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Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

$106.01 - $140.47/hr

The APP Manager owns the management of APP employee and labor relations matters, including coaching, performance management, attendance, workplace concerns, and corrective action in partnership with ...

Senior HR Business Partner

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$72K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage daily employee and labor relations and perform initial investigations of employee complaints and alleged policy violations, escalating where necessary. * Partner with our COE teams to ...

Food & Nutrition Mgr

Grinnell, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Handle HR, labor relations, risk management, and departmental safety issues. * Identify , recommend, and implement improvements to service, productivity, quality, and financial performance.

Showing results 21-40

Labor Relations Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$54.9K

$104.6K

$156.4K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Iowa is $104,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $119,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a labor relations manager do?

A Labor Relations Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the relationship between an organization and its employees, specifically focusing on matters related to labor unions and collective bargaining agreements. They work to resolve disputes, negotiate contracts, interpret labor laws, and ensure that company policies comply with relevant labor regulations. Their goal is to maintain productive working relationships while protecting the interests of both the employer and the employees.

What does a labor relations manager do?

Labor relations managers negotiate contracts and agreements between labor organizations or individual employees and their organization. As a labor relations manager, your primary duties involve researching industry data, handling all aspects of negotiations, and resolving labor disputes. Most labor relations managers work in the human resources department of a company. The career requires knowledge of labor laws, union practices, and bargaining procedures, as well as wage information for your industry. Additional qualifications include at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration or human resources, prior management experience, and strong negotiation skills.

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

To excel as a Labor Relations Manager, you need expertise in labor law, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources, labor relations, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), collective bargaining agreement software, and relevant certifications such as SHRM or HRCI can be advantageous. Outstanding interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate persuasively make a candidate stand out. These competencies are vital to maintain positive employer-employee relationships, ensure compliance, and achieve organizational goals through effective labor management.

How does a labor relations manager typically collaborate with both management and union representatives to resolve workplace disputes?

A Labor Relations Manager acts as a crucial liaison between company management and union representatives, aiming to foster effective communication and resolve workplace disputes efficiently. They participate in negotiations, facilitate meetings, and help interpret labor contracts to ensure both parties' concerns are addressed fairly. This role often requires balancing organizational goals with employee rights, making strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills essential. Successful collaboration builds trust and helps maintain a positive, productive workplace environment.

What is the difference between Labor Relations Manager vs Human Resources Specialist?

AspectLabor Relations ManagerHuman Resources Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in HR, labor relations, or related field; certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are commonSame as Labor Relations Manager: bachelor’s degree, HR certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on union negotiations, employee relations, and compliance within organizationsHandles recruitment, onboarding, employee benefits, and general HR functions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries with unionized workforces such as manufacturing, transportation, and public sectorUsed across various industries including corporate, healthcare, and retail

The main difference is that Labor Relations Managers specialize in union negotiations and employee relations within unionized environments, while Human Resources Specialists handle broader HR functions like recruitment and benefits. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in organizations with or without union presence.

Is labor relations a stressful job?

Labor relations managers often work in high-pressure environments, as they handle negotiations, conflicts, and compliance issues between employers and employees. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex and sometimes contentious situations, which can contribute to job stress.

What degree do you need for labor relations manager?

A labor relations manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, business administration, or a related field. Some roles may prefer or require a master's degree or professional certifications in labor relations or HR management. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment laws are also important for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Labor Relations Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,605 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Human Resources Business Partner

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join UnityPoint Health’s largest market as an HR Business Partner, where you’ll support hospital leaders and help shape the people strategies that drive meaningful business outcomes. In this highly collaborative role, you’ll serve as a strategic partner by embedding HR priorities into daily operations, offering trusted guidance to leaders, and helping teams build the capabilities, behaviors, structures, and processes needed to succeed. You’ll also partner closely with HR Centers of Expertise to develop and execute strategies that foster a high-performing, engaged, and people-centered workplace across the enterprise and business unit.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Serve as a strategic HR partner by understanding business priorities, advising leaders, and implementing HR solutions that support organizational goals.
  • Support workforce planning, succession planning, talent reviews, performance management, engagement, retention, and development strategies aligned to current and future business needs.
  • Build strong relationships with leaders, team members, stakeholders, and HR COEs to deliver a unified, people-focused HR experience.
  • Use HR metrics, business data, market trends, and workforce insights to identify opportunities, influence decisions, and forecast talent needs.
  • Promote an inclusive culture, model FOCUS values, support fair and equitable practices, and provide guidance on policies, regulations, labor relations, and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Champion change, coach leaders through transitions, and proactively identify opportunities to improve processes, outcomes, and HR value to the business.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management or related field required.
  • Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration/Management or related field preferred.

Experience:

  • Five (5) years of combined proven experience in an HR Business Partner/business consultation role within multiple HR functional areas and/or employee/labor relations required.

License(s)/Certification(s):

  • SHRM-CP
  • SHRM-SCP
  • PHR
  • SPHR
  • OR related certification preferred.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995