Labor Relations Manager LDA

Current employees:
Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:$ - $ Annual Department:

Department of County Management (DCM)
Job Type:Limited Duration Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

November 04, 2026

The Opportunity:

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

Who we’re looking for:

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.

Position Overview 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.

Labor Negotiations and Contract Management 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.

Consultation and Expert Guidance with Assigned Customers 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.

Human Resources & Labor Relations Training and Special Projects 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.

To Qualify 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…