Human Resources and Labor Relations Director

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 1201 Grand

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Highlights:

Join St. Louis University Hospital, a nationally recognized academic medical center, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a mission‑driven, highly engaged workforce. As the HR & Labor Relations Director, you will be at the forefront of driving collaborative labor partnerships, influencing strategic workforce decisions, and supporting more than 3,000 dedicated healthcare professionals. This is a key leadership role where your expertise strengthens patient care, enhances organizational stability, and helps advance one of the region’s most respected hospitals.

The HR & Labor Relations Director is the primary liaison between hospital leadership and union partners, responsible for collective bargaining, grievance management, and contract interpretation across multiple bargaining units. This role ensures adherence to federal and state labor laws, advances the hospital’s labor strategy, and fosters a consistent and collaborative employee relations environment.

Job Summary:

Manages the operational activities of one or more Human Resources functional areas.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison with union representatives and hospital leadership.

• Lead collective bargaining and ensure alignment with organizational and legal requirements.

• Interpret and consistently apply multiple collective bargaining agreements.

• Oversee the full grievance process, including arbitration.

• Advise leaders on dispute resolution in accordance with contractual agreements and organizational policies.

• Coordinate mediation, negotiation, and related dispute resolution activities.

• Ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws (FMLA, NLRA, wage/hour).

• Monitor legislative changes and update practices to reduce risk.

• Guide complex labor and HR compliance issues.

• Advise leadership on labor trends, contract impacts, and workforce stability.

• Support staffing strategies that promote operational efficiency and quality care.

• Deliver training on labor relations best practices and contract compliance.

• Support union avoidance education across the System with HR and Legal teams.

• Guide organizing activity or potential union campaigns.

• Maintain accurate labor relations records and metrics.

• Prepare and present labor relations updates to executive leaders.

• Support HR programs, initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Consult with leaders on complex employee relations matters.

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of HR experience.

• At least 1–2 years of labor relations experience required within a unionized environment.

• Experience leading negotiations, interpreting CBAs, or managing grievances strongly preferred.

Department:

8711050033 Human Resources-StL

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefits:

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

• Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).

• Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.

• Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

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SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.