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Employee Relations Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

This individual will partner closely with leaders while overseeing employee relations, labor relations, talent acquisition, performance management, and other core HR initiatives. The Human Resources ...

Regularly consults with the Support Office Employee Relations team on escalated employee relations cases and investigations. Responsible for daily entries into our case management system to retain ...

Regularly consults with the Support Office Employee Relations team on escalated employee relations cases and investigations. Responsible for daily entries into our case management system to retain ...

Human Resources Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Regularly consults with the Support Office Employee Relations team on escalated employee relations cases and investigations. Responsible for daily entries into our case management system to retain ...

Regularly consults with the Support Office Employee Relations team on escalated employee relations cases and investigations. Responsible for daily entries into our case management system to retain ...

Regularly consults with the Support Office Employee Relations team on escalated employee relations cases and investigations. Responsible for daily entries into our case management system to retain ...

Regularly consults with the Support Office Employee Relations team on escalated employee relations cases and investigations. Responsible for daily entries into our case management system to retain ...

Human Resources Manager

Portage, WI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Regularly consults with the Support Office Employee Relations team on escalated employee relations cases and investigations. Responsible for daily entries into our case management system to retain ...

Employee Relations Manage and provide guidance on employee relations matters, including performance concerns, workplace conflicts, attendance, disciplinary actions, complaints, and other employee ...

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Employee Relations Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$47.9K

$98.3K

$166.3K

How much do employee relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee relations manager in Madison, WI is $98,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an employee relations manager do?

An employee relations manager provides a vital link between employees and management. You focus on problem resolution which may involve non-biased internal investigations. Your responsibilities include a wide range of duties such as oversight of employee rights; this can range from conflict to sexual harassment issues. You also provide guidance for management in regards to worker discipline and termination. You help ensure that the company complies with all required laws and regulations, and work closely with human resources for other tasks such as HR analytics. Work is typically full-time during regular business hours in an office environment. Some positions may require travel.

What does an employee relations manager do?

An Employee Relations Manager is responsible for fostering positive relationships between employees and management within an organization. They handle workplace disputes, ensure compliance with employment laws, and develop policies that support a healthy work environment. Their duties often include investigating complaints, advising management on employee issues, and implementing strategies to improve employee morale and engagement. This role is key to maintaining a productive workplace and preventing legal issues related to employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an employee relations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Employee Relations Manager, you need a thorough understanding of labor laws, conflict resolution, and HR best practices, typically supported by a degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), case management tools, and certifications like SHRM or HRCI are commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, discretion, and the ability to mediate sensitive situations distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for fostering a positive work environment, minimizing legal risks, and ensuring fair and equitable workplace practices.

What are some common challenges faced by employee relations managers, and how are they typically addressed?

Employee Relations Managers often encounter challenges such as resolving complex workplace conflicts, navigating sensitive investigations, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. These situations require strong communication and mediation skills, as well as the ability to remain impartial and confidential. Managers typically address these challenges through ongoing training, clear policies, and close collaboration with HR, legal, and management teams to ensure fair and consistent outcomes.

What is the difference between Employee Relations Manager vs HR Generalist?

AspectEmployee Relations ManagerHR Generalist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field; HR certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field; HR certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentFocus on employee relations, conflict resolution, and policy enforcement within organizationsHandles a broad range of HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in medium to large organizations across various industriesWidely used across industries, especially in organizations with dedicated HR teams

In summary, an Employee Relations Manager specializes in managing employee relations and resolving workplace conflicts, while an HR Generalist handles a broader spectrum of HR functions. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to HR departments, but their focus areas differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Relations jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Employee Relations jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Employee Relations Manager jobs in Madison, WI?

For Employee Relations Manager jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Employee Relations Manager jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Employee Relations Manager jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Employee Relations Manager jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Employee Relations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Employee Relations Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,294 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Manager Human Resources & Labor Relations

Alliantenergy

Madison, WI

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides strategic HR consultation and workforce solutions to business leaders, employees, and executive stakeholders.

  • Leads labor relations strategy, collective bargaining negotiations, grievance administration, and labor-management relations.

  • Partners with leaders on organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, workforce planning, and employee relations.


Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Job Summary

The Manager, HR & Labor Relations serves as a strategic HR leader, principal labor relations expert, and trusted advisor to business leaders, employees, and executive leadership. This role provides leadership to a team of HR Business Partners while also supporting assigned client groups through the delivery of strategic human resources consultation and workforce solutions.

