Labor Relations Manager LDA

This is a Limited Duration Assignment that can last up to two years, but can end at any time.

Are you an experienced labor relations professional who excels at negotiating contracts, providing decisive HR guidance, and building strong collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders? If you are committed to advancing equity and inclusion while navigating complex labor environments, Multnomah County invites you to apply for our Labor Relations Manager role.

The Labor Relations (LR) Manager researches, develops, bargains, and implements key HR/LR initiatives, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), memoranda, policies, and workplace practices. This role acts as a primary consultant and strategic advisor to executive leadership, operations management, HR staff, unions, and elected officials across a portfolio of assigned departments and labor contracts. This role will actively participate in the collective bargaining processes, negotiating successor agreements, managing interim demands, and drafting enforceable contract language.

The LR Manager serves as a stabilizing, objective presence, resolving complex employee disputes, representing the County in administrative and legal proceedings, and navigating high-conflict, high-stress scenarios while fostering collaborative union-management relationships and maintaining full legal compliance.

• Lead or support bargaining teams through all stages of successor contract negotiations, from pre-planning through post-settlement ratification.
• Negotiate interim bargaining demands, grievances, and Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs), drafting all formal settlement agreements and resolutions.
• Draft clear contract language, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), and statutory notifications.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with union leadership to foster open communication, resolve disputes fairly, and ensure contract compliance.

• Counsel leadership and HR partners on workforce planning, performance issues, contract interpretation, and employment risk mitigation.
• Investigate employee complaints and grievances, evaluate disciplinary actions, and ensure compliance with personnel rules and CBAs.
• Research labor statutes, contract provisions, and rules alongside County Counsel and HR specialists to ensure consistent decisions.
• Prepare legal briefs and represent the County as lead advocate during unemployment hearings and labor-management forums.

• Design and deliver training to managers, employees, and HR staff on labor relations processes, conflict resolution, and best practices.
• Research public/private sector practices, update Personnel Rules for legal and Merit System compliance, and support advisory committees.
• Implement monitoring systems and audit departmental performance to ensure compliance with labor agreements and merit principles.
• Lead specialized programs as assigned, such as Drug & Alcohol administration, legislative reviews, layoff/bumping processes, and Merit Council support.

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. 

• A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human resources, business administration or a related field.  In lieu of a degree, we will consider equivalent years of related experience.
• Three years of professional labor relations experience such as grievance and contract administration, or dispute resolution, including experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements as a first and/or second chair.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions.

• A completed online application.
• A resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, the number of employees under your supervision.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set align with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.