Director, Labor Relations

Sara Lee Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, brand-name products for consumers throughout the world. The Corporation has operations in 58 countries and markets branded products in nearly 200 nations. Sara Lee Corporation employs 137,000 people worldwide.Each and every day, Sara Lee (NYSE: SLE) delights millions of consumers and customers around the world.  The company has one of the world's best-loved and leading portfolios with its innovative and trusted food, beverage, household and body care brands, including Ambi Pur, Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sanex, Sara Lee, and Senseo.  Collectively, these brands generate more than $12 billion in annual net sales covering approximately 200 countries.  The Sara Lee community consists of 52,000 employees worldwide.Position Summary: This position will be responsible for providing functional leadership and support to business partners and human resource professionals at Sara Lee’s Food and Beverage operations throughout the United States.  Will work independently and as part of a team in the development and execution of labor relations strategies designed to support and enable annual business plans and long-term business initiatives.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Will lead negotiation efforts as Chief Spokesperson, working closely with business partners and human resource professionals in the development of targeted objectives in alignment with the Sara Lee business initiatives.  Requires the establishment and maintenance of professional and productive relationships with union leadership.Serve as a consultant, promoting the continual learning of field based HR professionals with respect to labor relations.  Work collaboratively with others in ways that builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect.  Lead organization-wide teams in order to achieve desired business outcomes.Articulate a vision that aligns different areas of the organization.A minimum of 7 years progressive labor relations experience, with an emphasis on negotiating collective bargaining agreements as chief spokesperson.Bachelor degree in relevant field of study. Advanced degree (MBA or Masters Industrial Relations) is preferred.Ability to travel up to 95% - 100%.Ability to comprehend and work with complex financial and empirical data.Strong analytical and problem solving capability, along with the ability to communicate both orally and in writing in a clear concise, organized and persuasive manner.Requires accomplished interpersonal leadership and project management skills.Superior negotiating skills (grounded in the arena of collective bargaining)Proficient with Microsoft Office programs.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer