Labor Relations Director - Strategic Negotiations

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) seeks a Director of Labor Relations to guide contract interpretation, administer the labor agreement, and lead union negotiations. You will advise management on disciplinary actions, grievances and wage issues while ensuring policy compliance and safety program alignment.

Responsibilities include overseeing staff, preparing arbitration materials, and delivering training on labor relations trends in a unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent communications (written/verbal) skills.
• Strong problem-solving, judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Sound interpersonal and customer service skills.
• In-depth knowledge of labor relations, negotiation strategies and wage classifications.
• Human Resources certification (PHR/SHRM) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers the labor agreement by guiding and interpreting it for managers in disputes, MOUs, grievances and employee actions.
• Oversees issues from represented employees and administers METRO policies and guidelines.
• Updates union employee work rules as needed.
• Leads labor agreement negotiations and serves as principal spokesperson for METRO.
• Represents METRO in disciplinary actions, promotions, transfers and grievance/arbitration hearings.
• Manages personnel admin functions for direct report staff to ensure staffing and productivity.
• Develops training for managers on labor issues, contract interpretation and leave policies.
• Prepares arbitration hearings, lawsuits, and bargaining unit negotiations; oversees reports.
• Conducts wage/benefits surveys and participates in new hire orientation.

Education

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

Job description

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) seeks a Director of Labor Relations to guide contract interpretation, administer the labor agreement, and lead union negotiations. You will advise management on disciplinary actions, grievances and wage issues while ensuring policy compliance and safety program alignment.

Responsibilities include overseeing staff, preparing arbitration materials, and delivering training on labor relations trends in a unionized environment.