Labor Relations Chief

Sacbar; San Bernardino, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 186,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

pension benefits

401(k) and 457(b) plans with County贡献

administrative leave

health benefits

automobile allowance

4% salary differential under the Madef

Job summary

San Bernardino County seeks an accomplished Labor Relations Chief to lead a major local government labor relations program. The role reports to the County Administrative Office and serves as the principal strategist and chief negotiator for year-round bargaining.

The ideal candidate combines negotiation prowess with financial acumen, political and organizational savvy, and collaborative leadership in a large public organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a job-related field is required.
• Significant professional-level labor relations or employee relations experience.
• Public or private sector experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead year-round collective bargaining and negotiations.
• Advise executive leadership on labor strategy, employee relations, contract administration, and financial impacts.
• Serve as principal labor relations strategist and chief negotiator for the county.
• Collaborate with elected officials, department leaders, labor representatives, and employees.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Leadership

Strategic planning

Employee relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in a job-related field

Job description

Salary: $186,368 - $265,345 annually

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.

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:

• pension benefits
• 401(k) and 457(b) plans with County contributions
• administrative leave
• health benefits
• automobile allowance
• 4% salary differential under the Modified Benefits Option

Application deadline: September 14, 2026.

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