Job Title:  VP Regional Labor & Employment Counsel

What You Need To Know

Shape a remarkable future with us. Build a career working for an industry leader that truly invests in their people – and equips them with leading technology, continuous learning, and the ability to bring their best selves to work. As the preeminent wine and spirits distributor, Southern Glazer’s isn't just one of Forbes’ Top Private Companies; it's a family-owned business with deep roots dating back to 1933.

Southern Glazer’s is proud of its well-earned positive reputation, continually achieving accolades for our outstanding workplace culture. We take pride in creating a culture where our people are valued, supported, and provided opportunities for growth and belonging.

As a full-time employee, you can choose from a wide-ranging menu of our Top Shelf Benefits, including comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision plans, tax-saving Flexible Spending Accounts, disability coverage, life insurance plans, and a 401(k) plan. We also offer tuition assistance, a wellness program, parental leave, vacation accrual, paid sick leave, and more.

By joining Southern Glazer’s, you would be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and community. This is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to build the future of beverage distribution and grow with a company that truly cares about its people.

Overview

Oversee and direct the legal counsel and advice to senior leadership and human resources regarding employment law and labor relations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to business leaders and HR professionals in the Company’s West Region, Control States and Canada regarding matters involving labor and employment, including benefits, collective bargaining agreement requirements, anti-discrimination and leave laws (i.e., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, ADEA, and state law equivalents)
• Assist team leaders with collective bargaining, administration and contract interpretation for the Company’s 50+ collective bargaining agreements

• Advise business leaders regarding union campaigns and union avoidance
• Advise business leaders regarding grievances, union terminations, and matters concerning labor relations
• Oversee complex investigations by the Employee Relations Team regarding employee complaints in order to provide legal advice and manage risk
• Partner with outside labor and employment counsel to maintain contract compliance and accomplish labor goals

• Anticipate issues, estimate risks strategically and identify proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks
• Identify and analyze legal issues, draft key documents, present clear recommendations, and assure legal compliance
• Protect the organization's rights, obligations, privileges and legal interests by providing legal direction and ensuring legal activities meet needs of the organization, including, for example, affirmative action plans, pay equity, etc.
• Provide support for other regions as needed
• Perform other job related duties as assigned

Additional Primary Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 10+ years of experience or equivalent education and related experience
• JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law
• 10+ years of legal practice experience with a law firm and/or in house legal department, including experience in traditional labor matters, collective bargaining negotiations, and people management experience
• Knowledge of the major responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the legal function or department; ability to provide legal consulting, advice and assistance
• Experience negotiating with labor unions
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and draw accurate conclusions from both legal and factual information
• Demonstrate sound business ethics and consistently adhering to and promoting these in all business and personal transactions
• Ability to manage deadlines, organize and prioritize work and work with other functional teams
• Flexible work schedule and ability to travel as needed
• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal, persuasion, motivation, facilitation of strong working relationships
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite and/or software applications related to job functions
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, analytical/problem solving, problem management, presentation development, presentation, and communications skills

Physical Demands

• Physical demands with activity or condition for a considerable amount of time include sitting and typing/keyboarding using a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, and monitor) or adding machine
• Physical demands with activity or condition may include occasional to rare amount of time include walking, bending, reaching, standing, and stooping
• May require occasional lifting/lowering, pushing, carrying, or pulling up to 15lbs

EEO Statement

Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, an Affirmative Action/EEO employer, prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. SGWS complies with all federal, state and local laws concerning consideration of a qualified applicant's arrest and/or criminal conviction records. Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits provides competitive compensation based on estimated performance level consistent with the past relevant experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education of employees. Unless otherwise expressly stated, any pay ranges posted here are estimates from outside of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and do not reflect Southern Glazer's pay bands or ranges.

If you have any questions or concerns about whether this posting complies/adheres with local pay transparency requirements, please contact the SGWS talent acquisition team at NationalTA@sgws.com