Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Illinois
Labor Relations Consultant jobs in Illinois are concentrated in manufacturing, healthcare, public education, and government sectors, with Chicago standing as one of the most active markets in the country for this specialty. Most hiring is in Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield, where established employers such as the City of Chicago, United Airlines, and the University of Illinois System maintain ongoing labor relations functions. In-demand specializations include collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, and public-sector labor law compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 10+ Labor Relations Consultant jobs
Why choose us?
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand!
At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who’s not just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly evolving.
Main responsibilities:
The Director of Labor Relations is responsible for managing, negotiating, administering, and implementing contracts, agreements, bargaining/negotiations and collective bargaining agreements for the Jewel Osco Division including the Melrose Distribution Center and occasionally assist with such work at 1-2 other Divisions in the Eastern United States. This role also regularly handles traditional labor questions/issues, union organizing, interpretation of complex contract terms, policies or rules, discipline/employment related issues as well as serving as a trustee on Taft-Hartley pension and healthcare trust funds. This role further supervises a team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with local unions and local business units. Finally, this role serves as a liaison between the Senior Leadership in the Divisions and the Local Unions regarding all aspects of our business, including technological advances, new business initiatives, changes in the law, efforts to make our business stronger and more viable as well as changes and/or modifications to terms and conditions of employment for our unionized associates.
The position will be based in one of our Jewel Osco regional offices.
- Work with union representatives to ensure proper administration of contracts.
- Supervise team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with Local unions, unionized associates, and Division Leadership.
- Work with management to determine the needs of the business (quality, safety, performance, etc.) and work with union representatives to work towards an agreement. This includes drafting initial proposals and reviewing union requests and feedback. Must negotiate terms that best satisfy the needs of our employees and overall business. Once terms have been agreed upon work on putting together the final contract and communicating the terms to all management and employees as applicable.
- Act as the subject matter expert on contracts and manage and handle all escalated employee issues or problems related to the interpretation of the contracts. Negotiate and resolve difficult problems including discharge and termination of employees. Partner closely with Human Resources Directors/Vice Presidents for Divisions as needed to manage and administer any resolutions. Provide strategic direction and manage precedent setting issues or cases that come up that could have a significant impact to the business and operations.
- Jointly manage trusts between labor, management, and third-party service providers. Work with actuaries to determine projected costs and associated expenses to administer and fund different health and disability plan options. Identify and select a contract with third party negotiators (benefit providers, clinics) that will handle the payment and administration of the benefits. Review the benefit financial statements on a quarterly basis and audit/ monitor these accounts to ensure expenses are in line with expectations and that the trusts are properly funded.
- Collaborate closely with management and ensure that contract terms and rules are properly adhered to.
- Partner with unions daily to manage day-to-day issues and ongoing contract negotiations. Work with federal and state regulators on compliance and employer requirement standards and laws. Federal and local agencies include DOL, FLSA, ERISA, ADA HIPAA and the EEOC, etc.
- Works closely with payroll and other administrative departments to ensure proper interpretation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. Travel – up to 50%
We are looking for candidates who possess the following:
- Juris Doctorate (JD) and current member of state bar strongly preferred.
- Five years plus years of experience at a Labor & Employment law firm and/or equivalent experience leading Union negotiations.
- Excellent writing and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work in cross functional teams and to work towards a consensus.
- Knowledge of business operations with the ability to see the long-term. objectives and goals Superior writing and contract development skills required.
- Legal knowledge as it relates to writing and interpreting contracts.
- Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult external groups and unions that have completely different objectives Ability to partner with management to determine the business needs and ensure that these areas are captured in the contracts.
- Knowledge of pension and benefit programs and how they are administered and what they typically cost.
- Knowledge of jointly managed trusts and how to set them up, administer them and ensure they are performing according to the terms of the agreement. Knowledge of federal and state requirements and agencies including DOL, EEOC, HIPAA, ADA, etc.
