Labor Relations Manager

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Employee & Labor Relations
Manager within the Human Resources division. This HR leadership role oversees the Laboratory’s Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) function, including related employee programs such as Conflict and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Serving as the Laboratory’s subject matter expert in employee and labor relations, the position advises the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and senior management on strategic direction, policies, programs, and services.

The incumbent is responsible for preparing and responding to labor relations matters and is recognized as an expert in all aspects of Employee and Labor Relations, UC and DOE policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal labor and employment laws. The role serves as the Laboratory’s chief spokesperson on labor relations issues, including contract negotiations and arbitration.

Additionally, this position selects and manages a professional staff and builds and maintains effective partnerships with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on employee and labor relations and related policies and procedures.

You will:

• Act as a collaborative partner with the CHRO to advise on strategy. May provide advice and counsel to senior Laboratory management in the development and presentation of the Laboratory’s positions and proposals in contract negotiations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the UC Office of the President’s Labor team and as chief spokesperson in local collective bargaining with all unions and in labor and employment arbitration proceedings.
• Provide expert guidance and oversight on policies, programs, strategies, and organizational changes that have implications for employee relations, ensuring proactive involvement to maintain company trust and culture.
• Oversee and define the Laboratory’s approach to managing and addressing Employee Relations escalations and concerns.
• Ensures that all collective bargaining agreements and Laboratory policy (Regulations and Procedures Manual - RPM) are administered effectively, emphasizing the protection of management prerogatives while fostering collaborative labor-management relationships.
• Represent the Laboratory in external proceedings involving agencies such as PERB, EEOC/DFEH, and EDD, providing research and analysis regarding issues under HEERA, ADA, FMLA, NLRB, FEHA, and CFRA.
• Leads and manages the ELR professional staff, focusing on developing advanced skills in conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation and crisis support.
• Lead HR investigations, disciplinary reviews, and the Crisis Action Team (CAT) to ensure due process and rapid resolution of workplace threats or misconduct.
• Ensure the ELR team provides effective advice and counsel to Laboratory management and HR field teams regarding management decisions encompassing employee job performance, development, and misconduct.
• Lead the development of tools and resources (standard operating procedures, guidelines, training and education materials. templates, etc) to ensure the highest level of quality, consistency and accessibility of ELR’s service portfolio.
• Develop data-driven Employee Relations strategies by using metrics and trend analysis to evaluate programs, measure effectiveness, and inform recommendations, leveraging technology and innovation while adhering to responsible data use.
• Ensure coordination of activities with other HR functions and serves as a trusted advisor to HRBPs and HR leadership to prevent, diagnose, and address work environment issues.

We are looking for:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in business, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of Employee and Labor Relations experience, with 3 or more years in a management role leading professional employees.
• Extensive and demonstrated experience in all facets of labor and employee relations, including:
  • Arbitration advocacy, mediation, and facilitation/conflict resolution.
  • Drafting of settlement agreements, letters of understanding, and arbitration post-hearing briefs.
  • Developing and setting strategies,…