Associate Director, HR – People Strategy and Labor Relations

The Associate Director, HR – People Strategy & Labor Relations is a key leadership role responsible for driving strategic people initiatives across North America Supply Chain and Procurement. This position plays a critical role in shaping workforce strategy, talent development, organizational effectiveness, and labor relations while ensuring alignment with business priorities and operational objectives.

As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will develop and execute people strategies that strengthen organizational capability, improve business performance, and build a high-performing culture. This role leads a team of 4 HR professionals and provides broader leadership and influence across the North America Supply Chain & Procurement People & Performance organization.

Strategic Talent & Organization Development

• Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement leaders to enhance organizational capability and build robust talent pipelines at all levels.

• Drive initiatives focused on leadership development, career pathing, mentoring programs, rotations, Ownerversity, and learning experiences that accelerate individual and organizational growth.

• Lead talent reviews and succession planning efforts to ensure strong leadership benches and future readiness across the organization.

Organizational Effectiveness & Workforce Planning

• Continuously evaluate organizational structures, workforce capabilities, and operating models to identify opportunities for simplification, increased effectiveness, and future scalability.

• Partner with leaders to assess business performance and organizational needs, proactively recommending solutions that improve efficiency while creating value.

• Lead workforce planning efforts that align talent strategies to business priorities and future capability requirements.

Business Partnership & HR Strategy

• Develop and implement HR strategies, programs, and initiatives that support the North America Supply Chain and Procurement business objectives.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on talent, engagement, performance management, organizational design, and team effectiveness.

• Influence leaders through data-driven insights and recommendations that enable better people and business decisions.

Labor Relations

• Provide leadership and strategic guidance on Labor Relations matters across the organization.

• Partner with business leaders to proactively identify risks, strengthen workforce relationships, and support effective resolution of labor-related challenges.

• Ensure alignment with company policies, labor agreements, and employment regulations while supporting a positive employee experience.

Analytics & Business Insights

• Leverage workforce and organizational data to identify trends, assess effectiveness, and guide strategic decision-making.

• Analyze HR metrics related to talent, engagement, performance, and organizational health to drive continuous improvement and business outcomes.

• Translate complex data into actionable insights for business leaders.

Financial & Operational Stewardship

• Provide oversight and governance for people-related ZBB budgets and investments.

• Identify opportunities to optimize resources while maintaining a focus on organizational effectiveness and value creation.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of HR professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous development.

• Provide clear direction, guidance, and support to ensure high-quality HR partnership and execution across the business.

• Build team capability and create development opportunities that strengthen overall organizational impact.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Identify complex organizational and people-related challenges, gather and analyze relevant information, and develop practical solutions.

• Exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

• Effectively communicate recommendations and influence outcomes across all levels of the organization.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of dynamic Human Resource experience, including 5+ years in a business partnership-oriented role supporting executive leaders.

• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role in Labor Relations.

• Experience in a manufacturing or operations environment, preferably within the food industry.

• Strong strategic mindset with demonstrated success developing HR strategies that drive business results.

• Proven experience leading HR teams and developing talent.

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.

• Excellent leadership, communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience influencing and aligning leaders around talent capability, workforce strategies, and organizational behaviors.

• Ability to analyze complex HR data and translate findings into actionable business insights and recommendations.

• Strong end-to-end business acumen and understanding of organizational drivers.

• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence frameworks.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range: $164,200.00 - $205,200.00 Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s) Chicago/Aon Center Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.