SVP, Labor Relations Job at Sony Pictures Entertainment in Culver City

Overview

The Senior Vice President Labor Relations leads Sony Pictures Entertainment's global labor relations strategy and operations. This role serves as a key advisor to executive leadership and senior management across all divisions providing strategic labor counsel for both theatrical and television production.

The SVP represents SPE on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) Board and serves as the company’s lead negotiator in collective bargaining with major industry unions and guilds. The position oversees all aspects of labor relations including contract negotiation and administration, grievance and arbitration management, labor-related litigation and matters before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and manages a high-performing Labor Relations team.

Core Responsibilities

Collective Bargaining Negotiations

• Represent SPE in AMPTP-led industry negotiations and individual company bargaining with entertainment industry unions and guilds.
• Draft and negotiate collective bargaining agreements and proposals to advance company objectives.
• Maintain deep understanding of agreements such as DGA, WGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and Teamsters.
• Develop and sustain strong trust-based relationships with union and guild leadership to promote collaboration, transparency and productive dialogue.

Strategic Advisory & Leadership Support

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on complex labor matters and long-term workforce strategy.
• Provide labor counsel across all areas of the business including production, business affairs, distribution, marketing, facilities and human resources.
• Guide decision-making related to the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements and labor law, ensuring alignment with business strategy.

Grievances, Arbitrations & NLRB Matters

• Oversee the investigation and resolution of union and guild disputes, grievances and audits.
• Manage arbitration proceedings and outside counsel as necessary.
• Advise on job actions, strike preparedness, reserve gates and NLRB claims.

Executive & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop a global labor relations team fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Provide clear direction, delegate effectively and ensure professional growth and accountability across the team.
• Partner closely with senior business and functional leaders to anticipate needs, build consensus and deliver results.

Strategic Planning & Industry Engagement

• Shape and execute Sony Pictures Entertainment's labor relations strategy in alignment with corporate and production goals.
• Represent SPE at industry forums and internal leadership meetings maintaining credibility and influence within the broader entertainment community.

Job Requirements

Education & Licenses

• Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Active member of the California State Bar

Experience

• 12 years of senior leadership experience in entertainment industry labor relations.
• 5 years of experience in senior leadership
• Proven record of success in AMPTP multi-employer bargaining.
• Expertise in entertainment industry collective bargaining agreements (WGA, DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE).
• Established respected relationships with union and guild leadership across the industry.
• Deep understanding of labor law including the NLRA with broad knowledge of employment law.
• Experience managing and developing senior-level legal or labor professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with executive leaders and external stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional executive presence, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong negotiation and influence capabilities with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Proven ability to translate complex legal and labor concepts into clear actionable business strategies.
• Skilled in strategic planning, risk assessment and cross-functional collaboration.
• Analytical thinker with experience using data and insights to guide decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, drive alignment and deliver results under pressure.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Direct reports: 6 (4 VPs, 1 Senior Coordinator, 1 Administrative Assistant)

No range at this time.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

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