Sr. Manager, Activision Labor Relations

Activision • Santa Monica, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Labor Relations, will serve as part of the Human Resources team at Activision, a limited integration gaming studio of Microsoft. Working closely with the Microsoft Corporate Human Resources’ Labor Relations team and reporting through Activision Human Resources, this role serves as a key strategic and operational partner, providing support and labor relations guidance to key stakeholders across the enterprise. This role is responsible for ensuring effective implementation of applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
This role will ensure the continued success of Activision gaming while assisting with the application of Microsoft’s labor principles and prioritizing a labor management relationship built on trust, respect, integrity, and accountability. The Senior Manager, Labor Relations ‘s primary focus will be on CBA administration, grievance management, Requests for Information (RFIs), and training, while partnering closely with the Director, Labor Law, Human Resources, business leadership, and other key stakeholders to ensure compliance with labor laws and alignment with company strategy.
This role requires strong expertise in union contract administration, grievance handling, U.S. labor law, and business acumen, along with the ability to build constructive relationships with union representatives.
This role is anticipated to be assigned as a hybrid work model position, with some work on-site at an Activision Blizzard office and some work remote.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business, Law, or a related field AND 7+ years’ experience in HR, mediation or alternative dispute resolution, collective bargaining or ER-related roles OR Master's Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Human Resources (HR), Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Industrial Relations, Law, or related field AND 6+ years' experience in HR, mediation, collective bargaining or Employee Relations (ER)-related roles OR equivalent, substantial experience
• Expertise and ability to apply all aspects of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) as well as employment and human resources related laws, regulations, policies, and practices.
• Demonstrated track record of building and sustaining productive, trust‑based relationships with union representatives and other labor stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in collective bargaining agreement administration and implementation.
• Demonstrated management-side experience in grievances, arbitrations, and/or negotiations.
• Proven ability to advise leaders and influence outcomes in complex situations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and lead labor relations initiatives and special projects in a complex, matrixed environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting unionized environments within gaming, entertainment, technology, or creative industries.
• Experience supporting inaugural CBA implementation.
• Experience in collective bargaining and/or arbitration.
• Strong executive presence and ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation and administration of collective bargaining agreements across Activision Publishing bargaining units.
• Provide day-to-day guidance regarding the interpretation of contract provisions to HR leaders and management, including advice on contractual obligations, risks, and best practices.
• Monitor compliance with contract terms including wages, working conditions, and procedural requirements.
• Work with Legal to develop and maintain contract interpretation guidance and internal playbooks.
• Serve as primary point of contact for the grievance process for all bargaining units, including intake, documentation, and resolution.
• Collaborate with HR and Legal to determine strategy for grievance responses and potential arbitration.
• Function as the company’s representative in grievance meetings and support arbitration preparation when necessary.
• Track grievance trends and proactively recommend solutions to mitigate recurring issues.
• Resolve labor disputes through collaboration and constructive engagement, both within and outside the formal grievance process.
• Manage and respond to union Requests for Information in compliance with legal obligations and contractual timelines in conjunction with Director of Labor (Legal).
• Coordinate with HR, ER, Legal, and operational leaders to gather and review responsive information.
• Ensure responses are accurate, timely, and strategically aligned with company legal guidance.
• Serve as a key advisor to HR and business leaders on implementing labor relations strategy and risk management.
• Partner closely with the Director, Labor Law and Legal team on complex labor matters, and dispute resolution.
• Maintain productive working relationships with union leadership and bargaining committees.
• Provide strategic support during collective bargaining negotiations, including proposal review, costing analysis, scenario planning, and leadership briefings.
• Design and deliver labor relations training programs for managers and HR partners, including: Microsoft Labor Principles adherence, Contract interpretation, Grievance handling, Compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
• Provide ongoing labor relations coaching and support to managers.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
• Relocation assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees