Employee & Labor Relations Consultant

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

State retirement plan

Job summary

Ohio State University is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Consultant to partner with HR leadership and operational leaders. The role serves as the labor relations expert guiding contract administration, compliance, and workforce practices across the medical center, while leading grievance processes and labor relations initiatives.

The position emphasizes building strong relationships, offering education, and providing proactive guidance to reduce risk and support organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration/human resources preferred or equivalent experience.
• PHR/SPHR or other professional certification preferred.
• Minimum of 6+ years’ experience in employee and labor relations.
• 8-12 years experience in labor relations preferred.
• Understanding of Ohio and Federal employment laws, reducing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and establish ‘quick’ rapport with all levels of the organization.
• Strong consultative style with proven experience supporting multiple areas.
• Strong mind-set for continuous improvement and meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a highly skilled labor relations expert and trusted consultant to ELR leadership and HR partners.
• Lead day-to-day contract administration and labor service delivery.
• Provide advance guidance on contract administration, compliance obligations, management rights, labor strategy, and workforce practices.
• Establish productive relationships with union and management representatives.
• Lead grievance and committee processes, coordinate arbitration, mediation and unfair labor practice response activity.
• Manage bargaining execution and mid-term agreements, develop labor relations training.

Skills

Labor relations

Communication skills

Consultative approach

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration/human resources

PHR/SPHR or other professional certification

Job description

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Job Title: Employee & Labor Relations Consultant

Department: Health System Shared Services | Human Resource Administration

Scope of Position Responsible for supporting the delivery of effective employee and labor relations services by implementing strategies aligned with organizational objectives. Partners with HR leadership and department managers to address labor-related issues, facilitate resolution of employee concerns, and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures. Provides guidance and practical solutions to help achieve organizational goals and maintain a positive work environment across the medical center.

Position Summary

Serves as a highly skilled labor relations expert and trusted consultant to Employee & Labor Relations leadership, HR partners, operational leaders, and ELR colleagues. Will serve as the operational lead and subject matter expert for labor relations, guiding day-to-day contract administration and labor service delivery in alignment with Employee & Labor Relations leadership and organizational objectives. Provides advance guidance on contract administration, compliance obligations, management rights, labor strategy, and consistent workforce practices while helping individuals understand risk, make informed decisions, and bring team members, teams, and stakeholders along through education and partnership. Establishes productive relationships with union and management representatives, and ensures consistent administration of collective bargaining agreements. Leads grievance and committee processes, coordinates arbitration, mediation, and unfair labor practice response activity, manages bargaining execution and mid-term agreements, develops labor relations training, and serves as a point of escalation for complex labor matters. Ensures labor and non-labor teams are supported with parity in leadership education, career support, operational guidance, and workforce planning.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business administration/human resources is preferred or equivalent experience. PHR/SPHR or other professional certification preferred. Minimum of 6+ years’ experience in employee and labor relations. 8-12 years experience in labor relations preferred. Understanding of Ohio and Federal employments laws, reducing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proven ability to provide a high level of professional interaction, collaboration and consultation with all levels of partners and stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and establish ‘quick’ rapport with all levels of the organization. Strong consultative style with proven experience supporting multiple areas. Strong mind-set for continuous improvement and meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

Additional Information

Location: Ackerman Rd, 660 (0242) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care.

Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit.

We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together.

By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.