Labor Relations Liaison Manager

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County seeks a Labor Relations Liaison Manager to serve as the primary coordinator for labor and employee relations within the Human Resources and Talent department. The role focuses on grievance administration, employee representation, dispute resolution, and managing the Consultation Agent program under the Harris County Consultation Framework.

The manager guides staff, leadership, and approved agents on policies, coordinates investigations, and supports compliance across offices with

Qualifications

• Experience in labor and employee relations and policies.
• Ability to interpret and apply personnel rules and regulations.
• Strong judgment for handling investigations and disputes.

Responsibilities

• Labor and Employee Relations leadership and guidance.
• Coordinate investigations and manage grievance processes.
• Facilitate dispute resolution and mediation when needed.
• Administer the Consultation Agent program and training.
• Interpret policies and ensure procedural compliance.
• Develop training resources on grievance and representation.
• Track records and analyze program effectiveness for improvements.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee representation

Grievance administration

Dispute resolution

Policy interpretation

Procedural compliance

Professionalism

Job description

Position Overview:

Under minimal supervision, the Labor Relations Liaison Manager will serve as the Human Resources and Talent (HRT) Department's principal point of coordination for Harris County's labor and employee relations programs, focusing on grievance administration, employee representation, dispute resolution, and administration of the Consultation Agent program under the Harris County Consultation Framework. Individuals in this role will guide employees, department leadership, Human Resources professionals, and approved Consultation Agents on applicable policies and processes; coordinate the Management Agent, Consultation Team, and grievance and disciplinary processes for Eligible Employees under the Consultation Program; and partner with the Office of County Administration, County Attorney's Office, and HRT's Compliance, Employee Relations, and Investigative functions. This role requires knowledge of labor relations, employee representation, grievance administration, dispute resolution, policy interpretation, and procedural compliance, along with professionalism and discretion to perform the essential functions of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Labor and Employee Relations: Serves as a resource on labor and employee relations matters involving workplace disputes, employee concerns, grievances, and conflict resolution by evaluating complex matters and providing management and Human Resources professionals with recommendations regarding appropriate courses of action to promote consistent, equitable, and impartial labor and employee relations practices.

• Investigation Coordination: Leads a team of investigators by assigning work, monitoring performance, and ensuring timely completion of investigations to support the effective handling of employee and labor relations matters.

• Dispute Resolution: Facilitates or coordinates mediation, dispute resolution, and other informal resolution processes when appropriate and identifies opportunities to address workplace concerns at the appropriate level before matters elevate.

• Consultation Agent Program: Manages the administration and coordination of the County's Consultation Agent program by providing guidance on program requirements, representation, eligibility, designation, training, and communications, while maintaining required program records and participant information to support program consistency, effectiveness, confidentiality, and compliance under the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Government Code Section 552.024.

• Policy Interpretation: Provides guidance on Human Resources, labor relations, grievance, representation, and employee relations policies by reviewing workplace matters and applicable requirements, supporting the development and revision of policies and procedures, and monitoring changes in employment laws and regulations, including Texas Local Government Code Chapters 160 and 617, to promote consistent application and procedural compliance.

• Training Support: Develops and delivers training, guidance, and educational resources on Consultation Policy, grievance procedures, employee representation, dispute resolution, and related policies to support Human Resources staff, departmental representatives, employees, and management.

• Program Management: Maintains records and tracking systems for grievances, Consultation Agent activities, dispute resolution, and labor relations matters and analyzes case activity, outcomes, recurring workplace concerns, and program effectiveness to identify trends and recommend process, policy, training, or organizational improvements while supporting leadership with special projects and strategic initiatives involving labor and employee relations.

Other Duties:

• Employees are responsible for executing the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as any other duties as assigned. Some positions may require employees to work before, during, or after an emergency or disaster, at the department