Qureos Mentor

Upstate Niagara Cooperative

<div>Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America&rsquo;s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms&reg;, Bison&reg;, Milk for Life&reg;, and Intense Milk&reg;. Here, you&rsquo;ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

About the Role:
The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a trusted advisor and hands on partner to plant leadership, HR, and union representatives across a 24/7/365 manufacturing environment. This role leads the administration of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), supports bargaining strategy and negotiations, resolves grievances and arbitrations, and advances a productive employee relations climate that improves safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The ideal candidate brings strong contract interpretation skills, credibility on the shop floor, conflict resolution skills, and a data driven approach to decision making. 

Key Responsibilities:
<div>CBA Administration &amp; Contract Interpretation 
<ul><li>Serve as primary point of contact for day-to-day labor relations at assigned site(s); interpret and apply CBA in a high-volume manufacturing setting.</li><li>Advise managers and HR on discipline, attendance, overtime, seniority, job bidding, rates, and scheduling consistent with the CBA and company policy.</li><li>Maintain clause libraries, side letters, and past practice documentation; ensure consistent application across shifts and departments.
</li></ul></div><div>Grievances, Investigations &amp; Arbitration 
<ul><li>Lead end-to-end grievance management: intake, investigation, evidence collection, position statements, settlement strategies, and step meetings through arbitration as needed.</li><li>Prepare arbitration files and coordinate outside counsel/advocates; testify and/or serve as second chair in hearings.</li><li>Track metrics (volume, cycle time, root cause, settlement outcomes) and drive corrective actions to reduce recurrence.
</li></ul></div><div>Bargaining &amp; Union Engagement 
<ul><li>Support bargaining strategy (economic costing, language proposals, strike readiness, contingency planning).</li><li>Participate in negotiations and/or serve as chief negotiator for small to medium tables; document tentative agreements and ensure timely implementation.</li><li>Build constructive relationships with union leadership to address issues early and enable operational outcomes.
</li></ul></div><div>Compliance, Policy &amp; Risk Management 
<ul><li>Ensure compliance with NLRA/NLRB guidance, wage/hour, EEO/AA, OSHA, state/local laws; escalate risk and partner with Legal on complex matters.</li><li>Conduct training for frontline leaders on just cause, Weingarten, investigatory interviews, and documentation.</li><li>Support due diligence and integration for site expansions, reorganizations, and technology change impacting represented employees.</li></ul></div>
<div>
Culture, Change &amp; Continuous Improvement 
<ul><li>Partner with operations and legal counsel to improve attendance, productivity, quality, and safety through incentive plans, job design, and fair work rules.</li><li>Facilitate problem-solving (interest-based bargaining where appropriate), Kaizen events, and cross functional root cause analysis to reduce disputes.</li><li>Leverage data to identify trends and recommend policy/process improvements.</li></ul></div>
<div>
Data, Systems &amp; Reporting 
<ul><li>Maintain accurate case records and CBA repositories; leverage HRIS (e.g., UKG/SAP), case management, and Microsoft 365 for reporting.</li><li>Publish monthly dashboards: grievance trends, arbitration backlog, time-to-close, training completion, and financial impact of settlements.</li></ul></div> 

Qualifications:
<div>
Required 
<ul><li>4&ndash;6 years of progressive experience in labor/employee relations within unionized manufacturing (multishift, high volume).</li><li>Demonstrated experience with CBA administration, grievance handling, and participation in collective bargaining.</li><li>Strong knowledge of NLRA/NLRB processes, workplace investigations, and just cause standards.</li><li>Proven ability to earn credibility with hourly employees and front-line leaders; effective conflict resolution and facilitation skills.</li><li>Analytical skills for costing proposals, calculating remedies/back pay, and using data to influence decisions.</li><li>Excellent written/oral communication; ability to produce clear summaries, settlement documents, and hearing briefs.</li><li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Labor Relations, Business, or related field; or equivalent experience.</li></ul></div><div> 

