Labor Relations Manager

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The City of Richmond is seeking a strategic and analytical Labor Relations Manager to support labor-management relations and collective bargaining administration. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Human Resources or designee, this position plays a critical role in contract administration, grievance resolution, labor negotiations support, analytics, policy interpretation, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and Virginia public-sector labor laws. The City of Richmond has five (5) recognized bargaining units. This is a high-visibility role requiring sound judgment, discretion, analytical rigor, a proactive approach, and the ability to navigate complex labor environments in a municipal setting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field
Five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in labor relations, employee relations, or human resources within a unionized environment
Experience supporting multiple bargaining units is preferred, as is prior supervisory or management experience.
An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
A strong working knowledge of public-sector labor relations—preferably within the Commonwealth of Virginia—and the ability to interpret and administer complex collective bargaining agreements with precision and sound judgment.
Considerable knowledge of labor law
Collective bargaining strategies and processes
Labor relations issues in local governmental agencies with multiple unions
Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with financial costing and impact analysis related to labor agreements and personnel matters
Experience with collective bargaining agreements to include drafting, negotiating and interpreting agreements and leading efforts on compliance and enforcement
Work effectively with individuals and groups regarding sensitive or controversial issues
Strength in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and leadership, supervisory, conflict resolution, ethics, problem-solving, strategic thinking, leadership, and cultural competency.
Thorough knowledge of labor relations practices and legal requirements
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven and politically sensitive environment
Proven ability working with all levels of City leadership required
Collaborative team player
Advanced Microsoft Office experience, including virtual team platforms for meetings, shared team documents, and instant messaging communications.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multiple bargaining units is preferred
prior supervisory or management experience
A master’s degree in Public Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field is preferred
experience supporting police, fire, public works, or general government bargaining units.

Responsibilities

Oversee collective bargaining, contract administration, and alternative dispute resolution resulting in a coordinated and effective approach
Proactively participate as a key representative in the employer-union relationship to ensure effective relations and achievement of business objectives and partner with the HR organization to ensure awareness of employee investigations/labor relations issues.
Negotiate collective bargaining/employee agreements with assigned employee groups.
Develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with bargaining unit and other group representatives.
Develop bargaining strategies and prepare proposals.
Analyze impact of proposals and develops alternative proposals that work for both parties.
Achieve tentative agreements within established parameters and prepares agreements for leadership approval.
Create and implement organized system of case management and ensures all cases are completed in a timely manner.
Perform ongoing assessment of City labor relations positions and agreements and prepares reports.
Provide recommendations and support for management decision-making processes.
Recommend improvements to labor relations and contract negotiations.
Compliance with federal and state regulations, laws regarding labor relations and human resources.
Recognize potential employee relations issues and take or recommend necessary corrective action.
Collaboratively integrate approaches, outcomes, deliverables, and solutions with partners in HR, Legal, and Finance