Labor Relations Leader - Union Negotiations & Strategy

Smart4 Energy; Providence (RI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart4 Energy in Providence, Rhode Island (Hybrid - 3 days onsite, non-negotiable) is seeking a Labor Relations Manager to join our HR leadership team and drive labor relations strategy across regions.

This is a labor-driven, individual-contributor role reporting to the Director of HR, with no direct reports. You will lead collective bargaining efforts, manage multiple agreements, and partner with unions to build lasting relationships.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of dedicated Labor Relations experience in a unionized environment.
• Proven collective bargaining and contract negotiation experience.
• Hands-on experience managing grievances, arbitration, and union relationships.
• Background in a labor-intensive, industrial environment (manufacturing, utilities, or similar) is a large requirement.
• Experience with contract negotiation is a must have.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, labor agreements, and worst practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute labor relations strategy aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Serve as the primary lead for collective bargaining, including preparation, strategy development, and acting as chief spokesperson during negotiations.
• Manage multiple collective bargaining agreements across gas and electric operations and maintain relationships with two unions.
• Rebuild and strengthen labor-management relationships where formal contract engagement has been limited.
• Provide expert guidance on contract interpretation, grievance resolution, and arbitration processes.
• Partner with internal legal counsel on arbitrations, negotiations, and NLRB-related matters.
• Act as company spokesperson in mediation/arbitration proceedings when required.
• Collaborate with field operations leadership to ensure labor strategies support safety and reliability.
• Design and implement labor relations structure, processes, and governance within HR.
• Advise managers on union engagement, labor strategy, and day-to-day labor matters.

Skills

Labor relations

Collective bargaining

Grievances/arbitration

Contract negotiation

Employment law

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Education

JD

SPHR certification

Job description

Smart4 Energy in Providence, Rhode Island (Hybrid - 3 days onsite, non-negotiable) is seeking a Labor Relations Manager to join our HR leadership team and drive labor relations strategy across regions.

This is a labor-driven, individual-contributor role reporting to the Director of HR, with no direct reports. You will lead collective bargaining efforts, manage multiple agreements, and partner with unions to build lasting relationships.