Labor Relations Manager

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental benefits

PTO + holidays

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Cleveland, OH is seeking a senior HR leader to drive employee relations, labor strategy, and compliance for the Cleveland Operations. The role collaborates with operations management and unions to implement effective labor relations programs and policy adherence.

The incumbent will negotiate, arbitrate, coach, and advise across levels, ensuring lawful, fair employment practices while supporting a high‑performing workforce and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in an industrial environment.
• Minimum 5 years of labor relations experience.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR strategies and employee relations initiatives for Cleveland Operations.
• Partner with Operations management and union leaders (UAW/IAM) on strategic plans.
• Represent division in labor agreement negotiations and arbitration as needed.
• Advise management on employment law, compliance, and EEO matters.
• Coach Cleveland Operations personnel on HR practices to drive performance.
• Foster productive relations with local union representatives and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliant hiring, promotions, and disciplinary processes.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee relations

Negotiation

Arbitration

Compliance knowledge

EEO/FMLA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in HR/Labor Relations

Master's in Business Administration or HR

PHR/SHRM-CP certifications

Job description

• Locations 1600 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44105, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, this position is responsible for leading business critical HR strategies and implementing employee relations approaches to help achieve Cleveland Operations goals, while partnering with the Operations Department’s management team and union (UAW and IAM) leaders to help achieve their strategic and tactical plans and advance a complimentary and sustainable people system. The incumbent provides leadership and deploys sound employee relations practices to further key Human Resources related initiatives that concern employment and labor law, industrial relations, compliance line, worker’s compensation, diversity/EEO, union strategy, and hourly employment practices and policy.

Accountability Objectives

• Revising, developing, and applying employee relations tactics, goals, and rules to reframe relationships with the respective unions.
• Representing Division interests in the negotiation of labor agreements within the parameters defined by the Business Unit and Corporate management. This includes providing counsel concerning strategic Labor Relations plans and issues and consulting with Corporate and other internal and external resources concerning issues with potential impact across business units. Referring conflicting positions to senior management for resolution.
• Conducting Grievance hearings during the final step of the Grievance Process. Representing Division interests in the arbitration process, which includes assuming the role of Company advocate when necessary.
• Providing Operations Department management with advice concerning all employee relations matters.
• Coaching and training Cleveland Operations personnel on HR strategies and practices that will positively impact the business and generate positive change.
• Fostering and facilitating connections with local union representatives. Acting as the primary point of contact for all local labor issues and tactics.
• Reframing employee relations through problem solving/learning organization tactics and driving solutions to root cause to eliminate waste.
• Evaluating, managing, and enhancing Cleveland Operations’ employee relations process.
• Managing delivery and continuous improvement processes for employee relations programs and participating in ongoing needs analysis.
• Consulting with all levels of management, including legal, state, and federal agencies to enhance productivity, ensure compliance, minimize the potential for litigation, and provide advice regarding aspects of employee relations activities that may not be defined within existing policies and procedures.
• Driving proactive positive change to lead to a high performing organization.
• Implementing local hourly practices that enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Delivering standard HR processes related to specific areas of focus including, but not limited to, salary planning, organizational design and coaching, workforce planning, incident investigations, staffing roles (job postings, interviewing, selection), and training.
• Ensuring that all employment practices under their control including hiring, promotions, demotions, and discipline are conducted in compliance with EEO laws and Howmet Aerospace policy.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Let Your Career Take Flight at Howmet Aerospace!

We recognize and reward our employees’ contributions with a competitive total rewards package. This position offers:

• Medical/Prescription Drug/Dental/Vision Benefits on Day 1 of employment
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan - 6% company match, plus additional 3% (whether you contribute or not), for a max total of 9% annually
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Employee Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave (up to 3 weeks of 100%-paid leave for parental bonding for the birth or adoption of a child)

Joining our team means being part of a workplace that prioritizes professional development, collaboration, and a supportive culture designed to help you thrive.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

For this position to be successful, the incumbent should have:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in an industrial environment.
• Minimum 5 years of labor relations experience.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

For this position to be successful, preference is given to candidates with:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration or Human Resources from an accredited institution.
• PHR and/or SHRM-CP certifications.
• The ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) and delegate while maintaining forward motion on key deliverables.
• A high degree of interpersonal skills to motivate and influence others, including those not under their direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability of problem solving, systems thinking, project management, and team building.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to, EEO, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, Title VII, and FMLA.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skill, and experience in contract language/negotiations, arbitration, grievance, and employment/labor law.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.

Working Conditions

This position involves moderate exposure to risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions. Work is normally performed in an interior office space. While not exposed to hazardous materials, this position requires wearing full PPE to protect from mobile equipment and hot materials when on the shop floor.

This position requires light physical activity, walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time.

This position also requires a willingness to maintain a moderately flexible work schedule to meet the needs of personnel across all three operational shifts.

About Us

Compensation and Benefits:

If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.

Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
• Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans
• Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Our Story:

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.