People and Labor Strategy Manager

City of Vancouver

26d•$10,844 - $16,266•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Vancouver is hiring a People and Labor Strategy Manager to lead its People and Labor Strategy function through oversight of the Human Resources Business Partner team and the development of labor and employee relations strategies that support organizational goals, workforce engagement, and operational excellence. The role leads collective bargaining for City union contracts, advises managers and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations issues, and helps move HR services from a reactive to a proactive model. The manager mentors and supports HR Business Partners and collaborates with the HR Director on goals aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan, Vision, and Values. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position, scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The position is eligible for telework or a hybrid schedule, although employees may occasionally need to work in the office based on business needs. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; ongoing telework from other locations is not supported. The listed salary range is $10,844 to $16,266, with the posting noting that starting salary may be around the midpoint depending on qualifications and other factors. The position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, basic criminal background check, and VPD background check. The City emphasizes safety, equity, diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity.

Requirements

At least five years of labor and employee relations and supervisory experience.
Experience working with diverse groups, bridging differences, and resolving conflict.
Experience supervising HR professionals and leading a team.
Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, employment laws, leadership, training, supervision, a range of HR disciplines, and current office procedures and computer equipment.
Ability to manage multiple projects and issues, think strategically, exercise sound judgment, and prioritize work.
Ability to build productive relationships with labor partners and City staff, communicate effectively, resolve conflict calmly, and engage diverse groups with empathy and compassion.
Ability to work collaboratively, inclusively, respectfully, safely, and with a strong customer-service orientation.
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, transferable skills, and experience.
Successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, basic criminal background check, and VPD background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a lead negotiator.
Experience with interest-based bargaining.
Knowledge of employment laws and labor relations practices, preferably in Washington State.

Responsibilities

Lead or serve as second chair in negotiations for City labor agreements, including non-public safety contracts, MOUs, addenda, and interim bargaining; interpret contract language, labor laws, memoranda, and ordinances.
Develop bargaining proposals with City leaders, evaluate union proposals, present options, and communicate transparently when proposals cannot be implemented as presented.
Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Human Resources Business Partner team, developing manager education, training, consistency, and a more proactive and strategic approach to HR partnership.
Manage the Business Partner team to ensure consistent messaging and approaches, and mentor and support team members.
Advise City leadership on workforce trends, organizational challenges, labor relations, employee experience, leadership effectiveness, and change management.
Analyze workforce, engagement, retention, recruitment, and labor-related data to identify trends and develop strategies that improve organizational effectiveness, workforce readiness, employee retention, and operational outcomes.
Work with legal counsel and Finance on labor and employee relations matters, contract costing, and options; collaborate with labor groups on policies affecting mandatory bargaining subjects.
Coordinate with internal City partners on bargaining trends, opportunities, and constraints, and ensure impacted departments have an opportunity to review proposed changes before they are finalized.
Ensure timely action, communication, follow-up, and follow-through on employee and labor issues to foster positive labor relations.
Perform Business Partner duties as needed, including investigations and facilitations; manage the ADA interactive process; and recommend policy or process changes.
Participate in the Human Resources, Safety and Risk management team and help set department direction; support HR and Risk/Safety staff and take on other assigned duties.
Promote workplace safety, ensure supervised employees review applicable safety plans and procedures and receive relevant training, and report or escalate safety issues and injuries.