Head of Labor Relations

LA28; California; On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Manager of Labor Relations to foster positive relationships with labor unions and stakeholders for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. This role is pivotal in ensuring a collaborative workforce environment, navigating complex labor laws, and executing strategies that align with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in labor relations, excellent negotiation skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join this dynamic team and contribute to a historic event that will shape the future of sports and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years in labor relations, with 3 years in a management role.
• Strong experience with collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities

• Act as a labor relations expert for Games Time operations.
• Develop relationships with labor unions and community organizations.
• Monitor labor law trends and ensure compliance.

Skills

Labor Relations

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial / Labor Relations

Business Administration

Job description

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California in 2028, returning to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. 2028 will be the first time LA hosts the Paralympic Games, creating an opportunity to expand awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities.

LA28, the organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, is on a mission to create an unparalleled Games experience for athletes, fans, partners, our community and our people. Our vision is to collectively create what’s next through sport, community and the power of our differences.

The LA28 organizing committee is an independent, non-profit organization that is privately funded and governed by a board of directors.

Values and Behaviors:

• Optimism– Embody a positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude in everything we do; challenge the status quo, inspire and support one another to achieve our best; have our eyes on the future and believe we can make a meaningful impact.
• Integrity– We communicate openly and honestly, listen, and respectfully value multiple perspectives; we do what we say and are accountable for everything we do; we do the right thing, always. Even when it isn’t easy.
• Excellence– We hold ourselves to the highest standard and expectations; we live our values and truths and persevere through challenges; we are continuous learners and adapt and pivot with speed to meet changing needs.
• Inclusion– We seek to represent, include, empower and level the playing field; our work reflects the communities we serve and the world in which we live; we leverage our platforms to bring awareness to issues relevant to who we are.
• Co-Creation– We are authors of a shared story. Everyone contributes their unique voice to our shared mission; we share pride in our accomplishments and ownership of our shortcomings.
• Boldness – We embrace creativity, courage and outside-the-box thinking; we are unafraid to take risks, explore unconventional solutions, and learn from the process; we are innovators, disruptors, and challengers of the status quo.

Senior Manager, Labor Relations:

The Sr. Manager, Labor Relations will support LA28's efforts to maintain positive and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders impacting organized labor across the city and county of Los Angeles, and nationally, to ensure excellence and cooperation for Games Time workforce operations. Responsible for leading and managing labor related Games Time workforce operational activities for LA28, they will partner with senior leadership, maintain and nurture key labor union relationships and will advise LA28 on labor related matters impacting Games Time workforce integration. At all times, the Sr. Manager, Labor Relations will act as a subject matter expert and advisor on the Labor landscape within the Games Time footprint and within the U.S. Reporting to the SVP, People Management (Games Prep & Delivery), they will also work cross-functionally within the business, and will cultivate strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a subject matter expert on labor relations activities across all relevant workforce categories within the Los Angeles region and the U.S.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key labor unions and leadership, community based organizations, and advocates across the U.S. and especially throughout the Los Angeles region.
• Develop and execute labor relations strategies that support LA28’s cooperative business goals while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and labor agreements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for workforce and labor integrations for Games Time operations, including interpreting, understanding, and negotiating contract terms.
• Evaluate venue use agreements and other key contracts to promote ongoing partnership with relevant labor and advocacy groups and to ensure LA28’s compliance with relevant and applicable terms and considerations.
• Understand, outline, and monitor key Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and critical touchpoints with unions, with an eye towards Games Time workforce integration and operations.
• Provide guidance and counsel to People Management team on labor relations, including strategic advice and risk assessment for Games Time operations.
• Monitor trends and changes in labor law, union activity, and industry practices to keep the organization informed and prepared.
• Ensure effective communication between LA28 Games Time workforce operations and key stakeholder groups.
• Provide input for and help create Games Time workforce training programs for labor partners and contractors.
• Attend key internal and external meetings related to the labor landscape nationally and within and throughout the Southern California region.
• Support Games Prep & Delivery team with other duties as assigned, including but not limited to Games Time learning / training preparation and support and coordination for key programs (e.g., Global Mobility).

Background & Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in labor relations, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Strong experience navigating collective bargaining agreements and resolving disputes.
• Deep understanding of federal and state labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and applicable regulations in California.
• Proven experience managing complex labor relations matters in a unionized environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and manage projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience providing subject matter expertise in a cross-functional setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Working in an open office environment, on-site 4-5 days per week.
• Sitting/Standing: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a desk or computer.
• Manual Dexterity: Proficiency in typing and using office equipment, including computers, printers, and phones.
• Occasional travel nationally and within the Southern California region for external meetings.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial / Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

The annual base salary range for this position is $115,000.00 - $130,000.00. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28’s operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We will consider all qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.