Employee Relations and Labor Relations Specialist

SAIC; Yorktown (VA); Remote; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks an experienced Employee Relations and Labor Relations Specialist to advise employees, managers, and leadership, focusing on union relations, contract administration, and policy compliance. You will collaborate with union representatives and HR/legal partners to foster a positive, compliant workplace.

The role emphasizes investigations, grievance handling, and strategic advisory support to manage complex labor relations matters across a multi-state environment, including enforcement of

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR, employee relations, or labor relations experience, with hands-on union relations.
• Experience conducting investigations and managing complex employee and labor relations cases, including union grievances.
• Strong working knowledge of federal/state employment and labor laws (FMLA, ADA, Title VII, FLSA, NLRA).
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with clear investigation reports.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills to identify trends and propose solutions.
• Ability to build trust with employees, managers, unions, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Conduct objective investigations into employee complaints (harassment, discrimination, retaliation) in union and non-union settings.
• Manage formal union grievances and participate in mediations, arbitrations, and dispute resolution.
• Document findings and maintain case files; propose corrective actions with HR leadership and legal counsel.
• Advise managers on interpretation/application of policies and CBAs for fair application.
• Serve as a bridge between management and labor unions on bargaining, compliance, and disputes.
• Support collective bargaining and contract renewals; address contract compliance issues.
• Monitor regulatory changes and communicate updates to HR leadership and management.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor relations

Investigations

Policy interpretation

Grievance handling

Management advisory

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR / Business / related field

Master’s degree in HR or Labor Relations

Professional HR certification (SHRM, HRCI)

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

SAIC is seeking an experienced and strategic Employee Relations and Labor Relations Specialist to join our Human Resources team. In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, and leadership, with a strong focus on employee relations and union/labor relations. You will work closely with union representatives, support collective bargaining and contract administration, and help maintain constructive labor management relationships. You will play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment by managing complex employee and labor relations matters, ensuring compliance with employment and labor laws, and supporting programs that promote employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.

This position can be worked 100% remote within the U.Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations and labor relations issues, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance management concerns.

• Conduct thorough, objective, and timely investigations into employee complaints (harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other misconduct) in both union and non union environments.
• Manage formal union grievances, conduct related workplace investigations, and represent the organization during mediations, arbitrations, and other labor management dispute resolution processes.
• Document investigation findings and maintain accurate case files; recommend appropriate corrective actions in partnership with HR leadership and legal counsel.
• Advise managers and employees on the interpretation and application of company policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), ensuring consistent and fair application.
• Serve as a bridge between management and labor unions to:
  • Support or participate in collective bargaining and contract renewals
  • Address contract compliance issues and resolve workplace disputes
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment and labor laws (e.g., Review, develop, and update HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to reflect current legal requirements and best practices in employee and labor relations.
• Partner with legal counsel on complex employment and labor matters, including litigation support and responses to EEOC, DOL, NLRB, and other regulatory agency charges.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting employment and labor relations and communicate relevant updates to HR leadership and management.
• Develop and deliver tools, resources, and training to build manager capability in employee and labor relations and to promote a positive, compliant workplace culture.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field.

• 10+ years of progressive HR, employee relations, or labor relations experience, with strong, hands on experience in union and labor relations.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations and labor relations cases, including union grievances.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws, including FMLA, ADA, Title VII, FLSA, and NLRA, and their application in unionized settings.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise investigation reports and labor relations documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to assess risk, identify trends, and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with employees, managers, union representatives, and leaders at all levels.

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or a related field.

• Professional HR certification: Experience in a multi state or multi site organization with both union and non union populations.
• Extensive, direct experience in union and labor relations, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance handling.
• Experience with HRIS systems

SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.