Labor Relations Manager

As Labor Relations Manager, you will work under general guidance to translate the agency’s strategic mission and goals into an agency-wide human resources strategy to support the overall business plan and create a positive employee experience.  You will serve as a member of the Employee Engagement department’s leadership team and a strategic partner.

You will act as the agency’s chief labor negotiator, work with legal advisors on regulatory responses, and advise internal customers.  You will work closely with managers who supervise represented employees and help to develop and deliver training to managers on the intricacies of labor relations.  The scope of responsibilities for this position includes overseeing broad, complex, and potentially sensitive issues and situations that may have a substantial impact on the agency.

This is a temporary position with an anticipated duration of one year.

• Supervise staff, prioritizing and assigning work. Set goals and evaluate performance, providing timely and appropriate feedback, coaching, and recognition.  Make hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.  Train staff and offer professional development opportunities.  Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all staff programs and activities. 
• Serve as a strategic business advisor to the executive team and senior managers of each department regarding key organizational and management issues. Provide advice on administering collective bargaining agreements, resolution of personnel issues, and disciplinary actions, which may require determining when to contact legal counsel.
• Function as the chief labor negotiator. Lead negotiations with the various unions.  Manage response to grievances and other labor relations matters.  Present recommended changes to the Board of Directors.
• Develop and recommend Human Resources policies, procedures, and programs. Ensure all policies and procedures are implemented.  Interpret and administer employment laws and personnel policies to applicants, employees, and the public, providing advice and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with business units to prepare analysis, statistical data compiling reports, surveys, metrics, and materials serving as a resource person for the Executive Team and the Board of Directors.
• Lead, manage, and maintain vendor management services, vendor selection and evaluation, and contract negotiations.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• 5 years of management level HR experience accountable for labor relations may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• Ability to work primarily on site, in person. The essential functions of this position require face to face interaction with various partners, meeting clients, contractors, and others.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Supervision and management practices.
• Budgeting planning and administration.
• Structured project methodologies and project planning tools.
• Personnel recruitment and selection.
• Compensation and benefits.
• Labor and employee relations.
• Human Resources information systems.
• Strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, succession planning, and coordination of people and resources.
• Customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Laws, regulations, precedents, and interpretation and interaction of company policy and contract administration.
• Human behavior and performance, individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
• Ability to negotiate and influence others to achieve business goals and core values.
• Facilitating diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders and interests to develop and attain mutual understanding. Using emotional intelligence to navigate complex group dynamics.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by upholding Community Transit’s core values in support of the organization’s vision and mission. Inspiring team commitment, pride, and trust while promoting cooperation and motivating members to achieve shared goals.  Demonstrating courtesy, sensitivity, and respect in all interactions.
• Active listening, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to comprehend and understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Interpreting and applying applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies and procedures.
• Supervision and development of direct staff. Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Conflict resolution, bringing others together, and trying to reconcile differences.
• Strategic planning and project management skills.
• Time management and organizational skills to achieve defined outcomes within given timeframes.
• Proficient use of software applications products including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Effective written and oral communications that are timely, relevant, concise, and clearly outline necessary actions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with coworkers, supervisor, the public, and others.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Building strong relationships across the agency by encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members thus creating a positive atmosphere for employees in the organization and within the division.
• Being ethical, confidential, and transparent.
• Presenting technical and non-technical information to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Master’s degree in human resources management, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in public sector Human Resources.
• 5 years of experience in supervision.
• HRIS experience including performance management and recruitment systems. PeopleSoft, ICIMS, Halogen preferred.
• SHRM CP/SCP, HRCI PHR/SPHR, CEBS or NPELRA certification.
• Transit industry experience.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily in person, on site, but hybrid telework may be available.  Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work.  Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments.  You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally. 

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.