Preferred 
<ul><li>Experience across multiple union environments and/or multisite responsibility.</li><li>Exposure to interest-based/problem-solving approaches and continuous improvement (Lean/TPM).</li><li>Experience participating in arbitrations (preparation and/or presenting).</li><li>Advanced degree (e.g., MSILR, JD) or HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR).</li><li>Bilingual (e.g., Spanish/English) a plus.
</li></ul></div>Success in the First 12 Months (KPIs):
<ul><li>Reduce average grievance time-to-close by 20&ndash;30%; decrease repeat grievance themes through targeted leader training.</li><li>Clear any arbitration backlog with documented outcomes and lessons learned.</li><li>Deliver CBA compliance refresher training to 100% of front-line leaders in scope.</li><li>Support at least one successful bargaining cycle (on-time implementation, no operational disruption, documented cost impacts).</li><li>Establish a standard work playbook for investigations, documentation, and settlement authority.</li></ul>

Working Conditions:
<ul><li>Frequent presence on the shop floor; ability to wear required PPE and navigate industrial environments (noise, temperature variations, standing/walking).</li><li>Availability for off-shift meetings and time sensitive issues.</li></ul>

Pay: $98K-$120k a year*
<ul><li>The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position&rsquo;s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.</li></ul>

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.</div>

Labor Relations Specialist

<div>Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America&rsquo;s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms&reg;, Bison&reg;, Milk for Life&reg;, and Intense Milk&reg;. Here, you&rsquo;ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day. 


The Employee Wellbeing and Benefits Specialist promotes and oversees the coordination of daily operations of the organization&rsquo;s group benefit plans and wellness/wellbeing programs. This role ensures that employees receive excellent support and education on benefits, retirement, and wellbeing offerings. Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, this role manages vendor relationships, supports benefits and retirement administration and compliance, and provides analytical support to leadership. Additionally, this role develops and coordinates wellness and wellbeing initiatives and programming to promote healthy lifestyles among employees. 


Key Responsibilities

Benefits Program Administration
<ul>
<li>Administer a wide range of benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and other voluntary benefits across union and non-union populations.</li>
<li>Support benefits invoicing process by reviewing, reconciling, and processing monthly vendor invoices for accuracy and compliance across multiple plans; conducts regular and annual audits; collaborates with Finance to ensure timely payment and proper cost allocation.</li>
<li>Support 401(k) plan administration, including employee enrollments, contribution changes, loans, and distributions.</li>
<li>Manage COBRA administration and processing.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Serve as a resource for employees and HR team members regarding benefit inquiries, eligibility, and issue resolution.</li>
<li>Ensure compliance with federal, state, and union-specific benefit regulations (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA).</li>
</ul><ul><li>Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) related to benefits.</li>
<li>Collaborate with labor relations and HR team members to ensure accurate administration of union-negotiated benefit and retirement plans.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Assist with the negotiation and implementation of benefit and retirement programs.</li>
</ul>
Employee Education &amp; Support
<ul>
<li>Support and assist employees in understanding group benefit and 401(k) retirement program offerings.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Coordinate and support new hire, life event and annual open enrollments, including employee communications, systems configuration and vendor collaboration.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Oversee and promote wellness and wellbeing program initiatives and onsite activities aimed at improving employee health and productivity.</li>
</ul>
Continuous Improvement
<ul>
<li>Maintain knowledge of trends, developments, and best practices in benefits and 401(k) administration; provides recommendations for changes and improvements.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Maintain systems with accurate employee data.</li>
<li>Update and deliver reports and dashboards to support compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning.</li>
<li>Identify trends and recommend enhancements to improve program effectiveness and employee experience.</li>
</ul>
Other duties as may be assigned. 


Qualifications

Education
<ul>
<li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in business administration, Human Resources, or a related field.</li>
</ul>
Experience
<ul>
<li>Minimum 3 years of experience in complex employee benefits administration including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability and medical reimbursement accounts.</li>
<li>Experience executing wellness initiatives and programming across union and nonunion populations.</li>
<li>401(k) retirement plan administration and support</li>
<li>UKG or similar HR platform experience required</li>
</ul>
Skills
<ul>
<li>Applies strong attention to detail to maintaining accuracy in benefits administration and compliance.</li>
<li>Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate data.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Advanced Excel skills required</li>
</ul><ul><li>Customer service oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills.</li>
<li>Driven to keep current with state and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to employee benefits and retirement plans.</li>
<li>Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently.</li>
<li>Adept at creating and delivering wellness-related programming across multiple channels.</li>
</ul>
Competencies
<ul>
<li>Commitment to providing a positive employee experience and responsive support.</li>
<li>Capacity to design, implement, and refine wellbeing and retirement education initiatives based on employee feedback and organizational objectives.</li>
<li>Ability to work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and leadership teams to meet goals and drive engagement.</li>
<li>Openness to continuous learning, remaining current on benefits, 401(k), and wellness trends and best practices.</li>
</ul>
Preferred Certifications:
<ul>
<li>Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)</li>
<li>Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP</li></ul> 


Working Conditions (Physical demands)
<ul>
<li>Primarily an office role but must be available for occasional travel to plant locations (15% to 20%)</li>
<li>Full-time position that may require flexibility during peak hiring periods or for organizational events.</li></ul> 


Pay:

$70,000 to $90,000 per year*
<ul><li>The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position&rsquo;s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.</li></ul> 


Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.</div>

Employee Benefits & Wellness Specialist

<div>Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America&rsquo;s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms&reg;, Bison&reg;, Milk for Life&reg;, and Intense Milk&reg;. Here, you&rsquo;ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day. 


As a proactive and analytical Compensation and Benefits Analyst, you will support the administration and continuous improvement of our compensation and benefits strategy across our multi-location manufacturing organization. This role requires experience working with unionized and nonunion environments, complex benefit structures, and multiple benefit plans. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, data analysis, and a passion for enhancing the employee experience through thoughtful Total Rewards solutions. 


Key Responsibilities

Compensation Analysis
<ul>
<li>Conduct market pricing and job evaluations to support equitable and competitive compensation practices.</li>
<li>Assist with annual merit and incentive processes, including data validation and reporting.</li>
<li>Participate in compensation surveys and benchmarking studies to gather market data; analyzes results and prepares reports to support compensation program administration.</li>
<li>Analyze compensation trends and provide insights to support workforce planning and labor negotiations.</li>
</ul>
Retirement Plan Administration
<ul>
<li>Assist in the administration of multiple retirement plans across the organization.</li>
<li>Support compliance activities and plan audits.</li>
<li>Assist employees with retirement plan questions regarding eligibility, enrollment, contribution options and distribution processes to ensure a positive employee experience.</li>
<li>Communicate with plan providers, recordkeepers and internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely plan operations.</li>
</ul>
Benefits Program Administration
<ul>
<li>Support the administration of benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and other voluntary benefits across union and non-union populations.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Analyzes benefits invoicing and administrative processes by reviewing, reconciling, and auditing monthly vendor invoices for accuracy and compliance across multiple plans; collaborate with Finance to ensure timely payment and proper cost allocation.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Ensure compliance with federal, state, and union-specific benefit regulations (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA).</li>
</ul><ul><li>Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) related to benefits.</li>
<li>Collaborate with labor relations and HR team members to ensure accurate administration of union-negotiated benefit and retirement plans.</li>
</ul>
Data &amp; Reporting
<ul>
<li>Maintain systems with accurate employee data.</li>
<li>Develop and deliver reports and dashboards to support compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning.</li>
<li>Identify trends and recommend enhancements to improve program effectiveness and employee experience.</li>
</ul>
Other duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications

Education
<ul>
<li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.</li>
</ul>
Experience
<ul>
<li>Minimum of 3 years of experience in compensation and benefits administration and analysis, preferably in a manufacturing or unionized environment.</li>
<li>Experience working in UKG or similar HR platform</li>
</ul>
Skills
<ul>
<li>Strong understanding of compensation plan design, benefit plan design, retirement plan operations, and regulatory compliance.</li>
<li>Advanced Excel skills required.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Applies strong attention to detail and analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate data.</li>
<li>Driven to keep current with state and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to employee benefits and retirement plans.</li>
<li>Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently.</li>
</ul>
Competencies
<ul>
<li>Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.</li>
<li>Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams and locations.</li>
<li>Commitment to providing a positive employee experience and responsive support.</li>
<li>Ability to work cross-functionally with HR, finance, and leadership teams to meet goals and drive engagement.</li>
<li>Openness to continuous learning, remaining current on benefits trends and best practices in wellness.</li>
</ul>
Preferred Certifications:
<ul>
<li>Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)</li>
<li>Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)</li>
<li>Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP</li></ul> 


Working Conditions (Physical demands)
<ul>
<li>Primarily an office role but must be available for occasional travel to plant locations (15%)</li>
<li>Full-time position that may require flexibility during peak enrollment periods or for organizational events.</li></ul> 


Pay:

$85,000-$100,000 per year*
<ul><li>The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position&rsquo;s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.</li></ul>

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.</div>

Compensation and Benefits Analyst

<div>Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America&rsquo;s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms&reg;, Bison&reg;, Milk for Life&reg;, and Intense Milk&reg;. Here, you&rsquo;ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

The Upstate Niagara Human Resources Manager is responsible for aligning business objectives with employees and management in designated Plants. Partnering with the Plant Manager, the Human Resources Manager acts as a liaison across the HR function delivering value-added service that reflects the business objectives of the organization. The Human Resources Manager helps to create an effective work environment in her/his respective Plant, assisting management with integrating employees into Upstate Niagara culture.

Duties and Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>The Human Resources Manager will work closely with plant management and all employees providing hands-on guidance and strategic input and advice on:</li>
<li><ul><li>employee relations issues, conflict management, talent management, coaching and development, compensation, benefits, organizational development, and training.</li>
</ul></li></ul><ul><li>The Human Resources Manager must play an essential role in establishing and driving HR programs and initiatives, while aligning with the company strategic plan and objectives.</li>
<li>Participate in and at times, champion HR projects as assigned.</li>
<li>Accelerate a culture of excellence in which employees feel engaged and inspired to deliver results.</li>
<li>Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations.</li>
<li>Responsible for working closely with management to advise and carry out any disciplinary steps that need to be taken with an employee.</li>
<li>Responsible for coordinating and implementing the company Employee Recognition Program within their location.</li>
<li>Support all safety initiatives.</li>
<li>Must partner with Payroll, HRIS, Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Benefit functions as needed.</li>
<li>Facilitates all new hire on-boarding process; responsible for the completion of each 30-60-90-day evaluation process.</li>
<li>Provides HR policy guidance and interpretation. Where applicable, will attend LMC meetings, contract negotiation meetings, and be actively involved in any union grievances, mediations, and/or arbitrations, as needed.</li>
<li>Provides guidance and input on workforce planning and succession planning.</li>
<li>Identifies training needs at the plant level and participates in evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure success. Follow up with managers and employees to ensure training objectives are met.</li>
<li>Responsible for ensuring that Alchemy HR training is completed by all applicable employees.</li>
<li>Responsible for creating and maintaining all employee files per state and federal compliance guidelines.</li>
<li>Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with the legal department as needed/required.</li>
<li>All other duties as assigned.</li>
</ul>
Required Skills and Abilities
<ul>
<li>Excellent organizational skills and diligence</li>
<li>Proficient in relevant software to conduct required duties.</li>
<li>Critical thinking and problem-solving skills</li>
<li>Collaborator</li>
<li>Knowledge of all federal, state, and local regulations and requirements related to employment and employee relations.</li>
<li>Strong analytical skills</li>
<li>Excellent time management skills and ability to plan and set priorities.</li>
<li>Excellent verbal and written communication skills</li>
<li>Strong interpersonal skills</li>
</ul>
Education and Experience
<ul>
<li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field.</li>
<li>Minimum of 5-7 years&rsquo; HR experience.</li>
<li>Minimum of 2-3 years' Union experience.</li>
<li>Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.</li>
</ul>
Pay: $81,800 - $114,500 a year*
<ul><li>The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position&rsquo;s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.</li></ul>

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.</div>

Human Resources Manager

Join Upstate Niagara Cooperative and explore 4   exciting career opportunities. They're hiring for various roles with options for remote or on-site work. Apply today and become part of their innovative team.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative

ABOUT_COMPANY

Labor Relations Specialist

Employee Benefits & Wellness Specialist

Compensation and Benefits Analyst

Human Resources Manager