Labor Relations Manager (Employee & Labor Relations Manager)

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision starting 1

6% employee 401a contribution with 6%/

Retiree Health Savings Account

Voluntary benefits such as life, FSA,

Twelve Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Paid parking

Employee Home Ownership Incentive

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness program

Employee Discounts and Perks

Job summary

The City of Grand Rapids is seeking an experienced HR professional specializing in labor relations, collective bargaining, and employee relations to shape workplace policies and strengthen labor-management partnerships for a fair, productive workforce.

You will lead negotiations, interpret contracts, advise leadership, ensure compliance, supervise HR staff, and drive strategic labor relations initiatives across the city government.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or public/public administration or 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.

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

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Analytical

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or public administration

Master's degree or J.D. or HR certification preferred

Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience considered

Job description

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.

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.

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.

Beneifts We offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

It's important to keep a close eye on your email, as we will communicate with you via email throughout the recruitment process. You can check your application status anytime by logging into your account at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/grandrapids . If you have questions regarding your application, you can email [e-mail] or call the Human Resources main phone line at [phone].

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email [e-mail] or [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.