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Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

UNFI

Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI · On-site +1

The Labor Relations Manager works as part of a team of labor relations professionals and reports to the Vice President of Labor Relations. This role supports labor relations for assigned operations ...

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Labor Relations Manager information

See Rhode Island salary details

$57.3K

$109.1K

$163.1K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Rhode Island is $109,065.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,100.00 and $124,400.00 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.
More about Labor Relations Manager jobs

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

The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Rhode Island are:

What job categories do people searching Labor Relations Manager jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Labor Relations Manager jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:

Labor Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,065 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI • On-site, Remote

UNFI
Food and Beverage Wholesalers • 501 - 1,000 employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about UNFIexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

*Must reside on CA, OR, WA, AZ, NV or CO*
Who We Are
UNFI is North America's Premier Food Wholesaler. Our mission is to help make our customers stronger, our supply chain better, and our food solutions more inspired. For over 50 years, UNFI has been making bold moves to impact the food industry. We transform the world of food by building a food system that is better for our people, our communities, and our world.
Our work is done through our core values
  • We do the right thing.
  • We courageously embrace what's next.
  • We deliver better together.
  • We believe in better for all.

Purpose:
The Labor Relations Manager works as part of a team of labor relations professionals and reports to the Vice President of Labor Relations. This role supports labor relations for assigned operations in California, including contract administration, grievance handling, arbitration preparation, collective bargaining support, labor-management relations, and union benefit matters. The Labor Relations Manager advises HR and Operations leaders on issues involving represented associates, provides practical recommendations that balance business needs with contractual and legal obligations, and partners with internal stakeholders and counsel to resolve disputes.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Serves as subject matter expert on matters arising under collective bargaining agreements and advises business partners on all issues arising under collective bargaining agreements, labor law, multiemployer benefit plans and other issues involving unionized associates.
  • Handles grievance administration, including reviewing facts and evidence, preparing case summaries, assessing arbitration risk, developing recommendations, supporting grievance hearings, drafting responses, and identifying resolution strategies.
  • Represents the Company's position in grievance meetings, labor-management meetings, mediations, and other union-related discussions and partners with internal and external labor counsel on arbitration cases.
  • Prepares arbitration matters internally, including factual investigation, timeline development, exhibit collection, and coordination with internal or external counsel.
  • Supports chief labor negotiator in collective bargaining, including preparation and analysis of proposals, meeting preparation, note-taking, and implementation of ratified agreements.
  • Builds and maintains productive relationships with union business agents, stewards, HR partners, operations leaders, and other stakeholders to support constructive labor-management relationships and proactive issue resolution.
  • Maintains organized and timely documentation in appropriate systems, including grievance files, case records, correspondence, evidence, settlement documentation, arbitration materials, and other labor relations records.
  • Provides clear, concise, and complete written communications to stakeholders, including issue summaries, recommendations, risk assessments, meeting summaries, training follow-up, and executive updates.
  • Manages multiple locations and competing priorities while maintaining strong organization, responsiveness, follow-through, and judgment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business, or a related field.
  • Labor relations certification, human resources certification, or prior experience in labor law, labor negotiations, grievance arbitration, union dispute resolution, or collective bargaining preferred.

Experience:
  • 5-7 years labor relations, labor negotiations, grievance administration, union dispute resolution, human resources in a unionized environment, or a related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong working knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining agreements, grievance and arbitration processes, unfair labor practice issues, union organizing activity, and labor-management relations.
  • Knowledge of employment and labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act and related federal, state, and local employment laws.
  • Understanding of employee benefits, multiemployer benefit plans, union benefit arrangements, and how CBA language affects benefit administration preferred.
  • Ability to independently research issues, review applicable CBAs and policies, and develop a recommended answer before escalating for additional guidance.
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear issue summaries, grievance responses, settlement recommendations, leadership updates, training materials, meeting summaries, and executive-level communications.
  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex labor relations concepts to HR partners, operations leaders, senior leaders, union representatives, and outside counsel.
  • Ability to partner effectively with stakeholders while maintaining appropriate Labor Relations boundaries and ensuring local HR and operations teams remain accountable for their responsibilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, locations, deadlines, and urgent issues while maintaining organization, follow-through, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to assess when a matter should be resolved, escalated, settled, advanced to arbitration, or handled internally before engaging outside counsel.
  • Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Where you will work:
Remote Role:
  • Must reside in California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada or Arizona.
  • This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel:
  • Travel is required up to 75% for this position.
  • Must be able to travel frequently by plane and/or car to company locations, union meetings, arbitrations, negotiations, trainings, and other business-related meetings as needed.

Physical Environment/Demands:
  • Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
  • Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
  • Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
  • Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist and turn frequently.
  • Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist and hand movements required for working in an office environment including typing
  • May require warehouse floor presence with proper PPE

#LI-REMOTE
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act .

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