Sr. Director, Labor Relations

Job Description:

Senior Director, Labor Relations

Alliance Ground International (AGI) is one of the largest independently owned ground handling companies providing services to 100+ airlines in 61 airports across the U.S. and Canada. We are the home to over 12,000 team members supporting over 1.5B Kilos and over 400K departures. Our Ground division has a strong reputation in aviation ground services. We are committed to providing the highest quality service and continuing our outstanding safety track record. As we continue to grow, we only look for the best in the industry.

Position Summary:

Alliance Ground International (AGI), one of North America's leading aviation services providers, is seeking a strategic and operationally focused Director, Labor Relations to lead labor and employee relations across our nationwide cargo, ground handling, and aviation support operations.

The Director, Labor Relations will serve as AGI's subject matter expert on labor strategy, collective bargaining, labor risk mitigation, employee relations, and workforce engagement in both unionized and non-union environments. This role will partner closely with Operations, Legal, HR Business Partners, and Executive Leadership to develop labor strategies that support AGI's growth while fostering a positive employee experience and maintaining operational continuity.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in the Railway Labor Act (RLA) and National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), extensive collective bargaining experience, strong grievance and arbitration management skills, and a demonstrated ability to support large, geographically dispersed frontline workforces. The aviation industry presents unique labor-relations challenges due to operational demands, union activity, and regulatory oversight, making specialized experience highly desirable.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Labor Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute AGI's labor relations strategy across cargo, passenger, and ground handling operations.
• Serve as the primary labor relations advisor to senior leadership.
• Monitor labor relations trends, union activity, organizing campaigns, and regulatory developments impacting the aviation industry.
• Provide strategic recommendations to minimize labor disruption and operational risk.
• Develop proactive employee relations initiatives designed to maintain a positive workplace culture and reduce labor disputes.

Collective Bargaining & Union Relations

• Lead and support collective bargaining negotiations.
• Develop bargaining strategies, economic proposals, costing analyses, and negotiation preparation materials.
• Act as chief spokesperson or management representative during negotiations.
• Manage contract administration and interpretation.
• Build productive relationships with union leadership while protecting AGI's business interests.
• Coordinate responses to information requests and labor-management meetings.

Grievance, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

• Direct grievance administration processes.
• Evaluate and resolve complex labor disputes.
• Prepare arbitration cases and partner with outside counsel as necessary.
• Represent AGI during grievance hearings, mediation sessions, and arbitration proceedings.
• Ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements across all stations.

Labor Law Compliance

• Provide guidance with compliance:

• Railway Labor Act (RLA)

• National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

• Federal and state employment laws

• Wage and hour regulations

• Anti-retaliation and protected concerted activity provisions

• Advise leaders regarding union organizing activity, employee communications, and lawful management responses.

• Conduct labor risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.

Employee Relations

• Lead investigations involving employee relations matters with potential labor implications.
• Partner with HR and Operations to resolve workplace conflicts.
• Provide guidance on discipline, termination, attendance management, and workplace conduct issues.
• Ensure consistency in application of company policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Training & Leadership Development

• Develop labor relations training programs for operational leaders, HR teams, and station management.

• Educate leaders on:

• Union awareness

• Contract administration

• Lawful communications

• Employee engagement

• Progressive discipline

• Protected activity under the RLA and NLRA

• Build labor relations competency throughout the organization.

Operational Support

• Travel to stations as needed to support operational labor matters.
• Partner with field leadership to address workforce challenges.
• Support startup operations, acquisitions, transitions, and business growth initiatives.
• Participate in workforce planning and labor forecasting.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Law, or related field required.
• Master's Degree, MBA, Juris Doctor (JD), or Labor Relations specialization preferred.

Experience

• 8-12+ years of progressive labor relations experience.
• Experience leading multi-site labor relations efforts
• Background in regulated, operations-driven industries preferred i.e. (aviation, transportation, logistics)
• Strong collective bargaining and negotiation experience
• Experience leading or supporting union negotiations
• Skilled in grievance management, arbitration, and labor relations processes
• Experience supporting both unionized and non-union workforces.
• Proven ability to partner with frontline and hourly workforces

Required Knowledge & Skills:

Labor Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of:

• Railway Labor Act (RLA)

• National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

• Collective bargaining practices

• Grievance and arbitration procedures

• Union organizing campaigns

• Labor law compliance

• Understanding of National Mediation Board (NMB) and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) processes.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic leader with strong business acumen and executive presence
• Skilled negotiator with expertise in conflict resolution
• Analytical problem-solver with sound judgment
• Effective communicator able to influence all organizational levels

Technical Skills

• Expertise in labor analytics, reporting, and workforce planning
• Proficient in contract interpretation and HR technologies (HRIS, case management, investigation platforms)
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills

Preferred Certifications

• SHRM-SCP
• SPHR
• Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP)
• Mediation or Arbitration Certification
• JD (preferred but not required)

Travel Requirements

• 30% - 50% travel nationwide.
• Ability to respond to critical labor relations matters outside normal business hours.

Location: Miami, Florida -Flexible / National Travel Required

Why AGI?

At AGI, we believe our people are the foundation of our success. As one of North America's premier aviation services providers, serving cargo, ground handling, and passenger operations, we are committed to building a workplace where employees are respected, leaders are supported, and operational excellence thrives. The Sr. Director, Labor Relations will play a critical role in shaping AGI's labor strategy as we continue to grow and strengthen our position as "The Airport People.

Alliance Ground International is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. AGI is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or veteran status.