Labor Relations Manager

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Taunton (MA); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a Labor Relations Manager to oversee labor relations for the Department of Public Health and the Department of Mental Health. The role requires MA public sector labor law knowledge, bargaining interpretation, and grievance management in a fast-paced setting.

The position reports to the Health Director of Labor Relations, with responsibilities across multiple agencies. Travel within-state may be required; a hybrid work schedule is potentially available.

Qualifications

• Five years of professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business or public administration, with at least one year in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Front line contract administration and interpretation, grievance processing, disciplinary action, and training.
• Consultation and expert assistance to managers on labor relations issues.
• Coordinate with unions and multiple CBAs in a high-volume environment.
• Navigate a matrixed organization to apply employment policies consistently across agencies.
• Collaborate on TEAMS and advise at various organizational levels.

Skills

Public sector labor relations

Contract interpretation

Grievance management

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Labor Relations Manager (2600052H)

Job Description

Labor Relations Manager - ( 2600052H )

Description

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is actively searching for a Labor Relations Manager (LRM). Our ideal candidate is an experienced labor relations professional with a strong work ethic and background in Massachusetts public sector labor law, collective bargaining agreement interpretation and negotiation, and grievance management who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, result-oriented environment.

This position reports to the Health Director of Labor Relations or the Health Deputy Director of Labor Relations. The candidate will work with managers advising them in the areas of labor and employee relations for The Department of Public Health and The Department of Mental Health.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Front Line Contract Administration and interpretation, grievance processing, preparation of disciplinary action, participation in labor-management committees, impact bargaining sessions, arbitrations, and training.
• Involvement with managers will include consultation, expert technical assistance, problem-solving, letter writing, and early intervention with labor relations issues.
• Multi-facility interaction with five unions and seven collective bargaining agreements in a fast-paced high-volume environment.
• In-state travel may be required, and the primary office location may vary based on the assignment.
• Administration of statewide disciplinary and non-disciplinary hearings; scheduling, preparing for, and participating in hearings; communication and correspondence with unions, Agency, Commonwealth, and other Labor Relations Managers.
• Ability to navigate a highly matrixed environment to ensure consistent application of employment policies and practices across agencies.
• Collaborate on TEAMS and consult effectively and independently with all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public sector labor relations experience
• Familiarity with current trends in employer-employee relations including legislation and new developments and approaches
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Human Resource Management and all applicable employment-related laws/regulations
• Capacity to demonstrate flexibility and creativity, effectively problem solve, organize, and prioritize many different competing projects and shift quickly between subjects
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and persuade others
• Ability to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information
• Thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Competence in resolving problems and conflicts diplomatically and tactfully.

About the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS):

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services works with many of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable residents. We support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; older adults; blind, Deaf, and hard of hearing residents; those struggling with substance use disorders, mental illness, or co-occurring illness; refugees and immigrants; system-involved youth; survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking; and so many more people throughout the Commonwealth.

Our 23,000 employees work hard to decrease health disparities, build a strong social safety net, fight hunger and food insecurity, address social determinants of health, support our workforce, and increase the accessibility and affordability of care. We provide access to medical and behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, long term services and supports, and countless nutritional and financial benefits. We connect older adults and individuals with disabilities with employment opportunities, housing, and supportive services.

All told, EOHHS services and supports impact every single Massachusetts resident – and our agencies and programs directly serve 1 in every 3 residents.

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori .

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

Questions or issues regarding access/login credentials to MassCareers, please contact the Mass HR ESC at 617-979-8500.

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

• I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
• II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
• III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
• IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff…Strong

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Taunton-60 Hodges Avenue

Job

Human Resources

Agency

Exec Office Of Health and Human Services

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Aug 4, 2026, 8:15:34 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

94,497.73 - 145,463.14 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff… equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Sandra Semedo / [e-mail] - 6173524250

Bargaining Unit : M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes