Employee Relations Manager (CMM)

City of Santa Ana•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

The City of Santa Ana is seeking a results-oriented public-service professional to direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the Employee Relations Division. The division’s programs include labor relations, employee relations, classification and compensation, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) administration, and employee leaves of absence. The manager oversees division goals, policies, procedures, priorities, and service delivery, and provides highly responsible administrative assistance to the Executive Director of Human Resources. The position also serves as a consultant to City management, including interpreting and implementing labor agreements. The manager leads labor negotiations and works with City departments, bargaining units, employees, and legal counsel on labor and employee relations matters. The role also oversees classification and compensation programs, EEO and ADA matters, personnel and disciplinary processes, division staff and budgets, and related reporting and proceedings. The position may attend City Council meetings and represent the City in arbitration, Personnel Board, and/or PERB proceedings. Applicants must have at least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration, including five years in employee and labor relations and two years of supervisory experience, along with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A valid California Class C driver’s license must be held and retained as a condition of continued employment. A Juris Doctorate or relevant master’s degree and IPMA-SCP certification are highly desirable.

Requirements

At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration.
At least five years of employee and labor relations experience.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Possess and retain a valid California Class C driver’s license as a condition of continued employment.
Knowledge of public-sector human resources administration, employer and employee relations, labor relations, negotiation processes, progressive discipline, EEO and ADA administration, classification and compensation, supervision, training, performance evaluation, municipal budgeting, research and statistical analysis, municipal government, report preparation, office procedures and software, applicable labor and employment laws, and wage and salary administration.
Ability to coordinate and direct comprehensive human resources operations; represent the City in labor negotiations; advise on grievances and disciplinary matters; supervise, train, and evaluate staff; develop and implement goals, programs, policies, and procedures; interpret and apply laws and policies; assist with budgets; organize work and meet deadlines; communicate effectively; prepare reports and correspondence; conduct complex research; maintain records; operate office and computer equipment; and build effective working relationships with City stakeholders and the public.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
IPMA-Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) certification.

Responsibilities

Direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the Employee Relations Division and its programs, including labor relations, employee relations, classification and compensation, EEO/ADA, and employee leaves of absence.
Oversee division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, priorities, and service delivery.
Facilitate communications between the City and recognized bargaining units, provide legally mandated information, respond to union inquiries, and address meet-and-confer obligations.
Conduct labor negotiations concerning wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment; consult with management on City proposals; oversee implementation of agreements; and oversee letters of understanding.
Work with managers to address employee relations matters and deficiencies; manage disciplinary practices and procedures; conduct investigations; implement discipline and termination procedures; and advise on grievances.
Manage the City’s classification and compensation plan, including studies, position audits, policy guidance, labor-market assessments, and trend identification.
Review, track, and assist with the administration, investigation, and resolution of EEO complaints and ADA matters.
Serve as the employee and labor relations liaison between Human Resources and other departments; advise and counsel stakeholders and help coordinate complaint resolution.
Participate in employee litigation matters, consult with internal and external legal counsel, and represent the City in arbitration, Personnel Board, and/or PERB proceedings.
Attend and participate in City Council meetings as needed to provide information and answer questions about division matters.
Monitor service-delivery effectiveness, workload, administrative and support systems, and reporting relationships; identify and implement improvements in consultation with the Executive Director of Human Resources.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; coordinate staff training; address deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures.
Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the Employee Relations Division work plan; assign work; monitor workflow; and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Manage and participate in assigned annual budget development and administration, including forecasting, expenditure monitoring and approval, and budget adjustments.
Provide staff assistance to the Executive Director of Human Resources and prepare and present staff reports and correspondence.
Assist in administering Personnel Board proceedings and other professional boards and commissions.
Perform other duties as assigned.