Labor Relations Manager

Port of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 138,518 - 187,408; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare - Medical, Dental, and Vision Care

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Holidays

Pension/Retirement Plans

Subsidized Parking

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Work-Life Balance Resources

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Labor Relations Manager to oversee policy changes and negotiate collective bargaining agreements. This role requires a strong background in labor relations, excellent negotiation skills, and a commitment to equity. You'll manage complex issues, engage in grievance hearings, and foster relationships with union representatives, ensuring a collaborative work environment. Join a mission-driven organization that values diversity and is dedicated to enhancing the community through equitable practices. If you're passionate about labor relations and ready to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of labor relations experience including management consultation.
• Experience as a chief spokesperson/negotiator is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage policy changes impacting employees and negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
• Conduct investigations into work performance and represent the Port in grievance hearings.

Skills

Labor Relations Experience

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or Labor Relations

Job description

Job Description - Labor Relations Manager (003208)

Location

Downtown Seattle

Organization

Labor Relations

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-time

Posting Expires

Mar 14, 2025, 6:59:00 AM

Minimum Salary

138,518.00

Maximum Salary

187,408.00

Salary offers will be made within the posted range. Placement within the range will be determined based on your similar work experience. The Port considers work experience to be similar if the scope and level of responsibility of your prior positions match the job being offered.

Some of what you'll be doing:

• You will manage the frequent policy changes impacting represented employees from the development to the implementation stages using complex, defensible, bargaining strategy in accordance with the Port's obligations under RCW 41.56 and RCW 53.18.
• You will negotiate collective bargaining agreements (CBA) in alignment with the Port's objectives and its obligations as a public employer.
• You will facilitate and/or conduct defensible investigations into work performance and/or behavioral related issues of represented employees in alignment with the terms of their respective CBA and other Port policies.
• You will represent the Port in grievance hearings, arbitrations, unfair labor practices, unit clarification proceedings, and representation hearings and challenges.
• You will research and analyze changes and/or trends in public sector labor relations practices, laws, rules, regulations, and decisions.
• You will draft, negotiate, and implement agreements including but not limited to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), and settlement agreements.
• You will provide training and guidance to managers and supervisors in supporting the consistent application and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• You will draft and manage consistent, timely, professional communications with union representatives, shop stewards, business line leadership and senior Port leadership to foster the cooperation and trust between the Port, unions, and the Port's represented employees.

Who you are:

• Experienced – You have six (6) years of labor relations experience including management consultation, labor agreement administration and implementation, and experience as a chief spokesperson/negotiator.
• Desired – We hope you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or Labor Relations. We also hope you have a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification or a Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) certification.
• Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
• Excellent Communicator – You have excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly, accurately, and persuasively present proposals and explain complex matters.
• Problem Solver – You have strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to foresee potential obstacles and proactively identify solutions and resolve issues.
• Interpersonal – You have excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop relationships with union representatives, managers, employees, and colleagues.
• Negotiator – You have strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. You can handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively, and work with high conflict situations where employees and/or representatives are exhibiting strong emotions and verbiage.

What else you need to know:

• Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to respond during off shift hours to address any issues that could adversely impact Port operations.
• Work Environment - This work will take place primarily in an office setting at Management’s discretion.
• Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.

Why you'll love it here:

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle:

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.

The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations and ordinances.