The Role

The Labor Relations Manager will support our internal labor relations function. You will have responsibility for creating a proactive labor relations environment and prioritizing risk assessments, delivering labor-related training modules, responding to third-party campaigns, contract negotiations, administration, internal crisis communication development, and project management for a fast-paced, energetic cannabis company. The role requires at least 7 years of traditional labor relations or labor law experience. This individual will report directly to the Senior Labor Counsel and will partner with the Retail, CPG (manufacturing/wholesale), and Human Resources teams to ensure a positive employee relations environment. No prior cannabis experience is necessary but you must be passionate about your impact in this new and fast-paced environment.

This role can be based in our Chicago, Illinois, headquarters or can be performed remotely. In either case, the role could require travel up to 50% of your time to visit our operations in 15 states and respond to emerging or time-sensitive issues.

Core Responsibilities

Develop and sustain a pro-employee and third-party free environment

Thought partners with Labor Counsel on metric-driven strategies to support GTI nationwide expansion

Works with little oversight to develop a proactive or reactive response to third-party interventions

Acts a primary spokesperson for the company during workforce crisis management

Own the risk assessment process to ensure effective follow-up and closure of issues that drive vulnerability

Identify and resolve issues before they reach critical mass

Effectively drive labor relations practices and strategies throughout the organization

Establishes and maintains labor industry relationships

Negotiates as 1st chair for initial contracts and contract renewals

Leads training module development, execution, and refinement for best practices

Support and lead other initiatives/projects such as policy modification, workforce trends, best practices, etc. as needed

Execute and lead internal business partners in response to labor relations matters

Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act and other applicable laws

Key collaborator with HR and ER staff to implement and maintain proactive, positive employee relations initiatives to reduce risk

Oversee labor agreements administration, including advising internal business units on disciplinary and contract interpretation issues and supporting grievance handling

Discharge and disciplinary reviews

Investigate grievance arbitration as necessary

Develops and maintains labor project tracking tools and standard operating procedures

Assist with the creation and production of PowerPoint presentations

Organizes the Labor Relations SharePoint web page and keeps it up to date

Coordinate and liaise with onsite/local leadership

Additional Responsibilities

Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Participate in internal policy development

Stay abreast of employee engagement best practices and labor trends

Familiarity with Labor Peace Agreements

Maintain timely internal documentation of board charges, grievance awards, and briefs

Work effectively with external counsel

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience required. Master’s Degree or Juris Doctor preferred

7 or more years of traditional labor relations experience in the private sector in a unionized environment

Demonstrated knowledge of labor relations in a highly regulated industry such as cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals preferred.

Experience assisting management effectively in managing labor organizing campaigns

Must possess general knowledge of labor laws, the United States government, the regulatory state, and current labor union events

Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills are a must.

Ability to travel ~50% as necessary

Ability to simplify and explain complex issues to front-line workers and supervisors

Project management skills to see tasks through to completion.

Technologically savvy

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft suite of tools including Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe

Ability to work in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently in solving daily obstacles.

Accuracy, detail-oriented, and confidentiality are a must.

Additional Requirements

Must pass any and all required background checks.

Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry.

$50,000 — $85,000/year