The position is responsible for leading labor relations strategy delivery and collective bargaining negotiations, grievance administration, contract interpretation, arbitration preparation, labor-management relations, and represented workforce initiatives. In addition, the role partners with leaders on organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, workforce planning, employee relations, and business initiatives that support organizational objectives.

What you will do

  • Serves as a strategic advisor to business leaders, HR leadership, and executive stakeholders, providing guidance and recommendations on complex workforce, organizational, employee, and labor relations matters requiring significant discretion, judgment, and business acumen.

  • Leads, develops, coaches, and provides direction to a team of HR Business Partners, fostering strong business partnership capabilities and ensuring consistent, high-quality support across represented and non-represented work environments.

  • Serves as the organization's principal labor relations resource, providing enterprise-wide expertise in collective bargaining agreement negotiations, labor strategy, contract administration, grievance management, arbitration preparation, and represented workforce matters.

  • Partners with business leaders to develop and execute workforce strategies that support operational objectives, organizational effectiveness, talent needs, workforce planning, employee engagement, and business performance.

  • Leads or serves as lead spokesperson, lead negotiator, second-chair negotiator, or key bargaining team member during collective bargaining negotiations, providing strategic recommendations regarding bargaining objectives, proposals, costing analyses, and workforce impacts.

  • Provides consultation and coaching to leaders and HR professionals on complex employee relations, labor relations, performance management, workplace conduct, investigations, conflict resolution, and workforce challenges, exercising independent judgment in evaluating risk and determining appropriate resolutions.

  • Leads strategy, preparation, and resolution of grievances, arbitrations, mediations, labor disputes, and other sensitive employment matters, including risk assessment, case evaluation, documentation review, and stakeholder consultation.

  • Collaborates with HR Centers of Excellence, Legal, Compensation, Benefits, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders to deliver integrated workforce solutions and address organizational priorities.

  • Assesses workforce, labor, organizational, and business risks; analyzes workforce trends and data; and develops recommendations that balance business objectives, employee experience, contractual obligations, and organizational priorities.

  • Develops and maintains productive relationships with union representatives, business leaders, and employees while promoting constructive labor-management relations and collaborative problem-solving.

  • Leads and contributes to strategic workforce, labor relations, organizational effectiveness, and change initiatives, ensuring alignment with labor agreements, company policies, employment requirements, and business objectives.

  • Develops labor relations and workforce management tools, training, guidance, and best practices while serving as a mentor and resource to leaders, HR Business Partners, and other HR professionals across the organization.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, ora relatedfield. | Required

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or other advanced degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field. | Preferred

Required Experience

  • 10+ years of progressive labor relations experience in a unionized environment.

  • Demonstrated experience serving as a chief spokesperson, lead negotiator, second-chair negotiator, or key bargaining team member in collective bargaining negotiations.

  • Significant experienceadvisingbusiness leaders and organizations on collective bargaining agreement interpretation, grievance administration, arbitration strategy, labor-management relations, and represented employee matters.

  • Demonstratedexpertisemanaging complex labor disputes, arbitration preparation, contract interpretation, labor strategy development, and workforce risk assessment.

  • Strong working knowledge of labor law, collective bargaining principles, contract administration, labor-management dynamics, and represented employee relations practices.

  • Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders, HR professionals, business partners, and union representatives throughexpertise, credibility, and sound judgment.

  • Strong strategic thinking, negotiation, conflict resolution, communication, and relationship management skills.

  • Experience using workforce, labor, and business data to support decision-making, bargaining strategy, and organizational outcomes.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience supporting multiple bargaining units, labor agreements, unions, orrepresentedworkgroups.

  • Experience in the utility, energy, manufacturing, transportation, or other complex operational environments.

  • Experience developing labor strategy,negotiationsplaybooks, labor readiness plans, labor relations training, or contract administration standards.

Key Skills

  • Change Management Collective Bargaining Conflict Management Data Interpretations Escalation Management HR Business Partnering Labor and Employment Law Labor Management Relations Leadership Organizational Redesign Performance Management Stakeholder Management Talent Management


Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.

Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

Pay Range:

This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.

Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold

Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.


All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.


Visa sponsorship not supported.


Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com.