Labor Relations Manager

Relate Search; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Relate Search, in partnership with a well-established manufacturing organization in Ohio, seeks a Labor Relations Manager to shape the labor strategy during a growth phase. You will become the trusted resource for labor and employee relations, partnering with operations and HR leaders to strengthen workforce partnerships and reduce risk.

If you enjoy influencing leaders, solving complex workplace challenges, and leading strategic labor initiatives, this role offers an opportunity to make a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required; advanced education in law or HR is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience leading labor negotiations and managing collective bargaining processes.
• Strong understanding of labor and employment legislation with ability to advise leaders on complex issues.
• Proven ability to influence leaders, communicate with diverse stakeholders, and build credibility across orgs.
• Spanish language skills and legal credentials are beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Guide labor strategy by building relationships with union leadership and advising leaders on workforce issues.
• Provide practical counsel on employee concerns, investigations, performance matters, accommodations, and sensitive employment issues.
• Lead negotiations during collective bargaining and assist in resolving disputes via grievances/arbitration.
• Coach managers on labor practices, contract administration, and employee relations across locations.
• Partner to evaluate workforce risks and ensure employment decisions align with labor laws and business objectives.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Employee relations

Communication

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Influence leaders

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in law or HR

Job description

Relate Search has partnered with a well-established manufacturing organization to identify a Labor Relations Manager who will help shape the company's labor strategy during an exciting period of growth and evolution. This individual will become the trusted resource for labor and employee relations, working alongside operations and Human Resources leaders to strengthen workforce partnerships, reduce organizational risk, and create practical solutions that support both employees and the business. If you enjoy influencing leaders, solving complex workplace challenges, and being at the center of strategic labor initiatives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

• Guide the organization's labor strategy by building productive relationships with union leadership, advising business leaders on workforce issues, and helping create an environment built on communication, accountability, and trust.
• Navigate complex workplace situations by providing practical counsel on employee concerns, investigations, performance matters, accommodations, and other sensitive employment issues while balancing business needs with compliance.
• Serve as the organization's lead negotiator during collective bargaining discussions and assist in resolving disputes through grievance procedures, arbitration, and other labor-related proceedings.
• Strengthen leadership capability by coaching managers on effective labor practices, contract administration, positive employee relations, and strategies that foster an engaged workforce across both union and non-union locations.
• Partner across the business to evaluate workforce risks, improve labor practices, support organizational initiatives, and ensure employment decisions align with applicable labor laws and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced education in law or Human Resources is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience leading labor negotiations, administering collective bargaining agreements, and managing grievance and arbitration processes.
• Strong understanding of labor and employment legislation with the ability to advise leaders through complex workforce situations.
• Proven ability to influence leaders, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and build credibility across operations, Human Resources, and executive leadership.
• Spanish language skills and legal credentials are considered beneficial but are not required.
• Opportunity to own the labor relations function for a respected manufacturing organization.
• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and operational decision-makers.
• Broad influence across multiple facilities and business functions.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.