In this position...
The Arbitration Associate serves as a dedicated labor law advocate and contract advisor within the Labor Affairs COE, which plays a critical role in supporting the end-to-end grievance and arbitration process for Ford’s US hourly workforce. Reporting directly to the Arbitration Manager, the Associate is responsible for providing in-depth contractual interpretation and legal research, executing document discovery, and representing the Company’s strategic position in dispute resolution by managing the end-to-end grievance and arbitration portfolio, including the operational execution of arbitration hearings.
The Arbitration Associate serves as a vital internal consultant to North American Human Resource and Labor Relations (LR) professionals and operations business partners, ensuring compliance with labor policies, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and related Letters of Understanding. They will also support Company compliance with all statutory and federal laws impacting the US hourly workforce. Additionally, this role drives the adoption of standardized labor tracking systems, supports collective bargaining negotiations, and leads capability-building initiatives across Ford's manufacturing footprint.
This role requires high attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with local HR/LR teams, legal counsel, and UAW partners to ensure case readiness and contract compliance.
What you'll do...
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Arbitration Advocacy and Case Preparation Support: Under the direct oversight and guidance of the Arbitration Manager, assist in leading the preparation and representation of the Company’s position for labor arbitrations. Compile, organize, and analyze comprehensive case files, conduct witness preparation, and review critical evidence including grievance steps, local and National agreements, and relevant employment records. Draft comprehensive pre- and post-hearing briefs, position statements, and settlement agreements. Oversee the operational execution of arbitration hearings, coordinating with key stakeholders, Umpires, and Union leadership to ensure hearing readiness and maintain professional lines of communication with UAW counterparts regarding grievance reviews and settlement discussions.
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Evidence & Document Management: Lead the day-to-day execution of document production and internal evidence collection. Ensure all necessary documentation is gathered, reviewed, and organized systematically for discovery.
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Research & Analysis: Conduct detailed research on CBA provisions, Letters of Understanding, past practices, and historical arbitration precedents to support case strategy development. Provide expert, legally grounded interpretation of the CBA, Letters of Understanding, and labor compliance policies to ensure consistent application and mitigate risk.
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Negotiations & Collective Bargaining Support: Provide strategic drafting and advisory support during local and national collective bargaining cycles in collaboration with the Arbitration Manager. Assist in drafting contract language, analyzing Union proposals, and actively participating in bargaining sessions.
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Precedent Repository & Knowledge Management: Maintain and continuously update the centralized repository of grievance files, arbitration outcomes, settlements, and best practices. Ensure data integrity for historical tracking by identifying operational trends, recurring issues, and financial impacts, and perform in-depth legal and contractual research to ensure the Company maintains consistent, defensible positions across all facilities.
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Data Analytics & Reporting: Manage the oversight of standardized labor processes by tracking compliance, identifying deviations, and reporting performance trends. Analyze local disciplinary actions across all facilities and prepare regular dashboards and reports to help the Arbitration Manager formulate preventive labor & arbitration strategies and ensure regional consistency.
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System Governance & Training: Serve as the administrative lead and governance owner for the grievance and disciplinary tracking system in collaboration with the Arbitration Manager. Drive system adoption and data integrity across the Company.
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Labor Policy Advisor: Provide timely interpretation and guidance on labor policies, Letters of Understanding, and CBA requirements to local Labor Relations and Human Resource professionals across the Company. Proactively communicate critical arbitration outcomes, contract clarifications, and key precedents to ensure regional consistency and alignment across the Company.
You'll have...
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Juris Doctor (JD) degree
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Minimum of 3-5 years of dedicated experience in Labor Relations, labor law, litigation, Human Resources, and a highly unionized corporate environment.
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In-depth familiarity with grievance and arbitration procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
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Demonstrated experience conducting and analyzing complex legal or contractual research and drafting persuasive briefs, submissions, and contract language.
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Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple projects in a cross-functional team environment.
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Proven ability to create and deliver organized, effective, persuasive, and engaging presentations.
Even better, you may have...
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Previous Union contract negotiations experience
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Experience working in a highly unionized manufacturing environment (experience with the UAW is a strong plus).
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Experience supporting grievance administration or arbitration preparation.
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Experience acting as a "Super-User" for case management software.
Skills & Competencies…
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Advocacy & Presentation: Strong public speaking and advocacy skills; ability to present complex cases clearly and persuasively to Umpires and lead training sessions for diverse audiences.
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Analytical & Critical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex contract language, identify key facts in dispute, and synthesize information into clear summaries and actionable labor strategies.
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Organization & Detail Orientation: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple case files, deadlines, and logistical moving parts simultaneously.
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Written & Verbal Communication: Strong drafting skills; ability to communicate complex contract interpretations clearly and concisely.
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Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills: Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including plant management, legal counsel, and union representatives.
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Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and experience utilizing case management systems or databases.
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Discretion & Integrity: High level of professionalism and discretion when handling highly confidential labor relations and employee data.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
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Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
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Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
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Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
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Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
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Tuition assistance
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Established and active employee resource groups
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Paid time off for individual and team community service
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A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
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Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: New Hire Benefits
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
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