Labor Relations Manager

The Labor Relations Manager will serve as a subject matter expert on labor relations and will be responsible for supporting positive labor-management relationships, administering collective bargaining agreements, leading negotiations, and managing grievances and other labor-related matters. This is a high-visibility opportunity supporting a large, multi-state unionized workforce and partnering closely with HR, Operations, Legal, and senior leadership.

Labor Relations Manager

Location: Downtown Houston, TX
Salary: $130,000–$165,000 + 20% Bonus
Travel: Approximately 25%; up to 40% as needed
Employment Type: Full-Time

A well-established organization is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Manager to join its Human Resources team. This is a high-visibility opportunity supporting a large, multi-state unionized workforce and partnering closely with HR, Operations, Legal, and senior leadership.

The Labor Relations Manager will serve as a subject matter expert on labor relations and will be responsible for supporting positive labor-management relationships, administering collective bargaining agreements, leading negotiations, and managing grievances and other labor-related matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Labor Relations subject matter expert for HR and operational leadership
• Administer and interpret approximately 10 collective bargaining agreements across multiple states
• Lead and support collective bargaining negotiations, including proposal development, costing, and bargaining strategy
• Build and maintain productive relationships with union representatives
• Manage grievances from initial filing through resolution
• Conduct investigations involving labor disputes, contract violations, and workplace concerns
• Represent the organization in grievance meetings, mediations, arbitrations, and other labor proceedings
• Advise leadership regarding labor and employment laws, CBA requirements, and employee relations matters
• Monitor labor relations trends and proactively identify potential risks
• Train managers and HR professionals on labor relations, CBA administration, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution
• Partner with Legal, HR, and Operations to mitigate labor-related risks
• Travel to various locations for negotiations, investigations, training, labor-management meetings, and other business needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or related field
• 6–8+ years of progressive Labor Relations, Employee Relations, or HR experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting a unionized workforce
• Strong experience administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements
• Experience participating in or leading labor contract negotiations
• Experience managing grievances, investigations, and arbitration preparation
• Strong knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and applicable labor & employment laws
• Experience working across multiple states and locations preferred
• Strong negotiation, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, managers, employees, and union representatives
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or related field
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or equivalent certification
• Experience in transportation, logistics, manufacturing, utilities, energy, environmental services, or another highly regulated industry

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