Manager of Labor and Employee Relations

Penn State University; University Park (AL); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic Manager of Labor and Employee Relations to lead their labor relations initiatives within a higher education environment. This dynamic role involves overseeing a team, managing complex employee relations, and ensuring compliance with policies and employment laws. The successful candidate will foster a culture of service excellence, engage in collective bargaining negotiations, and provide guidance on sensitive employee matters. This position offers a flexible work arrangement, combining remote and on-campus work, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about fostering a respectful and compliant workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree plus eight years of relevant experience.
• Experience in labor relations and employee relations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support labor and employee relations programs.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and oversee a team.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and employment laws.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Development

Labor Relations

Policy Development

Analytical Skills

Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Experience

Job description

Join to apply for the Manager of Labor and Employee Relations role at Penn State University.

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Manager of Labor and Employee Relations role at Penn State University.

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager of Labor and Employee Relations to lead and support our labor and employee relations programs within the higher education environment. Reporting to the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations, the Manager will oversee a team of Labor and Employee Relations (LR/ER) professionals, manage complex employee relations matters, and play a pivotal role in maintaining a respectful, compliant, and high-functioning workplace for faculty, staff, and administrators.

The Manager of Labor and Employee Relations will be responsible for the following:

Leadership & Team Management

• Recruit, onboard, supervise, coach, and develop a team of LR/ER professionals
• Oversee staff workload, ensure high performance, and foster professional growth
• Promote a culture of service excellence and continuous learning
• Provide interim support/coverage as needed for the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations

Labor Relations Strategy & Support

• Serve as technical expert on labor relations issues
• Provide guidance and consultation to HR Strategic Partners, HR Consultants, management and leadership
• Monitor and manage the grievance process, ensuring adherence to collective bargaining agreements
• Provide strategic insight and support during grievance and contract interpretation matters
• Act as a key contributor in collective bargaining negotiations which includes acting as lead negotiator for union contracts for smaller bargaining units

Employee Relations Guidance

• Consult on complex employee relations cases, including high-level investigations and disciplinary actions
• Advise on sensitive separations and performance-related decisions, especially for non-voluntary terminations
• Ensure consistency in ER cases handling and outcomes across campus units

Data Analysis & Policy Development

• Conduct LR/ER trend analysis in collaboration with HR Strategic partners
• Interpret results and recommend updates to policy, procedures, and bargaining language
• Identify emerging LR/ER issues and develop proactive strategies to address them
• Participate in policy development, influence campus-wide policy through data-informed insights and best practices

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Ensure compliance with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws
• Oversee the administration of the University’s unemployment compensation policies and practices, advising on claims and providing insights on potential areas of risk
• Escalate systemic issues to appropriate leadership to ensure resolution
• Stay current with national and state LR/ER developments affecting higher education

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as a liaison between University leadership and union representatives
• Facilitate productive dialogue and resolution of disputes
• Build strong relationships within HR and across University departments to deliver responsive, effective solutions and to support a culture of trust, transparency, and shared responsibility
• Ensure clear, timely communication on all LR/ER matters

Skills and experience include:

• Strong leadership and vision
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience in leading and developing a team
• Extensive experience in collective bargaining, labor contract negotiation, and grievance handling across multiple union environments
• Deep understanding of policy application, contract interpretation, grievance processes, and employment law compliance
• Collaborative and flexible decision-making style
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Sound judgment when making decisions
• Prior labor and employee relations experience in a higher education setting preferred

This position will be filled at Manager or Senior Manager level, depending upon the successful candidate's education and experience. The Manager level requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree plus eight years of relevant experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional experience and/or education are required for Senior Manager level.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$86,300.00 - $145,700.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.