Strategic Labor Relations Lead – Manufacturing

Cleveland-Cliffs; Butler (Butler County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Education assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works seeks a Senior Labor Relations Representative to partner with manufacturing operations and HR leadership in managing union relations and contract administration.

The role covers grievance management, arbitration support, and strategic labor relations initiatives in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. A strong track record in manufacturing labor relations and collective bargaining is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive labor relations experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience handling grievances, investigations, arbitrations, and labor-management disputes.
• Experience supporting or leading collective bargaining negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws and labor relations practices.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence leaders and build credibility across all organizational levels.
• Availability to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
• Provide guidance to operations leaders regarding labor contract provisions, work rules, past practices, and labor relations matters.
• Identify labor relations trends and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risk and improve relations.
• Conduct investigations related to labor relations concerns and recommend corrective actions.
• Lead grievance investigations and responses, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Prepare and present cases during grievance hearings arbitration proceedings.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, HR, and business leaders on complex issues.
• Support labor negotiations through preparation, research, proposal development, and bargaining strategy.
• Participate in negotiations with union representatives and assist in developing labor agreement language.
• Coach and train supervisors and managers on labor relations principles and conflict management.
• Promote positive employee and labor-management relationships through communication.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including the NLRA.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Grievance handling

Contract administration

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/IR

Job description

Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works seeks a Senior Labor Relations Representative to partner with manufacturing operations and HR leadership in managing union relations and contract administration.

The role covers grievance management, arbitration support, and strategic labor relations initiatives in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. A strong track record in manufacturing labor relations and collective bargaining is essential.