HR Employee Labor Relations Manager

$90,000 - $120,000/Yr

Motus Recruiting and Staffing - Portland, OR

Full-time - Mid Level

Portland, OR

501-1,000 employees

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Employee Relations Manager at Relay Resources plays a crucial role in overseeing the administration of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements related to employee and labor relations activities. This position is responsible for providing consultation, facilitation, and guidance on various employment issues, including performance management, grievance resolution, and other labor relations functions. The Employee Relations Manager will work closely with management to coach, counsel, and discipline employees, while also collaborating with the Employee Labor Relations Director on investigations and terminations related to performance, code of conduct, and policy violations. In this hybrid role based in Portland, Oregon, the Employee Relations Manager will engage with employees and situations by leading with a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values. The manager will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and self-awareness, particularly in relation to bias and disability inclusion. The position requires extensive experience in leading investigations into a variety of employee relations situations, both in union and non-union environments, and the ability to dig into root causes to develop sustainable solutions that enhance the employee experience and workplace environment. The Employee Relations Manager will provide day-to-day performance management guidance, including coaching, counseling, career development, and disciplinary actions. This role will support approximately 500 out of 800 employees who are unionized, and will be responsible for managing union activities, conducting investigations, and maintaining positive relationships with local union representatives and stewards. The manager will also assist in negotiations and help resolve union grievances on behalf of the company, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws while preparing evidence for disciplinary hearings and conducting internal and external investigations.

Responsibilities

• Administer policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements related to employee and labor relations activities.
• Provide consultation, facilitation, and guidance on performance management, grievance resolution, and other labor relations functions.
• Engage with employees and situations with a focus on DEI and disability inclusion values.
• Lead investigations into employee relations situations, both union and non-union.
• Analyze root causes of employee issues and develop sustainable solutions to improve the workplace environment.
• Provide performance management guidance, including coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions.
• Work closely with management to improve working relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Support union activities and maintain relationships with local representatives and union stewards.
• Assist in negotiations and resolve union grievances on behalf of the company.
• Develop and implement management-labor relations programs to improve labor relations.
• Interpret and advise management on negotiated bargaining agreements related to employee discipline or grievance procedures.
• Conduct internal and external investigations requiring fact-finding and resolution of issues affecting disciplinary actions and grievances.
• Communicate potential employee problems to operations management and analyze evidence in disciplinary cases.
• Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
• Facilitate discussions between supervisors, employees, and employee representatives regarding performance issues.
• Provide coaching and counseling to management and employees on sensitive issues.
• Develop and deliver training for managers and supervisors on labor relations topics.
• Implement long-term HR strategies to increase employee retention.
• Conduct employee retention interviews to identify issues and analyze trends.

Requirements

• College degree in a related field or HR, Labor, or 5+ years of employee relations experience.
• Experience in a union environment is required.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment, labor laws, rules, and regulations.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Knowledge of research and investigative methods and practices.
• Knowledge of mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution methods and practices.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred but not required.
• Experience working with disabled individuals preferred.
• Experience in union bargaining/negotiations.

Benefits

• Direct hire position with a competitive salary range of $90K-$120K, DOE.
• Hybrid work environment with 3 days a week onsite.