Labor Relations Manager (Employee & Labor Relations Manager)

International Public Management Association for Human Resources; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Work-life balance

Career growth

Job summary

City of Grand Rapids is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Manager to lead negotiations, interpret contracts, and guide employee relations within a municipal environment.

The role requires strong negotiation, leadership, and investigative skills, with a focus on compliance and effective labor relations strategy. A bachelor’s in business/public administration is required; a master’s or JD is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional and supervisory experience in employee and labor relations, including collective bargaining, serving as a management spokesperson, and conducting internal investigations.
• Strong negotiation, leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A master’s degree, Juris Doctor (J.D.), or professional HR certification is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead collective bargaining negotiations and serve as the City’s chief negotiator.
• Interpret and administer labor contracts and resolve grievances.
• Advise City leadership on employee relations, investigations, and disciplinary matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and City policies.
• Supervise HR professionals and develop effective labor relations strategies.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or public administration

Master's degree, JD, or HR certification preferred

Job description

Labor Relations Manager (Employee & Labor Relations Manager)

Are you an experienced HR professional with expertise in labor relations, collective bargaining, and employee relations? Join the City of Grand Rapids and help shape workplace policies, strengthen labor-management partnerships, and support a productive and equitable workforce.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead collective bargaining negotiations and serve as the City’s chief negotiator.
• Interpret and administer labor contracts and resolve grievances.
• Advise City leadership on employee relations, investigations, and disciplinary matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and City policies.
• Supervise HR professionals and develop effective labor relations strategies.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS?

• Competitive Pay & Job Stability – Build a rewarding career with competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings benefits.
• Work-Life Balance – Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and parental leave.
• Career Growth – Access professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement.
• Make a Difference – Serve your community and help improve residents’ quality of life

BUILD A REWARDING CAREER WHILE MAKING A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Join a team committed to serving the Grand Rapids community through collaboration, accountability, innovation, and excellent public service.

Job Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional and supervisory experience in employee and labor relations, including collective bargaining, serving as a management spokesperson, and conducting internal investigations.
• Strong negotiation, leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

A master’s degree, Juris Doctor (J.D.), or professional HR certification is preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.