ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Columbus, GA · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Columbus, GA · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Columbus, GA · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Phenix City, AL · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Columbus, GA · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Columbus, GA · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Lagrange, GA · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Opelika, AL · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Columbus, GA · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

Piggly Wiggly

Store Manager

Phenix City, AL · On-site

... service/relations to enhance Kroger's best-in-class reputation * Lead teams in planning ... Assess labor management & supply costs on a daily basis to meet customer service/financial targets

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLabor Relations JobsLabor Relations Manager JobsLabor Relations Manager Jobs in Columbus, GA

Labor Relations Manager information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$52.4K

$99.7K

$149K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Columbus, GA is $99,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $113,700.00 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 cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:

Labor Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,689 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Manager, Human Resources

The J.M. Smucker Company

Columbus, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the strategic Human Resources business partner to the Plant Manager and leadership team, aligning people strategies with operational and business objectives.

  • Lead all site Human Resources activities including employee relations, labor relations, talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, and performance management.

  • Develop and execute labor relations strategies, lead labor-management discussions, and serve as the primary site advisor on labor relations matters.

J.M. Smucker rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Human Resources Manager
Join the leadership team at our Columbus, Georgia Hostess bakery, where we proudly produce iconic snacks including Mini Cupcakes, Ding Dongs® and Zingers®. As the senior Human Resources leader for the site, you will serve as a strategic advisor to plant leadership, driving workforce and labor strategies that enable business growth, operational excellence, and a highly engaged workforce. This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to shape the employee experience and influence the future of the organization. This role offers the opportunity to influence the people strategy for a bakery producing some of Hostess' most iconic products, while serving as a key voice in shaping the site's culture, workforce capability, and long-term success. You will lead labor relations strategy, strengthen union-management partnerships, guide workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives, and help create a culture built on trust, accountability, and performance. Serving as the primary bridge between employees, union leadership, and business leaders, you will play a critical role in fostering collaborative labor-management relationships that support both employee and business success. Success in this role will be measured not only through effective contract administration, but through your ability to improve employee engagement, strengthen workforce stability, develop leadership capability, reduce workplace conflict, enhance organizational effectiveness, and create an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the site's success. The ideal candidate brings deep labor relations expertise, strong business acumen, and a passion for developing people, enhancing organizational capability, and driving positive outcomes for employees, union partnerships, and the business.
Location: Columbus, GA
Work Arrangements: 100% Onsite
  • Willingness to work extended hours and flow to the work as needed.

In this role you will:
  • Serve as the strategic Human Resources business partner to the Plant Manager and leadership team, aligning people strategies with operational and business objectives.
  • Lead all site Human Resources activities including employee relations, labor relations, talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, and performance management.
  • Serve as the primary site leader responsible for developing and maintaining constructive labor-management partnerships that support workforce engagement, operational excellence, and plant performance.
  • Develop and execute labor relations strategies that strengthen union-management collaboration, support business objectives, and create positive employee experiences.
  • Lead regular labor-management discussions focused on communication, workforce challenges, employee concerns, and continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Serve as the site's chief advisor on labor relations matters, including collective bargaining agreement administration, contract interpretation, grievance management, investigations, arbitration preparation, and labor risk mitigation.
  • Partner closely with union leadership to proactively identify and resolve workplace concerns before they escalate, fostering trust, workforce stability, and organizational effectiveness.
  • Champion initiatives that improve labor-management communication, strengthen employee engagement, and reinforce a culture of respect, accountability, and collaboration.
  • Support labor negotiations preparation activities and help develop long-term labor relations strategies that position the site for sustained success.
  • Lead workforce planning initiatives to ensure the site has the talent, leadership capability, and organizational structure needed to achieve current and future business goals.
  • Provides oversight for hourly hiring, bid administration, and headcount management, ensuring consistent processes, staffing accuracy, and workforce alignment across the operation.
  • Develop and execute talent strategies focused on attraction, retention, succession planning, leadership development, and critical role readiness.
  • Lead site leadership development initiatives, including frontline supervisor onboarding, leadership training programs, coaching frameworks, mentoring programs, and development planning processes.
  • Facilitate talent reviews and succession planning discussions with site leadership to identify high-potential employees and prepare future leaders for advancement opportunities.
  • Partner with leaders to create individual development plans that strengthen leadership capability, technical expertise, and employee growth across the organization.
  • Coach leaders on employee engagement, performance management, conflict resolution, workforce planning, communication, and leadership best practices.
  • Partner with plant leadership to identify organizational effectiveness opportunities and implement solutions that improve productivity, engagement, culture, and team performance.
  • Lead change management efforts associated with business transformation, operational improvements, organizational redesign, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze workforce data, employee relations trends, and organizational metrics to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive data-informed business decisions.
  • Lead workplace investigations and ensure timely, fair, and compliant resolution of employee concerns in alignment with company policies and legal requirements.
  • Manage employee recognition programs, community outreach activities, employee events, and engagement initiatives that strengthen site culture.
  • Ensure consistent application of company policies, Human Resources programs, and employment practices while maintaining compliance with labor and employment laws.

What we are looking for:
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience. 3+ years working in a unionized environment.
  • Demonstrated success developing and implementing Human Resources strategies within a unionized manufacturing environment.
  • Significant experience administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements, managing grievance processes, and advising leaders on labor relations matters.
  • Demonstrated success serving as a strategic labor relations leader, building productive union-management partnerships and driving positive workforce outcomes in a unionized manufacturing environment.
  • Experience building productive union-management partnerships and successfully navigating complex employee and labor relations situations.
  • Manufacturing site experience.
  • Experience leading leadership development, succession planning, workforce planning, and organizational capability-building initiatives.
  • Experience leading and developing employees while fostering a positive workplace culture.
  • Experience driving Human Resources process improvements and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to influence leaders, drive organizational change, and align people strategies with business objectives.
  • Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:
  • Human Resources Generalist leadership experience.
  • Food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods experience.
  • Experience supporting labor negotiations and collective bargaining processes.
  • Experience designing or implementing leadership development programs, talent review processes, and succession planning frameworks.
  • Workday experience.
  • Experience working within high-performance organizations, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement environments.
  • Professional certifications such as Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

The Right Place for You
We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

What J.M. Smucker employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply