Senior HR & Employee Relations Manager - Public Sector

Eaton County; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton County is seeking an experienced HR leader to direct personnel administration and employee relations. The role oversees wage/salary programs, labor agreements, and HR policy development, with responsibilities spanning training, records, and compliance.

Strong union experience and data-driven decision-making are essential. The position reports to the Controller/Administrator and Deputy Administrator, supervising Payroll and Benefits management, and liaising with legal counsel on hearings

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with four years of HR experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with six years of HR experience.
• Associate’s degree with eight years of HR experience.
• Three years of experience in a unionized environment with grievances and collective bargaining.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR software.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct all aspects of departmental operations.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Represent the County in dispute resolution forums and respond to employee grievances.
• Advise elected officials and department heads on disciplinary issues and employee relations matters.
• Coordinate preparation for collective bargaining with data on wages, benefits, and terms of employment.
• Interpret and administer labor agreements.
• Develop and maintain an employee and citizen complaint process.
• Serve as Safety Coordinator and oversee loss control training.
• Administer wage/salary programs, conduct salary surveys, and develop related policies.
• Oversee job descriptions and recommendations for reclassifications.
• Supervise Payroll/Benefits Manager in payroll and benefits execution and related actions.
• Work with outside counsel at administrative hearings and provide research support.
• Research personnel laws and implement policy changes approved by the Board.
• Respond to complex inquiries and explain County policies to staff.
• Oversee employment programs, advertising, screening, and interviewing.
• Lead changes to employee benefits program and evaluate settlements with Finance.
• Develop, deliver, and oversee HR training programs.
• Represent County at HR-related meetings.
• Assist in RFP development for insurances and contracted services.
• Maintain HR records and HRIS in compliance with law.
• Prepare reports for Board of Commissioners and Ways & Means.

Skills

Union experience

Grievance handling

Labor relations

Policy development

Data analysis

Education

Master’s degree with 4+ years HR exp

Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years HR exp

Associate’s degree with 8+ years HR exp

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

Job description

Eaton County is seeking an experienced HR leader to direct personnel administration and employee relations. The role oversees wage/salary programs, labor agreements, and HR policy development, with responsibilities spanning training, records, and compliance.

Strong union experience and data-driven decision-making are essential. The position reports to the Controller/Administrator and Deputy Administrator, supervising Payroll and Benefits management, and liaising with legal counsel on hearings