Talence Group | Executive Search & Consulting · 1 day ago
Labor Relations Manager
Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expTalence Group is an executive search and consulting firm, and they are seeking a seasoned labor relations leader for their client, a dynamic organization in Portland, Oregon. This role involves providing enterprise-level leadership across collective bargaining, contract administration, dispute resolution, and labor management partnerships.
Staffing & Recruiting
Hiring Manager
Lynette Carney
Responsibilities
Develop and lead a coordinated, enterprise-wide labor relations strategy that promotes short-and long-term planning and coherence across multiple collective bargaining agreements
Plan across bargaining cycles to establish disciplined approaches to preparation, sequencing, and prioritization that support predictable labor outcomes
Serve as the lead negotiator and management spokesperson for collective bargaining agreements, including development of bargaining strategy, proposals, and settlement frameworks
Prepare and execute Memorandums of Agreement, Understanding, and Exception, as well as supplemental agreements
Monitor labor relations trends, statutory changes, and legal decisions to inform negotiation strategy
Act as a trusted advisor and representative of management in highly visible labor matters across aviation, marine operations, public safety, and other business lines
Maintain a strong understanding of operations and represented work groups through direct engagement, ensuring labor leadership is grounded in how work is performed
Oversee the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, work rules, and related policies
Lead and represent the organization in grievance management, mediations, arbitrations, and Employment Relations Board proceedings, in coordination with legal counsel
Lead cross-functional collaboration with HR, Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and Finance to evaluate the financial implications and enterprise-wide impacts of labor agreements across bargaining units
Advance labor strategies that balance wage and benefit structures, cost sustainability, and long-term workforce affordability within a public-sector environments
Strengthen documentation and knowledge management related to labor practices, side agreements, and contract interpretation to reduce risk and preserve institutional knowledge
Promote clarity and consistency in the application of labor provisions across departments
Design and deliver training for managers on labor relations fundamentals, contract application, and effective labor management practices
Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for direct report, ensuring high professional standards and continuity in labor relations practices
Qualification
Required
8+ years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, including leading or owning complex collective bargaining negotiations and advising senior leaders
Experience in a public-sector or highly unionized, complex organization with multiple bargaining units and varied contract provisions
Strong working knowledge of labor law, collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration processes, and applicable federal and state regulations, including Oregon PECBA or comparable frameworks
Working understanding of the financial implications of labor agreements and experience partnering with Payroll, Benefits, Finance, and Legal
Proven ability to influence, build trust, and remain calm and effective in high-stakes, high-visibility situations
Experience improving documentation, consistency, or knowledge management related to labor practices or contract interpretation
Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field
Preferred
Master's degree and/or CLRP, PHR, or SPHR
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Basic Life and AD&D
FSA/HRA
STD
LTD
PTO
PERS
Company
Talence Group | Executive Search & Consulting
Successful executive search only works when there’s a trusting partnership between us and our clients.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase