Manager of Labor Relations

The Labor Relations Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing labor relations strategies that support a productive, legally compliant, and collaborative workplace. This role partners closely with legal counsel and serves as a strategic advisor to leadership on union-related matters, including collective bargaining, grievance administration, labor law compliance, and strengthening our union relationships throughout North America.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop & execute labor relations strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Serve as a primary liaison to our union partners.
• Foster positive labor-management relationships to promote collaboration and minimize disputes.
• Lead or support collective bargaining negotiations, including contract preparation, drafting proposals, compiling information and statistics, strategy development, and administration.
• Interpret contract terms & ensure consistent application.
• Monitor industry trends and benchmark agreements.
• Oversee grievance procedures, ensuring proper handling, documentation, and resolution.
• Manage arbitrations and administrative claims/hearings.
• Partner with legal counsel on complex labor disputes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Conduct investigations related to labor relations issues.
• Provide guidance to managers on labor relations issues including discipline, performance management, and terminations.
• Develop and deliver relevant training.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all collective bargaining agreements and related documentation.
• Deploy & leverage technology to ensure high productivity within the function.
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, and special assignments as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field (required)
• Master's degree or JD (preferred)
• 6 years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, or employment law, or equivalent experience in an operational capacity within the tradeshow industry
• Experience working in a unionized environment
• Strong negotiation, analytical and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• High level of trustworthiness, discretion, and professionalism
• Ability to organize/prioritize work, meet deadlines, work with minimal supervision/multiple interruptions
• The ideal candidate will receive on-the-job training commensurate with their level of experience
• Knowledge of labor laws and regulations
• Experience in collective bargaining and grievance procedures
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Ability to influence and advise senior leadership

Work Environment

• Remote and on-site work
• Ability to grasp, bend, lift, carry, and otherwise move items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Ability to stand, move, and work throughout job sites, including extensive walking, stair climbing, and/or working at a desk for extended periods during the workday
• 60% travel for negotiations, events, and/or hearings
• Will require extended hours during labor negotiations or critical issues

Our team members are our family, so we help our team members care for their families. The rewards of joining GES are extensive. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Here are some of the highlights:

• Competitive salaries
• 401K with company match
• Healthcare/vision/dental insurance
• Wellness benefits
• Career development program
• Employee assistance program
• Vacation time
• Community involvement opportunities
• Team activities

And much more...