Senior Program Manager, Labor Relations

Patagonia; Ventura (IA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Patagonia is seeking a Senior Program Manager, Labor Relations to lead labor strategy and negotiations in a hybrid role based in Ventura, CA or Reno, NV. You will partner with Legal, People, and business leaders to navigate labor relations, manage CBAs, and safeguard Patagonia’s values while maintaining productive relationships with represented workforces.

You will serve as Patagonia’s labor relations expert, advising senior leaders, managing grievances, and guiding training and development in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5–7 years in labor relations, labor law, or related fields.
• Experience supporting collective bargaining negotiations and administering CBAs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Patagonia’s labor relations strategy in partnership with Legal and business leaders.
• Lead and support collective bargaining negotiations and related discussions with represented groups.
• Manage grievance processes and negotiate resolutions with unions; support arbitration preparation.
• Develop labor relations training for managers and leaders; create tools and playbooks for represented workgroups.
• Support strategic labor-relations initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional partners to align with Patagonia’s values.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Role: SeniorProgramManager, Labor Relations

Team: Legal + Compliance

Scope :Individual Contributor, P5

Reports to: Deputy General Counsel – People

Years of Experience :5-7+

Location: Ventura, CA or Reno, NV (Hybrid)

Overview

As the SeniorProgramManager, Labor Relations, youare responsible forsupporting the development and execution of labor relations strategies,negotiatingcollective bargaining agreements,and ensuringtheireffective administration.Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel – People, you will partner closely with Legal, People, Culture & Justice, and business leaders to navigate an evolving labor landscape while supporting Patagonia’s people-first culture and goalofmaintainingproductive working relationships with union representatives.

You will serve asPatagonia’sprimary labor relations subject matter expert, helping the company identify and manage labor-related risks, support employee engagement and management development initiatives, engage in collective bargaining negotiations, support represented teams with contract administration, and manage the labor grievance process.

You will be a critical partner in ensuring Patagonia engages thoughtfully and consistently in organized labor-related matters in support of our purpose:We’reinbusinesstosave our home planet.

WhatYou’llDo

Labor Strategy & Risk Management

• Partner with Legal and business leaders to develop and implementPatagonia’slabor relations strategy, fosteringa workplace environment consistent with thecompany’svalues and purpose.

• Serve as a liaison between Legal, People, Culture & Justice, and Employee Relations teams, providingconstructive advice and consultation to proactively address employee concerns and reinforce Patagonia’s commitment to its company culture and values.

• Use technology to develop,enhanceandmaintainreporting mechanisms that help leaders proactivelyidentifyand address employee concerns and act on employee feedback.

• Provide practical, business-friendly recommendations that balance legal risk, employee experience, and operational needs.

Collective Bargaining & Contract Administration

• Leadandsupport collective bargaining negotiations and otherrelateddiscussions with represented employee groups.

• Develop bargaining strategies, proposals, and operational recommendations in partnership with business stakeholders.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for union representatives, emphasizing relationship-building and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Provideappropriate notificationsto union representativesregardingany company changes that may require bargaining.

• Provide guidanceregardinginterpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.

• Partner with leaders to implement negotiated agreements and address day-to-day labor relations issues.

• Conductinvestigatory meetings, ensuring compliance with Weingarten rights and collective bargaining agreements.

Grievances & Labor Disputes

• Manage grievance processes and negotiate grievance resolutions with union representatives.Support arbitration preparation and strategywith internal and external partners.

• Conduct factgathering, issue assessments, and recommendations related to labor disputes and representational matters.

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to resolve workplace issues in a manner consistent with Patagonia’s values and contractual obligations.

Training & Leadership Development

• Develop and administer labor relations training for managers, People, Culture & Justice teams, and business leaders.

• Create tools, resources, and playbooks that help leaders effectively manage represented workgroups.

• Support leader readiness efforts through coaching and practical labor relations guidance.

Special Projects

• Provide support to the Deputy General Counsel – People,and Senior Counsel – People on labor-related strategic initiatives and other related projects that support the experience of the company’s employees.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to achieve strategicobjectivesin a way that aligns withPatagonia’speople-first culture and values.

Who You Are

• Committed to equity and justice.

• Innovative and not bound by convention.

• A credible source and a proven confidant.

• Able to foster an organizational climate of inclusion that integrates the best ideas from diverse voices.

• Flexible, agile, and adaptable with a deep understanding of business needs and organizational culture.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex labor and business issues and exercise sound judgment to make strategic recommendations to businessleadersand stakeholders.

• An excellent communicator who can provide concise, audience-appropriate advice to leaders at all levels of the organization.

• Adept at identifying and implementing technological solutions tocreate efficiencies and scalework flows.

• Empathetic, approachable, andastronglistener.

• Comfortable working autonomously while managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.

• Able to see the big picture whileremainingwilling to get into the details when needed.

Experience You Bring

• Bachelor’sdegree or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of labor relations, labor law, employee relations, industrial relations, or related experience.

• Demonstrated experience supporting collective bargaining negotiations.

• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements andcollaboratingwith represented workforces.

• Experience advising senior leaders on labor relations strategy and risk management.

• Strong written, verbal, facilitation, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to build strong relationships and influence across multiple stakeholder groups.

Hiring Range: $155,000 - $175,000USDAnnual

Employee Conduct

It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment throughequitable, cooperative, and professional interactions with co-workers, customers, and vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.