Lead Partner-Compensation & Labor Relations

Overview

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber Internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

As the Lead Partner – Compensation & Labor Relations, you will serve as a trusted strategic adviser to senior leaders and HR partners, helping shape compensation and labor strategies that align with organizational goals, support market competitiveness, and meet regulatory requirements. You bring both analytical depth and consultative insight, guiding business areas through data-driven compensation decisions.

In this role, you will act as both a compensation analyst and consultant for your assigned departments, providing expert guidance and tailored solutions. You collaborate closely with Legal and senior leadership to manage collective bargaining agreements and play a key role in supporting labor negotiations. Through these partnerships, you help navigate complex labor matters and promote fair, consistent, and compliant practices across the organization.

You should be comfortable working across teams and influencing stakeholders at all levels. This is a remote role, however, it can include up to 10% travel to support labor relations activities.

This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates.  

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic compensation advisor for business leaders and HR partners.
• Provide leadership on cross-functional initiatives with compensation or labor implications.
• Consult on job design, job evaluation, pay decisions, pay equity, and market competitiveness.
• Collaborate with HR partners to align processes and improve outcomes.
• Develop and deliver compensation education to enhance transparency and leader capability.
• Support the Labor Relations function, working closely with legal and department leadership.
• Manage and administer collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), ensuring consistent interpretation and compliance.
• Serve as the SME for union-related compensation and pay practices.
• Lead and support negotiations for new and renewal labor agreements, including strategy development, costing, and proposal evaluation.
• Partner with business leaders to assess labor and cost impacts of compensation programs and organizational decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all labor laws, agreements, and regulatory requirements.
• Support issue resolution related to grievances, contract interpretation, and labor-related compensation matters.
• Provide training for management and staff on labor relations, conflict resolution, and compliance issues.
• Lead the implementation and administration of enterprise compensation, rewards, and recognition programs.
• Partner with senior leadership, HR, and Finance to align compensation strategies with business objectives and financial plans.
• Conduct advanced analytics and modeling to evaluate program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Monitor external market trends, economic conditions, and regulatory developments to inform program enhancements.
• Oversee audits and compliance with SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) controls and internal policies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable compensation and labor laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain documentation of compensation and labor-related processes and controls.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 4+ years of experience in Human Resources or Labor Relations.
• 2+ years of experience in compensation.

Other Qualifications

• Experience with collective bargaining, contract negotiation, and CBA administration.Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) preferred (or actively pursuing).
• Advanced analytics and compensation modeling experience.
• Knowledge of compensation and/or payroll laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects to completion.
• Ability to function in a consultative capacity with associates at all levels of the organization.
• Proven organizational and time management skills.
• Superior attention to detail.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more! 

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency: The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)