Arbitration Associate, Labor Affairs COE

Ford Motor Company

Labor law advocate managing grievance and arbitration for Ford's US hourly workforce. Collaborating with HR and legal teams for compliance and standardized labor tracking.

Posted 7/2/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $99,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.
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.
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.
Provide strategic drafting and advisory support during local and national collective bargaining cycles in collaboration with the Arbitration Manager.
Maintain and continuously update the centralized repository of grievance files, arbitration outcomes, settlements, and best practices.
Manage the oversight of standardized labor processes by tracking compliance, identifying deviations, and reporting performance trends.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) degree
Minimum of 3-5 years of dedicated experience in Labor Relations, labor law, litigation, Human Resources, and a highly unionized corporate environment.
In-depth familiarity with grievance and arbitration procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
Demonstrated experience conducting and analyzing complex legal or contractual research and drafting persuasive briefs, submissions, and contract language.
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple projects in a cross-functional team environment.
Proven ability to create and deliver organized, effective, persuasive, and engaging presentations.
Previous Union contract negotiations experience
Experience working in a highly unionized manufacturing environment (experience with the UAW is a strong plus).
Experience supporting grievance administration or arbitration preparation.
Experience acting as a "Super-User" for case management software.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

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Hard Skills & Tools

Legal ResearchDrafting Legal BriefsCollective Bargaining AgreementsGrievance AdministrationArbitration PreparationDocument ProductionEvidence CollectionCase File AnalysisLabor Compliance PoliciesPresentation Skills

Soft Skills

Independent WorkProject PrioritizationCross-Functional CollaborationPersuasive CommunicationOrganizational Skills