Labor Relations Chief

International Public Management Association for Human Resources; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension benefits

401(k) plan

457(b) plan

Health benefits

Administrative leave

Auto allowance

Job summary

San Bernardino County is seeking an accomplished Labor Relations Chief to lead one of the most significant labor relations programs in California local government.

Reporting to the County Administrative Office, this role will serve as the principal labor relations strategist and chief negotiator, overseeing year-round collective bargaining and advising executive leadership on labor strategy, employee relations, contract administration, and the financial and operational impacts of negotiated

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a job-related field is required.
• Significant professional-level labor relations or employee relations experience.
• Candidates from both public and private sectors will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the County’s principal labor relations strategist and chief negotiator.
• Lead year-round collective bargaining.
• Advise executive leadership on labor strategy, employee relations, contract administration, and the financial/operational impacts of negotiated agreements.

Skills

Negotiation

Labor relations

Public sector experience

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

San Bernardino County is seeking an accomplished Labor Relations Chief to lead one of the most significant labor relations programs in California local government.

Reporting to the County Administrative Office, the Labor Relations Chief will serve as the County’s principal labor relations strategist and chief negotiator, leading year-round collective bargaining and advising executive leadership on labor strategy, employee relations, contract administration, and the financial and operational impacts of negotiated agreements.

San Bernardino County has approximately 27,000 authorized positions, with roughly 22,000 currently filled and approximately 18,000 employees represented by labor organizations. The Labor Relations team supports approximately 20 labor agreements, with multiple negotiations occurring throughout the year.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptionally skilled negotiator who combines technical expertise with sound judgment, integrity, political and organizational acumen, financial awareness, and a collaborative leadership style. The successful candidate will be calm and credible in high-stakes environments, an effective communicator, and comfortable working with elected officials, executives, department leaders, labor representatives, and employees throughout a large and complex organization.

Job Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a job-related field is required, along with significant professional-level labor relations or employee relations experience as outlined in the recruitment brochure. Candidates from both the public and private sectors will be considered.

The County also offers an excellent executive benefits package, including pension benefits, 401(k) and 457(b) plans with County contributions, administrative leave, health benefits, automobile allowance, and a 4% salary differential under the Modified Benefits Option.

First-round interviews with San Bernardino County are anticipated during the week of October 5, 2026, with second‑round interviews to follow shortly thereafter.

For questions or candidate recommendations, contact: