1

Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Labor Relations Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

$159K - $231K/yr

Oversee labor relations personnel and workforce services staff assigned to the project. * Advise management on labor risks, workforce productivity, craft retention, labor costs, and compliance ...

In this role, you will lead a team and manage daily labor relations activities on construction projects, providing advice in the resolution of labor disputes, grievances, and work stoppages. Your ...

In this role, you will lead a team and manage daily labor relations activities on construction projects, providing advice in the resolution of labor disputes, grievances, and work stoppages. Your ...

Oversee labor relations personnel and workforce services staff assigned to the project. Advise management on labor risks, workforce productivity, craft retention, labor costs, and compliance ...

Join a fast-growing "forever" company that manages over 30 subsidiaries and provides centers of ... Summary As a Labor Relations Specialist, you will oversee union administration and support positive ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Labor Relations Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$58K

$110.4K

$165.1K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Virginia is $110,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $125,900.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,414 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Labor Relations Manager

Bechtel

Reston, VA • On-site

$159K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Bechtel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Requisition ID: 297776
  • Relocation Authorized: None
  • Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project
  • Work Location: Various Work Locations USA, Reston, VA
  • Reston, VA Location ONLY: Salary Range: $159,700 - $231,000 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:
Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.
Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations.
Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report.
Project Overview:
The project is a 1.3 GW simple-cycle power generation facility located in Millersport, Ohio, being constructed adjacent to a hyperscale data center campus. The facility includes multiple power generation technologies consisting of Solar Titan 130 gas turbines, Siemens SGT800 gas turbines, reciprocating engines, battery energy storage systems (BESS), substations, and associated balance of plant infrastructure.
The scope includes major civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, underground utility, control systems, and commissioning works required to support phased energization and turnover of the facility. Construction will be executed through a combination of direct hire and subcontracted labor supported by modularization, pre-assembly, offsite warehousing, and advanced work packaging methodologies.
Job Summary:
Provides strategic leadership for all labor relations activities on a major project or within a business unit. Serves as the principal advisor to project and functional leadership on labor strategy, workforce availability, labor agreements, labor risk management, and union relations. Leads the development and implementation of labor relations programs that support safe, productive, and efficient project execution while maintaining constructive relationships with labor organizations, contractors, customers, and governmental agencies. #LI-MK1
Major Responsibilities:
  • Lead all project labor relations activities and serve as the principal advisor to project leadership on labor strategy, workforce planning, labor agreements, and craft workforce matters.
  • Develop and implement project labor strategies to support safe, productive, and cost-effective project execution.
  • Lead negotiations, administration, and interpretation of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), collective bargaining agreements, site work rules, and related labor arrangements.
  • Establish and maintain productive relationships with labor organizations, union representatives, contractors, customers, and regulatory agencies.
  • Direct labor assessments, workforce availability studies, wage evaluations, and labor market analyses to support project planning and execution.
  • Resolve labor disputes, grievances, jurisdictional issues, and workforce conflicts while minimizing impacts to project performance.
  • Oversee labor relations personnel and workforce services staff assigned to the project.
  • Advise management on labor risks, workforce productivity, craft retention, labor costs, and compliance obligations.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, employment regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and company policies.
  • Support recruitment, workforce development, craft training, and employee engagement programs.
  • Participate in project planning, staffing forecasts, risk assessments, and business strategy reviews.
  • Support investigations involving workforce conduct, workplace complaints, and labor-related matters in coordination with Legal, HR, and project management.

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Construction Management, or related field.
  • Typically 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, industrial relations, workforce services, human resources, construction workforce management, or related disciplines.
  • Demonstrated experience negotiating and administering labor agreements and managing labor relations programs on large construction, industrial, EPC, or infrastructure projects.
  • Experience leading teams and managing organizational change in complex project environments.
  • Experience working with trade unions, craft professionals, contractors, and project leadership.

Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Advanced knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining, grievance administration, and dispute resolution.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of construction labor agreements, jurisdictional assignments, wage structures, and workforce planning.
  • Thorough understanding of employment legislation and labor compliance requirements.
  • Strong leadership, negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
  • Ability to analyze workforce trends, labor markets, productivity impacts, and organizational risks.
  • Strong influencing skills with senior management, customers, labor organizations, and industry stakeholders.
  • Ability to lead complex investigations, negotiations, and conflict-resolution activities.
  • Knowledge of workforce development, craft recruiting, and employee engagement practices.

Total Rewards/Benefits:
For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards
Diverse teams build the extraordinary:
As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.
We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.
At Bechtel, our employees enjoy a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well-designed 401K plan with matching and profit-sharing components
Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com

What Bechtel employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom