Employee Relations Manager - Labor Relations

Hiring Range:

Full Pay Range:

Job Summary:

Scott County is seeking a Labor Relations Manager with expertise in labor relations, collective bargaining, and employment law. This highly independent leadership role partners closely with the ER Director to shape labor strategy, guide contract administration, and support a positive, equitable workplace culture.

Program Focus

• Serve as a subject matter expert in labor relations, providing guidance on collective bargaining, contract interpretation, grievance resolution, and compliance with state and federal labor laws (ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Public Employment Labor Relations Act, Minnesota Veteran's Preference Act).

• Serves as primary negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, mediations, and related labor proceedings; develop and implement negotiation strategies aligned with operational, financial, and legal interests.

• Advise management, supervisors, and elected officials on labor relations policy, contract provisions, and best practices to ensure consistent and compliant application of labor agreements.

• Administer labor contracts by guiding departments on contract interpretation, avoidance of grievances, and proper application of discipline; manage grievance procedures and represent the organization in dispute resolution.

• Conduct research and analysis of labor markets, precedents, and economic data to inform bargaining positions and strategic planning; prepare briefs and reports for leadership and governing bodies as assigned by ER Director.

• Maintain effective working relationships with union representatives, county attorney staff, and labor management committees; participate in labor negotiation strategy sessions and provide input on scenarios, options, and impacts regarding bargaining positions.

• Provide technical assistance and advice on the application of rules, regulations, and practices related to labor relations; draft, interpret, and administer labor contract provisions and implement supporting processes.

General Essential Duties

• Plans, develops, and implements Employee Relations programs, policies, and procedures consistent with HR best practices, state, and federal laws/regulations, county policies. Work is done in support of business goals and objectives, working collaboratively with others promoting practices of empathy, respect, understanding, and active listening.

• Oversees, supervises, and coordinates the work of other employees; hires, promotes, mentors, and trains employees. Makes work assignments, directs work, evaluates performance, rewards, and disciplines.

• Serves as coach and mentor to others addressing issues, providing policy and practice guidance, and providing training and education for program area implementation across a multi-disciplined organization. Provides advice and counsel on people management issues; directs and guides ER department staff in their work on these matters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree and six (6) years' of professional level, increasingly responsible and in the realm of HR program administration, implementation, and development and staff oversight.

• 1 or more years' experience managing HR programs or staff.

Preferred

• Five or more years of experience performing duties directly related to those in the position, including handling grievances and acting as a labor negotiator.

If you are interested in viewing the entire job description, please use the following link: https://www.scottcountymn.gov/837/Job-Descriptions.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.

The class specification may not include all work that may be assigned or restrict the emphasis of the work assigned. The eligible register developed from this posting may be used to fill future FT and PT vacancies within this classification.

Work Location:

A comprehensive benefits package is provided for all employees who work 20 hours per week or more. For detailed benefit information visit the Scott County Benefit Hub using this LINK