Director of Employee & Labor Relations

Lead strategy. Shape culture. Strengthen relationships. Baystate Health, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare quality and safety, is seeking an accomplished Director of Employee & Labor Relations to lead system-wide employee and labor relations strategy in Springfield, MA. RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Vice President, HR Strategy & Consulting , the Director will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, operational leaders, and HR Business Partners while leading a team of Employee & Labor Relations Specialists.

The Director of Employee & Labor Relations serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, HR Business Partners, managers, and employees while shaping strategies and programs that foster a fair, respectful, engaged, and high-performing workplace . Key Responsibilities: Lead Enterprise Employee & Labor Relations Strategy Develop and execute an enterprise-wide employee and labor relations strategy aligned with Baystate Health’s goals and values.

Assess the employee relations climate and use data, case trends, investigations, disputes, and other insights to identify opportunities for intervention. Develop proactive strategies that strengthen employee-management relationships and reduce organizational risk. Oversee the employee relations case and incident tracking process, including reporting, metrics, and trend analysis. Serve as a Strategic Advisor Partner with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and operational leaders to address complex employee and workplace issues.

Provide expert guidance on performance management, investigations, discrimination, disability accommodations, hiring, disciplinary actions, termination, allegations of wrongful termination, and other employment matters. Coach leaders and HR professionals on effective employee relations practices and appropriate approaches to workplace concerns. Help leaders navigate difficult situations while promoting fairness, consistency, accountability, and respect.

Lead Labor Relations Develop and implement the organization's labor relations strategy, programs, and policies. Participate as a management representative in collective bargaining and contract negotiations. Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements while balancing organizational objectives and positive labor-management relationships. Oversee grievances, unfair labor practice matters, arbitrations, dispute resolution, and contract administration.

Assess labor vulnerability and develop proactive strategies to address emerging labor relations issues. Drive Compliance & Risk Management Partner with HR leadership and Legal to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Oversee employment-related regulatory matters, including OFCCP, Affirmative Action Plans, wage and hour compliance, and pay equity reviews .

Ensure required regulatory reporting and compliance activities are effectively managed. Identify potential employee relations and labor relations risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Build Leadership Capability Design and deliver employee and labor relations training and awareness programs for managers, supervisors, and HR professionals. Establish consistent practices for complaint handling, investigations, dispute resolution, and employee-management communications.

Equip leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage workplace challenges. Promote open communication and a culture where employees and leaders can address concerns constructively. SCHEDULE: Full-time Monday–Friday Occasional weekends depending on case severity LOCATION: 280 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA Will be required to travel to other Baystate Health entities as needed. Hybrid work opportunity- minimum of 3 days on-site required.

Candidate must live in MA or CT QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelors Degree, required 8 years of experience in employee and labor relations, preferably within healthcare or another highly regulated en