Senior Manager - Labor Relations

Tasks

Inside the Role

The Senior Manager, Labor Relations is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for managing complex labor relations matters across multiple sites. This role serves as the escalation point for grievance handling beyond local plant-level processes, leads arbitration strategy and execution, and acts as a key negotiator (including first-chair responsibility) in collective bargaining activities. The position partners closely with HR Managers at each of the manufacturing locations, Operations senior leadership, and Legal to ensure consistent, compliant, and effective labor relations practices aligned with business objectives.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Position offers a starting salary range of $144,000 to $184,000 USD. Pay offered is dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits include annual variable pay bonus program, eligibility for the use of a company vehicle, 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 to 7% depending on age, starting at 4 weeks paid vacation, 13+ calendar holidays, 8 weeks paid parental leave, employee assistance program, comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs, onsite fitness (at some locations), tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off, short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

Grievance Management and Labor Strategy

Lead and resolve escalated grievances beyond plant-level steps (Step 3+), ensuring consistency, contract compliance, and sound risk management. Provide advisory support and direction to plant HR teams on grievance handling, investigations, and disciplinary actions. Identify trends and systemic labor issues; recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risk and improve labor stability. Ensure consistent interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) across locations.

Arbitration Leadership

Own end-to-end arbitration process, including case strategy, evidence development, and witness preparation. Serve as company spokesperson and lead representative in arbitration proceedings. Partner with internal and external legal counsel to develop case strategy and position statements. Evaluate arbitration outcomes and implement lessons learned to strengthen labor practices.

Union Negotiations

Serve as first chair or lead negotiator in collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Develop negotiation strategy, costing models, and counterproposals aligned with business objectives. Lead preparation activities, including data analysis, stakeholder alignment, and proposal development. Build and maintain effective relationships with union leadership while maintaining a firm and consistent company position.

Leadership and Partnership

Collaborate with Operations, Director HR Manufacturing and Labor Relations, and Legal to align labor strategy with business goals. Coach and develop plant HR leaders on labor relations best practices. Support workforce planning initiatives and positive employee relations. Provide counsel to senior leadership on labor risks, strategies, and emerging issues.

Knowledge You Should Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, or related field. 8+ years of progressive labor relations experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Demonstrated experience handling complex grievances and arbitrations. Proven experience as lead or first-chair negotiator in collective bargaining. Deep knowledge of U.S. labor laws (NLRA) and contract administration. Strong analytical, negotiation, and influencing skills.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

Experience in multi-site, unionized manufacturing environments. Experience working with UAW regions and heavy truck division leadership. Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or relevant Master’s).

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location: Fort Mill, SC US. Relocation assistance for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

Schedule Type

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office, 1 day remote). This schedule builds our One Team Best Team culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen, and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer, and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward – for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders. Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application. Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check. Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen. Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for full-time positions. Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status. For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.

Qualifications

Please see above for qualification details.