Strategic Labor Relations Manager - Public Sector

City of Richmond, Virginia; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Richmond seeks a Labor Relations Manager to lead collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance handling, and labor-management relations for five bargaining units in a dynamic public sector environment.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Human Resources, the role emphasizes workforce analytics, cost analyses, and policy interpretation while coordinating with city departments and union representatives to safeguard compliance and effective labor relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in HR/Public Admin/Labor Relations/Business.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional HR certifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation for and participation in negotiations with City’s five collective bargaining units.
• Conduct financial and operational impact analyses of union proposals.
• Develop costing models, scenario analyses, and benchmarking reports.
• Draft memoranda of understanding, side letters, and contract language.
• Interpret collective bargaining agreements and advise departments on compliance.
• Investigate and respond to grievances and represent City in grievance meetings.
• Assist with arbitration preparation and coordinate with legal counsel.
• Support labor-management committees and liaison with City leadership and unions.
• Monitor compliance with Virginia collective bargaining statutes and labor laws.
• Analyze workforce data and develop reports for leadership and officials.

Skills

Labor relations

Analytical ability

Excel

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Discretion

Political awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Public Administration/Labor Relations/Business

Master’s degree preferred

Certifications: PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP/PSHRA-CP/PSHRA-SCP desirable

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The City of Richmond seeks a Labor Relations Manager to lead collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance handling, and labor-management relations for five bargaining units in a dynamic public sector environment.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Human Resources, the role emphasizes workforce analytics, cost analyses, and policy interpretation while coordinating with city departments and union representatives to safeguard compliance and effective labor relations.