field required in lieu of the J.D. degree. * 15+ years’ experience in a combination of human resources and labor relations, along with a minimum of 5 years’ experience as the Chief contract negotiator required; experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred. * Knowledge of collective bargaining including understanding of the union organization process, contract negotiations, grievance handling up through the arbitration level, multi-employer pension plans and labor and employment law including the National Labor Relations and Taft-Hartley Acts. * Experience developing and implementing labor relations strategies that align with cost and business objectives. * Experience running successful union free campaigns at manufacturing and distribution facilities. * Excellent negotiation skills. * Ability to manage conflict to resolution with demonstrated results. * Strong interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills * Proficient computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suite. * Must be able to travel for business as required. **Physical Demands:** The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear.