About Zum:
Zum is a fast-growing Series E startup supported by top investors like Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Spark Capital, and GIC. The company is on a mission to revolutionize the outdated school transportation industry. Currently operating in over 15 U.S. states, with key locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle, Zum is expanding into the East Coast and Midwest. As a tech-forward company, Zum leverages advanced technology to manage school transportation systems, launch its own charter services, and build proprietary SaaS products. The company is also leading a national effort to electrify school bus fleets, contributing energy back to local power grids. Zum has been recognized by CNBC’s 50 Disruptors, Financial Times’ 500 Fastest Growing Companies, and Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas.

Who You Are:
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this leadership role will be instrumental in establishing and managing Zum’s Labor and Employee Relations function. Supporting operations across 15+ states, this individual must have extensive experience handling sensitive employee issues and navigating the complexities of a dynamic, growing business. The position can be remote but requires frequent travel across the U.S. Experience in a multi-state, unionized environment is essential.

What You’ll Do:

Labor Relations:
– Lead the development and execution of a national labor relations strategy that aligns with company values and legal standards across various jurisdictions.
– Serve as the lead negotiator in complex labor discussions.
– Oversee union contracts and maintain strong relationships with union representatives.
– Negotiate new and renewal labor agreements in line with business and corporate goals.
– Apply knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act.
– Represent Zum in arbitrations and before the National Labor Relations Board.
– Respond to union organizing efforts and train managers on related issues, including card check neutrality campaigns.
– Support operations and HR in managing labor disputes, strikes, and other collective actions.
– Share contract settlement details with relevant stakeholders.
– Work closely with departments like HR, Operations, Finance, Security, Legal, and Communications.

Employee Relations and Grievances:
– Lead and conduct in-depth investigations into employee and labor issues, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with laws.
– Apply best practices in workplace investigations, including neutral interviews and credibility assessments.
– Handle complex union grievances, performance concerns, and workplace conflicts.
– Partner with Legal to assess grievances, draft disciplinary actions, and formulate appropriate responses.
– Collaborate with HR to create and update global employee relations policies that are legally sound and culturally appropriate.
– Stay updated on changes in state labor laws and ensure company policies remain compliant.

Analysis & Reporting:
– Evaluate labor costs, trends, and the operational impact of contract terms.
– Provide leadership with strategic insights and recommendations on labor issues.
– Work with finance and operations to project labor-related costs and budget implications.

What You Bring to Zum:
– Strong business acumen and ability to collaborate with senior leaders to achieve company goals.
– In-depth knowledge of labor-related financials, including wages and benefits.
– Excellent organizational and interpersonal abilities.
– Skilled at managing priorities across multiple departments.
– Experience creating cost models for labor negotiations.
– Advanced skills in facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution, with a fair and confident approach.
– Proven experience in labor and employee relations within a complex, unionized environment.
– 10–12 years of relevant experience.

Compensation & Benefits:
The base salary range for this role in California is $292,000 to $328,500. Actual compensation may vary based on location, skills, and experience. Additional compensation may include bonuses, equity, or commissions. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid holidays, wellness programs, and vacation.

Equal Opportunity:
Zum Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to equal employment opportunities and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.