Labor Relations Manager

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

Location: Providence, Rhode Island (Hybrid - 3 days onsite, non-negotiable)

Base Salary: $120,000 - $187,000 (dependent on experience)

Bonus: 15% Short-Term Incentive

Overview

Our client - a leading energy and utilities provider supporting gas and electric operations across the region, is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Manager to join their HR leadership team.

Following a recent acquisition, the organization is entering a new phase of transformation. While supported by a larger enterprise, this role functions in a start-up-style environment, requiring a hands-on Labor Relations professional who can build structure, credibility, and long-term union partnerships.

This is a labor-driven, individual-contributor role with no direct reports. The successful candidate will work closely with 3 business partners and report directly to the Director of HR, acting as the organization’s subject‑matter expert across labor relations.

Key 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.
• Contract Negotiation is a highly desired skill
• Manage multiple collective bargaining agreements across gas and electric operations and maintain close working relationships with two unions.
• Rebuild and strengthen labor-management relationships where formal contract engagement has been limited for several years.
• Provide expert guidance on contract interpretation, grievance resolution, and arbitration processes.
• Partner closely with internal legal counsel on arbitrations, negotiations, and NLRB-related matters.
• Act as company spokesperson in mediation or arbitration proceedings when required.
• Collaborate with field operations leadership to ensure labor strategies support safety, reliability, and operational performance.
• Design and implement labor relations structure, processes, and governance within the HR function.
• Advise managers and supervisors on union engagement, labor strategy, and day-to-day labor matters.
• Support labor relations during emergency or system events, which may require after-hours involvement.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of dedicated Labor Relations experience in a unionized environment.
• Proven collective bargaining and contract negotiation experience (non-negotiable).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience managing grievances, arbitration, and union relationships.
• Background in a labor-intensive, industrial environment (manufacturing, utilities, or similarly unionized sectors) is a large requirement for this role.
• Experience with contract negotiation is a must have
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, labor agreements, and labor relations best practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• JD and/or SPHR certification.
• Experience building or re-establishing labor relations programs in post-acquisition or evolving organizations.

Featured benefits