Labor Relations Manager "First Chair" - RI

Rhode Island Energy

Providence (RI)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 100,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Job summary

An electric utility company is seeking a Labor Relations Leader to oversee labor contract negotiations and administration while leading initiatives supporting HR programs. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills. This full-time, mid-senior level position requires on-site presence three days a week in Providence, Rhode Island, focusing on building partnerships and optimizing labor relations strategies.

Qualifications

Five years of experience in human resources, labor relations, or business-related area.
Experience in labor contract negotiations and administration.
Knowledge of HR functions including staffing and employee relations.

Responsibilities

Leads the planning and implementation of Labor Relations programs.
Provides overall union contract administration and guidance on labor issues.
Serves as chief spokesperson for contract negotiations.

Skills

Labor contract negotiations

Labor contract administration

Leadership skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

As one of the largest investor‑owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is committed to creating long‑term, sustainable value for its 3.5 million customers, shareowners and the communities it serves. Its high‑performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy — provide outstanding experiences for customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are investing in new infrastructure and technology that creates a smarter, more reliable, and resilient energy grid. The company is committed to advancing a cleaner energy future and achieving net‑zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining reliability and affordability. PPL also supports programs that empower diverse communities.

Overview

NOTE: This is a hybrid position requiring on‑site presence three days per week in Providence, RI. #RIE

Responsibilities

Leads the planning, development and implementation of Labor Relations programs and processes in support of business objectives.
Provides overall union contract administration, including assisting with language interpretation and providing guidance on labor issues.
Serves as chief spokesperson for contract negotiations, and coordinates negotiation preparation, including developing the negotiation strategy.
Builds partnerships with gas and electric field operations and support service organizations and provides direction and counsel around contractual matters affecting business operations.
Partners with local labor union leaders to achieve an effective and functional labor relations climate.
Oversees the grievance process. Works collaboratively to resolve issues in a timely and satisfactory manner that best meets business objectives.
Primary contact with in‑house counsel for assistance with arbitrations, contract negotiations, and any resolution for NLRB matters.
Serve as company spokesperson at federal mediation.
Manages process improvements for all labor relations processes to ensure efficiency and alignment with organizational objectives.
Provides counsel to managers and supervisors on strategies to drive positive labor relations.
In situations of significant labor relations matters, coordinates with the Director of HR and VP of Labor Relations/HR Strategy and legal resources as appropriate.
Partners with operations leadership to identify specific labor relations priorities to optimize organizational and departmental performance and negotiates identified solutions with the local union.
Develops HR departmental labor plans that establish the goals and objectives for the organization around labor relations strategies.
Works in the office/on‑site to engage in face‑to‑face interaction and coordination of work among co‑workers.
May be assigned an emergency response role during weather or system events, which may necessitate the need to work after‑hours, beyond a regular schedule.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree
Five years of human resources, labor relations, or business‑related area experience.
Demonstrated experience in labor contract negotiations and labor contract administration.
Conceptual knowledge of the HR functions, including staffing, benefits, and compensation, with a broader knowledge of employment law, contract interpretation and employee relations.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Strong client‑service orientation, ability to work well with individuals within all levels of the organization.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications