Labor Relations Manager

Burnett Staffing Specialists; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Burnett Staffing Specialists is seeking a Labor Relations Manager in Downtown Houston, TX. The role focuses on serving as the labor relations expert for HR and operations, handling multiple CBAs across states, and guiding negotiations with unions.

Responsibilities include managing grievances, investigations, and arbitration prep, while advising leadership on NLRA and related laws. Travel is required to support negotiations and trainings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in HR, labor relations, or related field.
• 6–8+ years progressive labor relations or HR experience.
• Experience supporting a unionized workforce and administering CBAs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as labor relations expert for HR and operations leadership.
• Administer and interpret approx. 10 CBAs across multiple states.
• Lead negotiations including proposal development and costing.
• Maintain relationships with union representatives and manage grievances.
• Investigate labor disputes and workplace concerns, and advise leadership.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Investigation

Communication

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Labor Relations

Master’s degree in HR/IR

Job description

Labor Relations Manager Location: Downtown Houston, TX Salary: $130,000–$165,000 + 20% Bonus Travel: Approximately 25%; up to 40% as needed Employment Type: Full-Time

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Labor Relations subject matter expert for HR and operational leadership
• Administer and interpret approximately 10 collective bargaining agreements across multiple states
• Lead and support collective bargaining negotiations, including proposal development, costing, and bargaining strategy
• Build and maintain productive relationships with union representatives
• Manage grievances from initial filing through resolution
• Conduct investigations involving labor disputes, contract violations, and workplace concerns
• Represent the organization in grievance meetings, mediations, arbitrations, and other labor proceedings
• Advise leadership regarding labor and employment laws, CBA requirements, and employee relations matters
• Monitor labor relations trends and proactively identify potential risks
• Train managers and HR professionals on labor relations, CBA administration, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution
• Partner with Legal, HR, and Operations to mitigate labor-related risks
• Travel to various locations for negotiations, investigations, training, labor-management meetings, and other business needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or related field
• 6–8+ years of progressive Labor Relations, Employee Relations, or HR experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting a unionized workforce
• Strong experience administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements
• Experience participating in or leading labor contract negotiations
• Experience managing grievances, investigations, and arbitration preparation
• Strong knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and applicable labor & employment laws
• Experience working across multiple states and locations preferred
• Strong negotiation, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, managers, employees, and union representatives
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or related field
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or equivalent certification
• Experience in transportation, logistics, manufacturing, utilities, energy, environmental services, or another highly regulated industry

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