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Chief Labor Negotiator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead, Labor Relations

Camden, NJ · On-site

Lead, Human Resources Business Partner (Labor Relations) Job Code: 44053 Job Location: Camden, NJ ... This role will serve as the chief negotiator for select collective bargaining agreements. This ...

First Student, Inc.

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

UNFI

Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI · On-site +1

Supports chief labor negotiator in collective bargaining, including preparation and analysis of proposals, meeting preparation, note-taking, and implementation of ratified agreements. * Builds and ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

King County, WA

Labor Relations Negotiator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$136K - $172K/yr

Serve as the chief spokesperson on complex labor contracts by: * Determining strategy and coordinating resources to present the County's interest in labor negotiations, advising departments and ...

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

$147K - $183K/yr

Assists Chief Labor Relations Officer with collective bargaining negotiations. * Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures, as well as all applicable ...

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Chief Labor Negotiator information

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief labor negotiator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief labor negotiator in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief labor negotiator do?

A Chief Labor Negotiator is responsible for leading and coordinating labor negotiations between an organization and employee unions. They develop negotiation strategies, represent management in collective bargaining discussions, and work to reach agreements on wages, benefits, working conditions, and dispute resolution. Their goal is to ensure mutually beneficial contracts that support organizational goals while addressing employee concerns. They also interpret labor contracts, advise management on labor relations issues, and may participate in resolving labor disputes or grievances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief labor negotiator?

To thrive as a Chief Labor Negotiator, you need deep knowledge of labor law, collective bargaining processes, and employment regulations, typically supported by a relevant degree and extensive labor relations experience. Familiarity with negotiation software, HR information systems, and contract management tools is often required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution skills help build consensus and foster productive relationships with unions and management. These abilities are vital for achieving fair agreements, minimizing labor disputes, and supporting organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief labor negotiator during contract negotiations?

Chief Labor Negotiators often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of management and employees, handling complex legal and regulatory requirements, and managing tight negotiation timelines. They must also navigate high-pressure situations where stakes are significant for both sides, requiring excellent communication and conflict resolution skills. Building trust and maintaining productive relationships with union representatives, while ensuring organizational goals are met, is crucial for long-term success in this role.

Who are the top companies hiring for Chief Labor Negotiator jobs?

The top employers for Chief Labor Negotiator jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Labor Negotiator jobs?

For Chief Labor Negotiator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Labor Negotiator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Labor Negotiator

Emeryville, CA

Certified Employment Group Job Openings
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Certified Employment Group Job Openingsexternal

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Title: Labor Negotiator 
Employment Type: Direct Hire, full time
Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Locals only)  
Salary Range: $150k - $175k, based on experience + full benefits



Position Summary

 A Bay Area Consulting Firm is looking for a Labor Negotiator to join the team on a full time bases. This individual serves as the chief spokesperson and strategic advisor to employers in collective bargaining, labor relations, contract administration, and workforce management matters. This position represents public and/or private sector employers in negotiations with labor unions, provides guidance on labor and employment issues, develops bargaining strategies, and helps organizations maintain productive labor-management relationships while advancing organizational goals.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Law,
  • Advanced degree (Master's, MPA, MBA, JD) preferred. 
  • Five to ten years of progressively responsible labor relations experience. 
  • Experience in public sector labor relation, private sector, handling grievances, arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution processes.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to read a room, remain composed, perceptive, and professional in high-pressure environments.
  • Ability to travel onsite to work directly with clients across the Bay Area and Northern California 


Responsibilities:

  • Lead in person collective bargaining negotiations and serve as the chief spokesperson.
  • Develop bargaining strategies, proposals, cost analyses, and negotiation objectives.
  • Prepare for negotiations through research, data analysis, and settlement recommendations.
  • Draft and revise collective bargaining agreements, MOUs, and side letters.
  • Present recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Advise management on labor relations strategies, contract administration, and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Support organizational change initiatives and promote effective labor-management communication.
  • Represent employers in grievance meetings, labor-management committees, mediation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution processes.
  • Research labor laws, market trends, compensation data, and analyze union proposals and cost impacts.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships while serving as a trusted labor relations advisor.
  • Respond to client inquiries, conduct strategic planning meetings, and recommend solutions to labor relations issues.
  • Deliver training and presentations on labor relations, negotiations, and contract administration.
  • Facilitate labor-management meetings as needed.
  • Support business development through client retention, proposals, presentations, networking, and industry events.
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About Certified Employment Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Certified Employment Group started in San Francisco in 1963. Our cornerstone mission was, and remains, to provide ethical, caring service to each of our clients and employees. These values mean using technology to create efficiencies for our clients, expand our service offerings and enhance the level of service we can provide. As Northern California businesses have prospered, Certified has responded by opening branches to serve high-growth areas. We have expanded our services to include on-site management for major accounts, developing a web based interface and opening specialized divisions in Legal, Renewable Energy and Accounting. Certified remains independently owned, responsive, flexible and wholly committed to our original values. We believe this is the reason for our success. Industry rankings continually place Certified in the top ten percent based on sales!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Emeryville, CA, US

Year founded

1963

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