We also provide a variety of benefits including:
- Competitive wages paid weekly
- Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
- Associate discounts
- Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
- Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits
- Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
- An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve
Our Values – Click below to view video: ACI Values
#LI-AL1
A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.
Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. Committed to innovation and fostering a culture of belonging, our team is united with a unique purpose: to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being. We want talented individuals to be part of this journey!
Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) is a leading food and drug retailer in the U.S. We operate over 2,200 stores, 1,732 pharmacies, 405 fuel centers, 22 distribution facilities, and 19 manufacturing plants across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Shaw’s, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, United Express, Randalls, Albertson’s Market, Pavilions, Star Markets, Market Street, Carrs, Haggen, Lucky, Amigos, Andronico’s Community Markets, King’s, Balducci’s, and Albertson’s Market Street.
Our vision is to be a retail leader admired for national strength with deep local roots, offering an easy, fun, friendly, and inspiring experience, no matter how customers choose to shop with us. We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and can fully contribute to their and our company’s success.
Bring your flavor
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job and are not the official job description for the position. All employees must comply with Company, Division, and Store policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel may vary within store and/or from store to store and the official job description will be provided during the application process.
Albertsons is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Consistent with applicable state and local law, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).
Why choose us?
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand!
At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who’s not just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly evolving.
Main responsibilities:
The Director of Labor Relations is responsible for managing, negotiating, administering, and implementing contracts, agreements, bargaining/negotiations and collective bargaining agreements for the Jewel Osco Division including the Melrose Distribution Center and occasionally assist with such work at 1-2 other Divisions in the Eastern United States. This role also regularly handles traditional labor questions/issues, union organizing, interpretation of complex contract terms, policies or rules, discipline/employment related issues as well as serving as a trustee on Taft-Hartley pension and healthcare trust funds. This role further supervises a team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with local unions and local business units. Finally, this role serves as a liaison between the Senior Leadership in the Divisions and the Local Unions regarding all aspects of our business, including technological advances, new business initiatives, changes in the law, efforts to make our business stronger and more viable as well as changes and/or modifications to terms and conditions of employment for our unionized associates.
The position will be based in one of our Jewel Osco regional offices.
- Work with union representatives to ensure proper administration of contracts.
- Supervise team of Labor Relations Managers in their direct interaction with Local unions, unionized associates, and Division Leadership.
- Work with management to determine the needs of the business (quality, safety, performance, etc.) and work with union representatives to work towards an agreement. This includes drafting initial proposals and reviewing union requests and feedback. Must negotiate terms that best satisfy the needs of our employees and overall business. Once terms have been agreed upon work on putting together the final contract and communicating the terms to all management and employees as applicable.
- Act as the subject matter expert on contracts and manage and handle all escalated employee issues or problems related to the interpretation of the contracts. Negotiate and resolve difficult problems including discharge and termination of employees. Partner closely with Human Resources Directors/Vice Presidents for Divisions as needed to manage and administer any resolutions. Provide strategic direction and manage precedent setting issues or cases that come up that could have a significant impact to the business and operations.
- Jointly manage trusts between labor, management, and third-party service providers. Work with actuaries to determine projected costs and associated expenses to administer and fund different health and disability plan options. Identify and select a contract with third party negotiators (benefit providers, clinics) that will handle the payment and administration of the benefits. Review the benefit financial statements on a quarterly basis and audit/ monitor these accounts to ensure expenses are in line with expectations and that the trusts are properly funded.
- Collaborate closely with management and ensure that contract terms and rules are properly adhered to.
- Partner with unions daily to manage day-to-day issues and ongoing contract negotiations. Work with federal and state regulators on compliance and employer requirement standards and laws. Federal and local agencies include DOL, FLSA, ERISA, ADA HIPAA and the EEOC, etc.
- Works closely with payroll and other administrative departments to ensure proper interpretation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. Travel – up to 50%
We are looking for candidates who possess the following:
- Juris Doctorate (JD) and current member of state bar strongly preferred.
- Five years plus years of experience at a Labor & Employment law firm and/or equivalent experience leading Union negotiations.
- Excellent writing and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work in cross functional teams and to work towards a consensus.
- Knowledge of business operations with the ability to see the long-term. objectives and goals Superior writing and contract development skills required.
- Legal knowledge as it relates to writing and interpreting contracts.
- Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult external groups and unions that have completely different objectives Ability to partner with management to determine the business needs and ensure that these areas are captured in the contracts.
- Knowledge of pension and benefit programs and how they are administered and what they typically cost.
- Knowledge of jointly managed trusts and how to set them up, administer them and ensure they are performing according to the terms of the agreement. Knowledge of federal and state requirements and agencies including DOL, EEOC, HIPAA, ADA, etc.
We also provide a variety of benefits including:
- Competitive wages paid weekly
- Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
- Associate discounts
- Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
- Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits
- Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
- An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve
Our Values – Click below to view video: ACI Values
#LI-AL1
A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.
Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. Committed to innovation and fostering a culture of belonging, our team is united with a unique purpose: to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being. We want talented individuals to be part of this journey!
Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) is a leading food and drug retailer in the U.S. We operate over 2,200 stores, 1,732 pharmacies, 405 fuel centers, 22 distribution facilities, and 19 manufacturing plants across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Shaw’s, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, United Express, Randalls, Albertson’s Market, Pavilions, Star Markets, Market Street, Carrs, Haggen, Lucky, Amigos, Andronico’s Community Markets, King’s, Balducci’s, and Albertson’s Market Street.
Our vision is to be a retail leader admired for national strength with deep local roots, offering an easy, fun, friendly, and inspiring experience, no matter how customers choose to shop with us. We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and can fully contribute to their and our company’s success.
Bring your flavor
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job and are not the official job description for the position. All employees must comply with Company, Division, and Store policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel may vary within store and/or from store to store and the official job description will be provided during the application process.
Albertsons is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Consistent with applicable state and local law, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).
See All 10 Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsLabor Relations Consultant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Labor Relations Consultant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Retail
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in labor relations consultant jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, or a related field required
- Three or more years of direct experience in collective bargaining or labor contract administration
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Illinois Labor Relations Act and NLRA compliance
- Experience representing management or unions in grievance proceedings and arbitration
- Proficiency in drafting and interpreting collective bargaining agreements and employment policies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for negotiations and internal reporting
Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a labor relations consultant in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a labor relations consultant, but employers consistently expect a bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, or a closely related field, with many senior roles expecting a master's or a J.D. Candidates who gain experience in Illinois public-sector labor law, particularly under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Labor Relations Board, are strongly positioned for state and municipal hiring.
Which companies hire labor relations consultants in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring labor relations consultants in Illinois include Advocate Aurora Health, CBRE, and Albertsons, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Illinois's concentration of unionized manufacturers, large healthcare systems, and government bodies makes it one of the deeper markets for this role in the Midwest.
Which Illinois cities have the most labor relations consultant jobs?
Oak Brook, Chicago, and Itasca have the most labor relations consultant openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates by volume due to its headquarters density, major union presence, and large public employers, while Rockford's manufacturing base and Springfield's state government operations drive consistent demand in those markets.
Are there remote labor relations consultant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical roles, because labor relations work often requires on-site presence during negotiations, hearings, and grievance meetings. About 67% of labor relations consultant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. Advisory, policy-drafting, and training functions are the parts of the role most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a labor relations consultant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting in an HR generalist or labor relations coordinator role with a large Illinois public employer or unionized company. The City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and major Illinois public university systems regularly hire HR associates who support labor relations teams. Completing coursework in Illinois labor law, gaining exposure through union or management internships, or earning a SHRM certification can each give an early-career candidate a meaningful edge in the application process.
Where can I find and apply to labor relations consultant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to labor relations consultant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 10 Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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