Human Resources Manager

LHH; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined-benefit retirement pension

Employer-paid Kaiser medical

Life insurance

14 paid holidays

PTO

Sick leave

Job summary

LHH is partnering with a mission-driven East Bay organization to recruit a Human Resources Manager specialized in labor relations and union negotiations. This hands-on role leads collective bargaining efforts, ensures policy compliance with California employment laws, and guides employee relations across bargaining units.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in HR leadership and substantial experience handling investigations, policy writing, and leaves management (FMLA/CFRA).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of California labor codes and leave laws.
• Experience leading union negotiations and labor relations in a unionized setting.
• Proven track record drafting compliant HR policies and conducting investigations.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead union negotiations and manage Collective Bargaining Agreement administration.
• Conduct sensitive workplace investigations and resolve grievances.
• Draft and update employee handbooks and HR policies for compliance.
• Oversee leaves programs (FMLA/CFRA) and ADA accommodations.
• Mentor HR staff and advise leadership on performance and retention.

Skills

Labor & Union Mastery

HR Leadership

Investigations & Policy Writing

California Employment Law

Education & Systems

Education

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

Tools

HRIS platforms

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Human Resources Manager – Labor & Employee Relations

Location: East Bay, CA (Split onsite between Alameda and Contra Costa Counties)

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

Compensation: $120,000 – $135,000 annually (depending on experience)

Is this your dream HR role?

If you are a seasoned HR leader who doesn't flinch at complex workplace investigations, knows California labor law like the back of your hand, and actually enjoys the strategy behind union negotiations and collective bargaining—keep reading!

About the Opportunity

My client is a respected, mission-driven community organization in the East Bay to identify an experienced Human Resources Manager. We are searching for a hands‑on HR leader who excels in unionized environments and brings deep expertise in labor relations, collective bargaining, and complex employee relations.

This is an ideal role for a strategic problem‑solver who thrives on building productive partnerships with union representatives and leadership while ensuring seamless, compliant HR operations.

What You Will Do

• Lead Labor & Collective Bargaining: Serve as a key management representative during union negotiations, handling research, financial costing analysis, bargaining sessions, and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) administration.
• Navigate Complex Employee Relations: Conduct sensitive workplace investigations, manage formal grievances, guide disciplinary processes, and resolve interpersonal conflicts fairly and effectively.
• Develop Policy & Ensure Compliance: Draft and modernize employee handbooks, standard operating procedures, and workplace policies. Maintain strict compliance with CBAs as well as California and federal employment laws.
• Manage Leaves & Accommodations: Oversee employee leave programs (FMLA/CFRA), workers’ compensation claims, return‑to‑work initiatives, and ADA interactive accommodations.
• Mentor & Lead HR Operations: Supervise and develop HR team members while advising department leaders on performance management, staff training, and retention strategies.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Labor & Union Mastery: Minimum of 3+ years of direct experience managing union negotiations, collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and labor relations in a unionized setting.
• HR Leadership Experience: 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including direct supervision of HR staff.
• Investigations & Policy Writing: Proven track record of leading complex workplace investigations and authoring clear, legally compliant HR policies.
• California Employment Law: Comprehensive knowledge of California labor codes, wage‑and‑hour regulations, and leave laws.
• Education & Systems: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline, alongside strong proficiency in HRIS platforms and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, or SHRM‑SCP).
• Prior HR leadership background in the nonprofit, healthcare, or public sector.
• Experience designing and facilitating management and staff training workshops.

Benefits

Generous total rewards package featuring a defined‑benefit retirement pension, 100% employer‑paid Kaiser medical (plus multiple PPO/HMO options), life insurance, 14 paid holidays, PTO, and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

The California Fair Chance Act

Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers