Labor Relations Manager

Location:
Providence, Rhode Island (Hybrid – 3 days onsite, non-negotiable)

Base Salary: $120,000 – $187,000 (dependent on experience)

Bonus:
15% Short-Term Incentive

A very well-known client of ours
, operating as a leading energy and utilities provider supporting gas and electric operations across the region, is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Manager to join their HR leadership team.

Following a recent acquisition, the organization is entering a new phase of transformation. While supported by a larger enterprise, this role functions in a start-up–style environment
, requiring a hands‑on Labor Relations professional who can build structure, credibility, and long‑term union partnerships.

This is a labor-driven, individual-contributor role with no direct reports. The successful candidate will work closely with 3 business partners and report directly to the Director of HR
, acting as the organization’s subject‑matter expert across labor relations.

• Lead and execute labor relations strategy aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Serve as the primary lead for collective bargaining
  , including preparation, strategy development, and acting as chief spokesperson during negotiations.
• Contract Negotiation is a highly desired skill
• Manage multiple collective bargaining agreements across gas and electric operations and maintain close working relationships with two unions
  .
• Rebuild and strengthen labor‑management relationships where formal contract engagement has been limited for several years.
• Provide expert guidance on contract interpretation
  , grievance resolution, and arbitration processes.
• Partner closely with internal legal counsel on arbitrations, negotiations, and NLRB‑related matters.
• Act as company spokesperson in mediation or arbitration proceedings when required.
• Collaborate with field operations leadership to ensure labor strategies support safety, reliability, and operational performance.
• Design and implement labor relations structure, processes, and governance within the HR function.
• Advise managers and supervisors on union engagement, labor strategy, and day‑to‑day labor matters.
• Support labor relations during emergency or system events, which may require after‑hours involvement.

• 5+ years of dedicated Labor Relations experience in a unionized environment.
• Proven collective bargaining and contract negotiation experience (non-negotiable).
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience managing grievances, arbitration, and union relationships
  .
• Background in a labor‑intensive, industrial environment (manufacturing, utilities, or similarly unionized sectors) is a large requirement for this role.
• Experience with contract negotiation is a must have
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, labor agreements, and labor relations best practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills.

• JD and/or SPHR certification.
• Experience building or re‑establishing labor relations programs in post‑acquisition or evolving organizations.