Hybrid Head of Labor Relations

at Talence Group | Executive & Leadership Search

• Job title: Head of Labor Relations
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Portland, United States

About the role

• Labor relations leader managing collective bargaining and contract administration for a public-sector organization. Influencing executive decisions and ensuring workforce stability in complex union environments.

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 environment.
• 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.

Requirements

• **WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE IN YOUR BACKGROUND...**
• **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; **Master’s degree and/or CLRP, PHR, or SPHR preferred**.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic Life and AD&D, FSA/HRA, STD, LTD, PTO, PERS