People Operations & Labor Relations Manager - Human Resources (HR)

Sound•Tukwila, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Overview Opportunities abound at SOUND SOUND Behavioral Health is growing, and we are hiring a People Operations & Labor Relations Manager in Tukwila, WA! Sound is one of King County’s most comprehensive providers of quality mental health and addiction treatment services, supporting our area’s most vulnerable populations. If you’re someone who loves supporting others and believes in the power of community behavioral health, you’ll fit right in here. We care deeply about our clients and each other, and we make sure every team member knows exactly how much they matter to what we do. It is the primary responsibility of the People Operations & Labor Relations Manager to manage and facilitate the intake processing, tracking, handling of fact-finding and related hearing of issues, settlement of or preparation of grievances for arbitration through the contractual dispute resolution process of both union-represented and non-union-represented employees. This role is a working program manager role, not currently a people leader role. This position will function as the lead negotiator in collect Bargaining Agreements. Also, provide advice to managers and additional People Operations team members on the effective navigation of labor relations matters, application of collective bargaining agreement provisions, and grievance handling that proactively addresses operational issues or concerns related to team members. Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday; Hybrid role, with flexibility to work outside of traditional business hours as needed to support 24/7 business units occasionally, and travel throughout the Greater Seattle and surrounding areas . The primary office is located in Tukwila, WA. We are accepting applications until 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. Responsibilities The People Operations & Labor Relations Manager is also responsible for tracking major labor related issues that may have significant adjustments to policies and procedures that may be required. The position actively participates in the creation and delivery of proactive labor relations processes and procedures and in responding to specific challenges and/or charges from SEIU. The position is also responsible for analyzing data companywide to better manage and anticipate grievance trends. The position supports the delivery of our labor relations strategies and participates in the administration of collective bargaining agreements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
2 years of experience working in Labor Relations/Union Environment required, preferably 4+ years.
3 years of experience in an HR management role required.
Demonstrated experience as chief spokesperson/negotiator in bargaining processes required.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply provisions of collective bargaining agreements effectively within a business setting.
Ability to communicate effectively with multiple audiences.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to allow development of collaborative and sustainable working relationships with persons at all levels of the organization, practicing honest and integrity.
Demonstrated ability to compromise effectively when it is in the best interest of the organization and makes sound business sense.
Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to multitask and balance numerous priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
Understands basic business drivers of the healthcare industry.
Ability to compile and analyze complex data.
Ability to think critically, independently, and make good decisions on behalf of the organization.
Ability to maximize efficiency by developing new procedures and methods.
Current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Excel
Ability to analyze complex data
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, in both written and verbal forms.
Essential functions are the basic job duties that a team member must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Speaking; hearing (with or without assistance); near vision, far vision, depth perception, peripheral vision (with or without assistance); touch; smell; and balance.
Extended periods of sitting, computer use, talking, and possibly standing Simple grasp, firm grasp, fine manipulation, pinch, finger dexterity, supination/pronation, wrist flexion Frequent torso/back static position; occasional stooping, bending, and twisting Some kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying (not over 25 pounds), twisting, and reaching
Ability to learn and prioritize multiple tasks at a given time and have the capability of handling demanding situations.
Analytical/problem-solving/critical thinking ability.
Must be able to manage conflict, communicate effectively, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
Ability to work a regular, full-time, Monday-Friday, Hybrid work schedule of in-office and remote work, that is fast-paced with frequent interruptions.
Flexibility to work outside of traditional business hours as needed to support 24/7 business units occasionally.
Travel throughout the Greater Seattle and surrounding areas.
All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that a team member encounters while working at Sound is considered confidential.
Sound team members may encounter protected health information in the regular course of their work.
This position may be exposed to and required to deal with highly confidential and sensitive material and must adhere to Sound policies, guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP, PHR, SHRM-SCP, or SPHR certification preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and foster a productive work relationship with union representatives.
Assist in mediating and resolving disputes and other conflicts.
Represent the organization at unemployment hearings as needed.
Manage and resolve complex represented and non-represented team member relations issues; conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations when necessary.
Act as subject matter expert on application, interpretation of intent, and terms of collective bargaining agreement provisions.
Serve as primary contact for the organization for grievance processing and handling
Ensure the union is kept informed of organizational changes and initiatives
Administer and conduct meetings between grieving team members, supervisors, and labor union representatives to investigate and resolve grievances
Formulate potential avenues and settlement options that assist in achieving business objectives or significantly mitigate potential liability based on extensive analysis and experience
Proactively communicate with the Director of People Operations about issues, concerns, or proceedings that may have a significant impact on the organization
Compile, analyze, and maintain files regarding the handling of grievance/dispute resolution, to include Step One, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and mediation
Work collaboratively with union partners to guide the timely and effective resolution of grievances and potential arbitrations to ensure consistency in decision-making and outcomes to reduce potential liability for the organization
In collaboration with People Operations and Legal Counsel, facilitate the creation of settlement agreements with Labor organizations to include Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) on behalf of the organization.
Build and maintain positive relationships with the various labor organizations and other key internal stakeholders
Maintain accurate and complete database regarding grievances and arbitrations.
Formulate effective dispute resolution strategies and approaches that leverage the scope and scale of the organization holistically.
Serve as a liaison to outside labor attorneys on grievances and labor relations issues, and serves as a representative in arbitration and legal proceedings as needed
Prepare statistical reports, using records of actions taken concerning grievances, arbitration and mediation cases, and related labor relations activities to identify problem areas
Collect, analyze, and investigate labor relations policies and procedures used within the organization to determine alignment of process and approach across the organization
Maintain accurate and complete union wage and step data and processes.
Administer monthly and annual union pay rate changes
Participate in facilitating Labor Relations-specific training to support continual education and development of labor practices.
Actively participate in conducting and representing the organization in the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the arbitration process
Participate as SME as needed on internal project teams relating to issues such as consolidation of functions and reorganization of functions where represented team members are impacted
Act as the ADA administrator for internal ADA requests, ensuring timely engagement with members who may need or request accommodations, maintaining proper documentation, and seeking resolution in each individual case
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.
Advise and manage the unemployment claims process
Maintain a professional and confident demeanor when interacting with management, team members, union representatives, consultants, and/or external communities
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
Participate in People Operations projects, reporting, metrics, committees, and initiatives as assigned.

Benefits

100% Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Full time Team Member and child(ren) coverage until child's 26th birthday
Spouse/Domestic Partner coverage available (team member pays full cost)
Paid Life Insurance 2x annual salary + additional $25,000
Long Term Disability Insurance (60% monthly salary)
100% premiums paid by Sound
18 Days of Paid Rest and Relaxation (Vacation) - beginning first year
12 Days of Paid Sick Leave
9 Days of Paid Holidays
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health care (limited) and dependent day care costs (pre-tax)
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
The Standard Sound retirement plan: 401(k) plan (organization contribution) – Sound contributes 3% to team members' plan, even if you don’t. Team members are 100% vested; team members may contribute to their own plan
Paid Training
Free in-house professional training and $400 annually + 3 paid days off-site training
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Service Award - at 5,10,15,20 & 25 years of service