Human Resources Manager- Labor Relations

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. 

The Human Resources Manager – Labor Relations manages and directs the employee and labor relations program of the county under the direction of the Director/Assistant Director of the Department.  Program activities include negotiation of collective bargaining agreements; contract administration and interpretation; and guidance/coordination of related management activities consistent with the mission of the County.   The incumbent in the position serves as a key contributor to development and maintenance of comprehensive Human Resources policies and strategies.

Depending on the assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, and perform related duties as assigned:

• Administers and manages administration of labor contracts; provides interpretation of labor contracts to managers, employees and Human Resources staff; oversees processes for review and resolution of employee grievances.
• Coordinates the labor management committees in various Departments and Countywide.
• Advises managers and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures and assists managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining appropriate course of action.
• Researches comparable organizations, their practices & policies, positions and compensation packages in preparation for negotiation and grievance processes and assists the budget team by providing data for use in the budget as it applies to collective bargaining agreements.
• Acts as County’s chief negotiator when assigned.  Maintains current knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations and employee relations.  Uses appropriate negotiations strategies to develop bargaining goals and negotiate contracts consistent with the County’s mission, values and goals.
• Facilitates on-going communication and working relationships with employee representative organizations including coordination of joint labor-management committees.
• Provides information, advice and assistance to Human Resources team members regarding application of statutes, regulations, contracts and employee relations practices relating to their functional areas.
• Leads investigations into alleged violations of the County’s Personnel Policies as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director and prepares reports containing the findings of investigations in a timely manner.
• Responsible for absence administration in areas such as ADA compliance, FMLA, or other related Human Resources programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws. 
• Knowledge of and skill in applying the use of mediation and conflict management techniques. 
• Thorough knowledge of County Human Resources Policies and labor contract provisions. 
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply research methods and data analysis techniques. 
• Skill in change management, problem-solving and conflict resolution. 
• Ability to build trust with managers, exercise discretion and confidentially handle information, records and issues. 
• Ability to manage projects and own time to deliver work products and complete processes in a timely manner. 
• Ability to successfully manage multiple complex projects concurrently. 
• Ability to reconcile labor relations issues in the context of both existing labor agreements and desired future states of labor and employee relations at the County.
• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively both verbally and in writing; ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence and documents.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people, including constituencies which may have been underrepresented, facilitate inclusive participation in programs and activities; communicate cross-culturally.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

 Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting or a related field; Between three to six years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, labor relations and/or employee relations; Or any combination of education and experience that provides the candidates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties prescribed to the position (above).   

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION 

Requires mainly office work, involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis, and high dexterity in operating office equipment, including a keyboard, phone, copier, etc.  The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to and build relationships with a diverse clientele.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $89,589 - $100,788