Director, Human Resources and Labor Relations at MerrimackHealth – Lawrence, Massachusetts

At Merrimack Health, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The base salary range is $73.00 to $109.49 hourly, excluding fringe benefits and potential bonuses.

Your final base salary will be determined based on your education, experience, licensure, and internal equity considerations. Offers are typically made below the top of the range to support future salary growth.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Human Resources and Labor Relations is responsible for overseeing and managing employee and labor relations functions across the organization. Under the general direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), this role provides strategic leadership and expert guidance on employee and labor relations matters. As a key member of the Human Resources Leadership Team, the incumbent ensures consistent and compliant administration of collective bargaining agreements, leads negotiations and impact bargaining efforts, and facilitates resolution of grievances, arbitration and disciplinary actions. This position plays a key role in fostering collaborative labor-management relationships and promoting a positive workplace culture.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business or related field.
• Ten years of direct employee relations and labor relations experience in a unionized setting.
• Seven plus years of lead negotiation experience.
• High aptitude for careful review and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and employment policies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with senior leadership, managers, employees, and union representatives. Skilled at presenting complex labor issues, facilitating productive dialogue, and building strong relationships that support collaboration, transparency, and successful labor-management outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to interact constructively with senior and mid-level management.
• Solid knowledge of state and federal employment laws, including but not limited to comprehensive labor laws, ADA, FLSA, etc.
• Excellent, proven communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proven attention to detail; critical thinking and analytical skills.
• The ability to build successful, working relationships in a combined union/non-union environment.
• Microsoft Office and the ability to work with various databases.

Preferred:

• Advanced labor relations degree or certification.
• Juris Doctor or Master’s degree in Human Resources, business or related field.
• Experience working in a hospital or medical setting.
• Human Resources Certification, Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR), or Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR), SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Certifications must be current.