Labor Relations Director - Benefits

The Executive, Labor Relations – Benefits is responsible for leading GM’s labor relations strategy and negotiations with the UAW related to U.S. hourly-represented health, wellness, retirement, welfare, supplemental unemployment, ancillary benefits, and related economic provisions. This leader serves as GM’s primary corporate labor interface with the International UAW on benefit topics, shaping negotiation strategy, resolving complex issues, and ensuring outcomes that balance competitiveness, employee experience, and long-term financial sustainability.

Strategy, Negotiations & Contract Administration In partnership with GM Benefits leadership and the broader team, prepare and implement GM’s national bargaining strategy for benefits programs (e.g., health, wellness, retirement, welfare, supplemental unemployment, ancillary benefits and related economic provisions), from planning through ratification and implementation. Serve as chief company spokesperson and lead negotiator from a Labor Relations perspective on assigned benefits with the International UAW, framing trade‑offs, building consensus with senior leaders, and driving agreements that align to GM’s strategic and financial objectives. Develop, recommend, and secure executive alignment on negotiation frameworks, economic packages, and contractual language, using robust financial modeling and scenario analysis. Interpret and administer relevant provisions of the National Agreement and Supplements on benefit topics; provide authoritative guidance to Corporate Labor Relations, HR, Finance, and Global Benefits. Anticipate emerging trends (healthcare cost, retirement adequacy, regulatory changes, competitive benchmarks) and proactively adjust GM’s labor strategy to protect competitiveness and manage enterprise risk. Cross‑Functional Leadership & Financial Stewardship Partner closely with Global Benefits, Compensation, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and other HR Centers of Expertise to quantify the financial impact of bargaining proposals, model long‑term liabilities, and design sustainable benefit structures. Translate complex financial and actuarial data into clear options and recommendations for senior leadership, ensuring decisions are grounded in both labor strategy and financial discipline. Drive alignment across Labor, Finance, Global Benefits, Legal, and HR Business Partners to ensure contractual commitments are clearly understood, operationalized, and appropriately funded. Union Relationships & Issue Resolution Maintain a trusted, constructive working relationship with International UAW leadership on benefits matters, grounded in credibility, transparency, and follow‑through. Provide expert leadership on complex or precedent‑setting grievances, arbitrations, and disputes related to benefit provisions, leveraging deep understanding of the National Agreement and applicable law. Coach and advise Corporate Labor Relations managers and site HRLR leaders on contract interpretation, dispute resolution strategy, and communication approaches related to benefits topics. GM Behaviors & People Leadership Model GM’s Executive‑level behaviors (e.g., Win with Integrity, Move with Urgency, Commit to Customers, Be Inclusive, Innovate and Embrace Change, Lead as One Team, Speak Fearlessly, Own the Outcome) in all internal and external interactions. Champion an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are invited into strategy development and decision‑making, particularly on topics with high workforce impact.

Extensive labor relations experience (10+ years) in a highly unionized environment, with a strong track record in collective bargaining, contract administration, and complex dispute resolution, preferably with large industrial unions (e.g., UAW or equivalent). Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Law, or Finance, or equivalent experience (advanced degree preferred).