Manager, Employee and Labor Relations

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 103,754 - 126,811; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Mission-driven work

Job summary

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, is looking for a dedicated Manager of Employee and Labor Relations. You will lead the Employee and Labor Relations function, ensuring an empowered and respectful workplace.

The ideal candidate will have experience in complex unionized environments, strong leadership skills, and a comprehensive understanding of employment law. This role offers a starting salary of $115,283 and a focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 4 years of experience in employee and labor relations.
• Bachelor’s degree with 6 years in the same field.
• Experience leading and developing a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of employee relations professionals.
• Manage workplace investigations and ensure fair outcomes.
• Oversee collective bargaining agreements and union relations.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

Collective bargaining agreements

Workplace investigations

Leadership and development

Employment law

Education

Master’s degree in Industrial/Labor Relations or Human Resources

Bachelor’s degree with 6 years of experience

Job description

## Manager, Employee and Labor RelationsApplylocations: Research Studies Center (RSC)time type: Full timeposted on: Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition id: R-21056## **Title:**Manager, Employee and Labor Relations**Job Type:**Regular## **Company:**Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center## **Department:**Human Resources Management## **Time Type:**Full time## **Weekly Hours:**40## FTE:1## **Shift:**First Shift (United States of America)## **Summary:**About the Role: At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, our people are at the heart of everything we do. In this role, you will lead our Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) function, helping to create a workplace where employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work. You will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, guiding how we handle employee relations, union partnerships, and workplace concerns. Your work will directly support a fair, consistent, and legally compliant environment, which ultimately helps us deliver on our mission to improve the lives of patients and families. This is an opportunity for a thoughtful, experienced leader who enjoys solving complex challenges, building strong relationships, and developing a high-performing team. The starting annual salary for this position is $115, 283 and this can include a comprehensive benefits package. What You’ll Do In this role, you will: Lead and develop a team of employee relations professionals, setting priorities and guiding daily work Partner with leaders across the organization to navigate employee concerns, performance issues, and workplace conflict Oversee the administration of collective bargaining agreements and support positive union relationships Manage and advise on workplace investigations, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes Handle complex employee relations cases, including grievances and disciplinary actions Support dispute resolution efforts, including preparing for arbitration when needed Provide training and coaching to leaders on employee relations best practices Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations to reduce organizational risk Drive strategies that foster a respectful, inclusive, and productive work environment What You’ll Bring: We are looking for someone who combines strong expertise with a collaborative, people-first mindset. You may be a great fit if you have: Experience leading employee and labor relations in a complex, unionized environment A strong track record working with collective bargaining agreements and grievance processes Confidence managing sensitive and high-risk workplace investigations independently Experience preparing cases for arbitration and interpreting labor contracts At least 2 years of experience leading and developing a team The ability to influence and coach leaders through challenging situations A deep understanding of employment laws and how to apply them in real-world scenarios Preferred qualifications include: A Master’s degree in Industrial or Labor Relations, Human Resources, or a related field or a Juris Doctor (JD) with a focus on employment law Senior HR certifications such as SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or PHR Advanced training in mediation, investigations, or dispute resolution Why You’ll Love Working Here: At Roswell Park, your work has purpose. Every role contributes to advancing cancer research, treatment, and care. Here is what makes us a great place to grow your career: Mission-driven work that makes a real difference in people’s lives Collaborative culture where your voice and expertise are valued Opportunities to lead and grow, both professionally and personally Commitment to inclusion and respect across our workforce Comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future Join us and help create a workplace where our people can thrive so they can continue delivering exceptional care to those who need it most.## **Qualifications:**Required Education and Experience 1. Master’s degree and the equivalent of four (4) years of full-time experience in employee and labor relations; or 2. Bachelor’s degree and the equivalent of six (6) years of full-time experience in employee and labor relations NOTE: Required degrees must have been granted by an accredited college or university or one recognized by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center as following acceptable educational practices.Master’s or Law Degree: A Master’s degree in Industrial/Labor Relations (MILR), Human Resources Management, or a Juris Doctor (JD) specializing in employment law. Senior HR Credentials: Industry-recognized senior certifications such as Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Formal training certifications in advanced mediation, dispute resolution, or objective workplace investigation techniques. Union Environment Mastery: Experience operating within highly complex, multi-union environments, including a proven track record of handling collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). Leadership and Supervision: Over 2 years of direct supervisory experience leading and developing a specialized team of employee relations professionals or HR generalists. High-Risk Case Management: Proven history of independently directing complex workplace investigations and providing defensible disciplinary recommendations to management. Arbitration & Grievances: Practical knowledge of steps preceding litigation, including contract interpretation, formal grievance administration, and labor arbitration preparation.