Manager, Labor Relations (7165)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 108,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Free SEPTA passes

Job summary

SEPTA in Philadelphia seeks a Manager, Labor Relations to lead contract negotiations, grievance hearings, and union discussions. You will maintain expertise in collective bargaining agreements and provide guidance across labor relations matters.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of related experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office. This is a full-time on-site position with excellent benefits and a focus on workplace safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and four (4) years direct experience in administering labor agreements, handling labor arbitrations, and/or acting as a grievance hearing officer.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered (two (2) years related experience = one (1) year of formal education).
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains expertise in the Authority's collective bargaining agreements and relevant policies to provide day-to-day labor relations guidance.
• Serves as hearing officer for grievance hearings and writes detailed, well-reasoned decisions.
• Meets with union officials to discuss issues and changes in policies and practices and works to resolve disputes.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

City: Philadelphia

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)is thesixth-largesttransportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA isat the forefront of innovationin the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in thePhiladelphia region.

Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, will be accepted at this time.

We are proud to be recognized as:

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking candidates to hire for our Manager, Labor Relations (7165) position.

Opening Date: 08/25/2026

Closing Date: 09/15/2026

Job Grade: SAM 42

Salary Range:$107,640.00-$134,550.00

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Provides labor relations expertise while representing the Authority’s interest in union contract negotiations, grievance hearings and meetings with union officials.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and maintains expertise in the Authority's collective bargaining agreements and relevant policies in order to provide day-to-day labor relations guidance.
• Serves as hearing officer for grievance hearings and writes detailed, well-reasoned decisions.
• Meets with union officials to discuss issues and changes in policies and practices. Works collaboratively with both union and management in an effort to resolve and avoid disputes.
• Attends negotiations and provides supporting information as necessary. May serve on negotiations sub-committees as lead spokesperson or as a team member.
• Implements, plans, directs and conducts meetings with assigned labor unions.
• Monitors and ensures consistent application of labor agreements. Determines areas where training is needed. Assists in the preparation of training courses and conducts training as assigned.
• Collects data, prepares reports, and creates spreadsheets utilizing appropriate software.
• Assists the Authority in unemployment compensation hearings and arbitrations as needed.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable regulations.
• Responds to inquiries from external agencies.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree and four (4) years direct experience in administering labor agreements, handling labor arbitrations, and/or acting as a grievance hearing officer.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered (two (2) years of related experience equating to one (1) year of formal education) in lieu of the above requirements.
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills required.
• Experience with all Microsoft applications including Excel and Power Point required.
  

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness– Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.