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Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the HR Director, the Labor Relations Manager will oversee and manage all Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Division activities and operations. The ELR team includes two Analysts. The ...

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Labor Relations Manager

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$57.51 - $77.63/hr

The Labor Relations Manager develops and implements collective bargaining strategies in partnership with Legal Counsel and supports successor contract negotiations. The County contracts with external ...

... labor relations strategy, negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution. Serves as ... management relationships. Qualifications Education: * Bachelor's degree required, Master ...

... labor relations strategy, negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution. Serves as ... management relationships. Qualifications Education: * Bachelor's degree required, Master ...

Serves as main point of contact for contract implementation, leading project management internally ... Seven years or more of progressively responsible experience in the HR or Labor Relations field.

Labor Relations Negotiator

Portland, OR · On-site

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

... relations strategy, negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution. Serves as a ... labor-management relationships. Education: * Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred.

Serves as main point of contact for contract implementation, leading project management internally ... Seven years or more of progressively responsible experience in the HR or Labor Relations field.

Labor Relations Strategist

Portland, OR · On-site

$55.01 - $81.97/hr

Serves as main point of contact for contract implementation, leading project management internally ... Seven years or more of progressively responsible experience in the HR or Labor Relations field.

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HR Manager

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$86K - $123K/yr

Labor & Employee Relations Leadership * Serve as the primary HR lead for labor and employee ... Manage grievance processes, investigations, corrective actions, conflict resolution, and labor ...

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Labor Relations Manager information

See Portland, OR salary details

$62.1K

$118.1K

$176.6K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Portland, OR is $118,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,500.00 and $134,700.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations Manager jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Labor Relations Manager jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Labor Relations Manager jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,144 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Labor Relations Manager

Gulfshoresal

Oregon City, OR • On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Clackamas County’s Department of Human Resources (HR) is seeking a dynamic, solutions-driven human resources leader with an extensive background in labor relations to serve as the County’s next Labor Relations Manager.

Reporting to the HR Director, the Labor Relations Manager will oversee and manage all Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Division activities and operations. The ELR team includes two Analysts. The ELR Division provides employee relations consultation, corrective action guidance, and labor contract administration services to support effective workforce management and positive labor relations across the County.

This position is responsible for administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements, mediating disputes, assisting in conflict resolution, and advising management in grievance or compliant investigations, corrective action, and performance management. Provide complex advice and counsel to the Human Resources Director, Human Resources Deputy Director, County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners on labor matters. The Labor Relations Manager develops and implements collective bargaining strategies in partnership with Legal Counsel and supports successor contract negotiations. The County contracts with external Labor relations subject-matter-experts to serve as lead negotiator for successor collective bargaining. The Labor Relations Manager is responsible for leading the interim bargaining process during the active term of existing labor agreements, which includes contract amendments, demand to bargain labor matters and other labor-related changes as needed.

The Labor Relations Manager will facilitate and build relationships with employees, union leadership, and other stakeholders to foster a work environment that is responsive and supportive. The Labor Relations Manager will deliver high-quality support to Clackamas County employees as well as create systems of support that foster strong employee and labor relation practices.

The Ideal Candidate

With around 2,700 employees, 4 unions, and 8 collective bargaining agreements, Clackamas County has a highly unionized workforce. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in labor relations, experience working with multiple unions, conducting investigations, grievance handling, negotiating labor agreements, and policy development and implementation while having a strong leadership background to provide guidance, support, and oversight to a team of ELR professionals.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

  • A minimum of seven (7) years ofrelated experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position. At least four (4) years progressively responsible labor relations experience working in a unionized environment to include:
  • Conducting HR related investigations
  • Preparing and processing disciplinary actions
  • Administering and implementing collective bargaining agreements and working with unions
  • Resolving union grievances and unfair labor practices
  • Negotiating collective bargaining agreements, including serving as a lead or chief negotiator during labor negotiations
  • At least two (2) years of experience directly supervising and managing professional level staff.
  • Experience and knowledge of Oregon employment law, in particular the Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA) and the Oregon Employment Relations Board.
  • Experience working with multiple union collective bargaining agreements within a single organization.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

  • Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) certification.
  • Experience working in the public sector.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

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