Manager, Labor Relations

Position Overview

Keep our communities fed.

Our focus is simple but meaningful — from our distribution centers to our offices, every employee of C&S and our family of companies works to help feed local families, neighbors, and communities.

As a Manager, Labor Relations, you will act as a strategic partner and subject matter expert for labor-management relations and union vulnerability strategies. This role supports a network of fast-paced grocery retail locations and warehouse/distribution facilities. Operating as a high-impact individual contributor with no direct reports, this position is fully remote (work from home) when not traveling.

The Manager serves as the primary point of contact for operational leadership, providing real-time, legally defensible guidance on collective bargaining agreement (CBA) compliance, grievance resolution, and complex workplace investigations. When traveling (approximately 50% regionally), the Manager conducts on-site vulnerability assessments, designs proactive associate relations initiatives, and equips frontline leaders to cultivate a fair, high-performance workplace culture.

Job Description

• Full-Time, Remote Role

• Travel: Up to 50% travel to assigned locations

You will contribute by:

• Interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements, ensuring the consistent and compliant application of multiple contracts across different locations.

• Providing real-time guidance to operations and local HR partners regarding the application of collective bargaining agreements in various situations.

• Investigating, documenting, and processing the final steps of the grievance process.

• Serving as an objective intermediary to manage conflict resolution and mediate disputes between management and union representatives.

• Partnering with Legal Counsel to prepare comprehensive case files, gather witness statements, and represent the company's interests at arbitrations, mediations, and administrative agency hearings (e.g., EEOC, NLRB).

• Preparing and executing bargaining strategies by drafting tentative agreements, creating costing templates, preparing talking points, and serving as a core member of the bargaining committee.

• Conducting on-site assessments and labor vulnerability evaluations at non-union facilities to proactively mitigate operational risks.

• Analyzing regional labor metrics and employee engagement data to identify trends, and reporting actionable insights and mitigation strategies.

• Designing and delivering training for frontline supervisors in retail and warehouse settings, focusing on contract administration, union awareness, labor trends, positive employee communication, and lawful management practices in response to organizing efforts.

• Deploying rapid-response protocols to manage, navigate, and respond to active third-party organizing campaigns or corporate salting efforts within the designated region.

We’re searching for candidates with:

• 5-7 years of labor relations experience, specifically in labor relations, employee relations, or workplace investigations.

• Advanced knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) processes, and applicable federal and state employment laws.

• Highly developed conflict resolution, de-escalation, and active listening skills to navigate emotionally charged situations.

• The ability to build trust and coach frontline shift selectors and drivers through senior distribution executives.

• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Environment:

• Office : Office Temperature (65F to 75F)

We offer:

• Weekly Pay

• Benefits available from day 1 (medical, dental, vision, and more)

• Company matched 401k

• PTO and Holiday Pay offered

• Career Progression Opportunities

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Health & Wellness program

• Employee Discounts / Purchasing programs

• Employee Assistance Program

Every person matters.

We keep our values alive through a culture that embraces differences and ensures that every person matters.

The Fine Print

This Job advertisement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment. This job advertisement describes the general nature and level of this position only. Essential functions and responsibilities may change as business needs require. This position may be with any affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers.

#LI-Remote

Qualifications

Shift

1st Shift (United States of America)

Company

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC

About Our Company

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with over 100,000 different products. C&S also proudly operates and supports corporate grocery stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style model throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. We are an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes that positively impact our communities.

Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC. C&S Wholesale Grocers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. The Company provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.