Director Labor Relations

The Impact You Will Have

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN is hiring a Director of Labor Relations. As the Director of Labor Relations, you will support the Commercial Markets and the team focused on our Taft Hartley and labor business. This role supports membership growth, margin contribution and overall performance of Commercial Markets. The director develops the Labor Market strategic business plan and oversees reporting of key indicators to ensure business plan objectives are met. In addition, this role serves as a liaison between Minnesota Blue Cross, the labor unions and associated organizations. The position builds relationships with union leadership across the Minnesota Blue Cross service area. The role provides service and support to the Public Sector, Organized Labor and Taft Hartley and Commercial group sales team for current customers and supports new opportunities. This position is also accountable to establish and maintain effective lines of communication and build effective working relationships with key union leadership and their consultants that purchase and/or influence the purchase of group health insurance, which will enhance our ability to penetrate, retain and upgrade groups within our markets. Attendance at key Labor Union events and ongoing support and engagement of regulatory and policy efforts will also be part of the key contribution metrics.

You will have an extensive knowledge of labor relations and unions, with a strong preference for a healthcare background. You will be a strategic thinker who can develop comprehensive business plans and have a proven ability to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders . This role involves regular travel throughout Minnesota, particularly within the Twin Cities Market, as well as to other locations including Greater Minnesota and outside of the state.

Your Responsibilities

• Represent Minnesota Blue Cross to labor organizations and management (employers), and the BCBSA NLO, at the international, state and local levels to strategically position Blue Cross in the collective bargaining process and as labors preferred resource and carrier of choice.

• Makes contacts to help support new business or retention of current business with labor officials, trustees, administrators, consultants and lobbyist to Health and Welfare Funds.

• Provide consultation related to complex plan designs, the nuances of self-funded arrangements, basic underwriting methodology including explanation of renewals, add on services (case management, disease management, lifestyle management), ancillary products, ERISA requirements, and issues relevant to retiree coverage.

• Maintains integrity of union/management discussion through confidential handling of information pertaining to contract/negotiation issues, etc.

• Design and deliver effective presentations which convey the Blue Cross value proposition and address the needs of the customer.

• May include developing and facilitating various council and labor relations meetings and seminars.

• Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with top level leadership of major unions and their staffs that purchase and/or influence the purchase of group health care insurance.

• Establish self as a resource on group health insurance, which will encourage union leaders to seek advice and counsel.

• Assess changes and trends with union leaders and keep management advised of potential problems and opportunities.

• Testifies at hearings concerning contract or grievance arbitration by participating as a technical expert to explain health care benefit proposals when required. Other duties as assigned.

• Sets the strategy with Commercial Markets leadership to grow and retain labor and TH business for BCBS MN.

• Mentors and coaches Commercial Markets associates to support retention and new business opportunities.

• Solutions oriented in working with labor, trustees, administrators, consultants, lobbyists, etc.

• Keeps management informed of trends, special areas of concern, and recommends appropriate responses/actions.

Required Skills and Experiences:

• Accepting this position at BCBSMN requires signing an Agreement Regarding Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information and Non-Competition as a condition of employment.
• 7+ years of related professional experience. All relevant experience including work, education, transferable skills, and military experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of Labor/Management relations from experience or courses such as, History of Labor, Basic Labor Law, Labor Management Negotiations, and Collective Bargaining. Knowledge of Minnesota BlueCross contracts, benefits, and their applicability to varying types of current/potential customers.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to a range of audiences concerning product line costs, availability and applicability to a particular customers environment.
• Ability to apply sales skills and principles.
• Overnight travel as needed.
• Required to have and maintain a valid driver's license and auto insurance or access to reliable transportation.
• Currently possess or will acquire a MN Resident Producer License in the lines of Life & Health/ Accident within 60 days of starting the role.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree

• Familiar with Minnesota Blue Cross, ancillary companies, benefits enrollment, financial/underwriting policies, claims processing and billing operations preferred.

• Proficient with MS Office Suite and other technologies.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range: $132,300.00 - $178,600.00 - $224,900.00 Annual

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position, including skills, ability, and knowledge the selected individual is bringing to the specific job.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)
• And more

To discover more about what we have to offer, please review our benefits page.