Employee Relations Manager (CMM)

City of Santa Ana; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Ana is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead the Employee Relations Division within the Human Resources Department. The role requires ensuring effective labor relations, employee relations, classification and compensation work, and ADA/EEO administration, with a proactive approach to policy development and negotiation.

The ideal candidate will bring eight or more years of public HR experience, including five years in employee and labor relations and two

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public sector HR administration.
• Five (5) years of employee and labor relations experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Assumes management oversight of the Employee Relations Division, including labor relations, employee relations, classification & compensation, EEO/ADA, and leaves of absence.
• Facilitates communications between City and bargaining units and fulfills meet and confer obligations.
• Conducts labor negotiations and develops city positions; oversees agreements and related documents.
• Advises on discipline, grievance procedures, investigations, and termination processes.
• Manages the City’s classification & compensation plan and conducts related studies.
• Reviews EEO and ADA complaints and coordinates resolution.
• Represents the City in arbitration, Personnel Board, and PERB proceedings.
• Coordinates with City leadership and departments; presents reports to the Executive Director of Human Resources.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee relations

Negotiation

Public sector HR administration

Budgeting and financial oversight

Supervisory leadership

EEO/ADA administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.

The Employee Relations Manager directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the programs and activities of the Employee Relations Division, including but not limited to labor relations, employee relations, classification & compensation, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disability Act (ADA) administration, and employee leaves of absence with City departments and outside agencies. Providing highly responsible and complex administrative assistance to the Executive Director of Human Resources, the Employee Relations Manager functions as a consultant to City management and has responsibility in interpreting and implementing labor agreements.

Candidates must possess a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience and knowledge in public sector human resources administration, including five (5) years of employee and labor relations experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience, supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

First review of applications deadline of 11:59pm, Sunday, November 29, 2026. This recruitment can close at any time without notice after this deadline.

The eligibility list established for this classification may be used to fill future vacancies within the Operations Division.

• Assumes management oversight of the Employee Relations Division and its programs and activities, including but not limited to labor relations, employee relations, classification & compensation, EEO/ADA, and employee leaves of absence; and oversees division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities.
• Facilitates communications between City and recognized bargaining units, including providing legally mandated information, responding to union inquiries, and addressing meet and confer obligations.
• Conducts labor negotiations regarding wages, hours of work, and other terms and conditions of employment with bargaining groups; consults with management staff to develop the City’s position concerning management and union proposals; oversees the implementation of agreement provisions; and oversees the negotiation and preparation of letters of understanding to resolve issues that arise during the term of active collective bargaining agreements.
• Works with managers to address and correct employee relations matters, including employee deficiencies; manages the implementation of disciplinary policies, practices, and procedures; conducts investigations; implements discipline and termination procedures; and advises on grievance procedures.
• Manages the City’s classification & compensation plan, including overseeing classification & compensation studies and position audits; provides classification & compensation policy and procedural direction and guidance; assesses the City’s position in the labor market; and identifies related trends.
• Reviews, tracks, and assists in the administration, investigation and/or resolution of EEO complaints and ADA matters.
• Serves as the employee and labor relations liaison between the Human Resources Department and other departments; and provides advice and counsel and helps coordinate resolution of complaints and allegations.
• Participates in employee litigation matters; consults with internal and external legal counsel on recommended courses of action; and represents the City in arbitration, Personnel Board, and/or PERB proceedings.
• Attends and participates in City Council meetings to provide information and answer questions regarding division matters, as needed.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews findings with the Executive Director of Human Resources; and implement improvements.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan of the Employee Relations Division; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; and reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of assigned annual budgets; directs the forecasting of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; and directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Executive Director of Human Resources; and prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Assists in the administration of Personnel Board proceedings and/or other professional boards and commissions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Candidates must possess a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience and knowledge in public sector human resources administration, including five (5) years of employee and labor relations experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience, supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience, education, and training must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Public sector human resources administration; employer and employee relations; labor relations; negotiation processes; progressive discipline; EEO and ADA administration; classification & compensation; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; municipal budgetary processes and control; methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and applicable quantitative methods; municipal government administration; business letter writing and report preparation; office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and office software applications; pertinent federal, state, and local public sector labor and employment laws, codes, and regulations; wage and salary administration.

Ability to: Coordinate and direct the day-to-day operations and services of a comprehensive human resources program; facilitate and represent the City in labor negotiations; provide advice and counsel on grievance and disciplinary matters; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; recommend, implement, and evaluate goals, objectives, programs, projects, policies, and procedures; understand, interpret, and apply Citywide and departmental codes, policies, and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; communicate tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately; prepare clear and concise technical and staff reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; conduct complex research projects; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; maintain appropriate and effective recordkeeping; operate office equipment, including computer equipment and office software applications; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with department management, City employees, employee organizations, elected and appointed City officials, and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and retention of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is a condition of continued employment in this classification.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Possession of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.

Possession of IPMA-Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) certification is highly desirable.

All applicants are required to complete and submit an online City application (including Supplemental Questionnaire) with Resume and Cover Letter.

Resumes and other attachments will be used in addition to the application in determining your qualifications. The City communicates with candidates via e‑mail. You are responsible for providing a valid e‑mail address that you access regularly and checking your spam folder.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Writing Skills Examination (Tentatively scheduled to be assigned the week of November 30, 2026)

(Qualifying) will evaluate the candidate's subject matter knowledge, analytical skills and writing aptitude. The areas that will be evaluated may include: analytical thought process and proper English and grammar usage, clarity, conciseness, organization, content, and logical progression from one idea to the next. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to continue in the selection process.

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for week of December 7, 2026)

(Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience and training, communication, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.