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Labor Relations Manager Jobs in Romeoville, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Manager, HR & Labor Relations serves as CyrusOne's primary internal labor relations lead for union-represented employees in the United States, while also providing core HR business partner ...

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Labor Relations Manager information

See Romeoville, IL salary details

$59.6K

$113.6K

$169.8K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in Romeoville, IL is $113,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,800.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 handle complex negotiations, conflict resolution, and employee disputes, which can be stressful due to the high stakes involved. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage tense situations regularly.

What is the highest paid labor job?

In labor relations, executive-level roles such as Director of Labor Relations or Vice President of Human Resources tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of labor laws and union management.

Is labor relations the same as HR?

Labor relations is a specialized area within human resources that focuses on managing relationships between employers and employees, particularly regarding collective bargaining, unions, and labor laws. While HR handles a broad range of employee management tasks, labor relations specifically addresses union negotiations, contract administration, and conflict resolution related to labor agreements.

What is the role of a labor relations manager?

A labor relations manager oversees interactions between an organization and its employees' labor unions or workforce, ensuring compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. They handle negotiations, resolve disputes, and develop policies to maintain positive labor relations, often requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. The role may also involve advising management on labor issues and managing grievance procedures.

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 job categories do people searching Labor Relations Manager jobs in Romeoville, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations Manager jobs in Romeoville, IL are:
What cities near Romeoville, IL are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs? Cities near Romeoville, IL with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in Romeoville, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,553 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a General Labor Manager.

POSTION SUMMARY:

 Reporting to the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, the Labor Relations Manager provides strategic counsel and operational support for the institution's labor and employee relations programs. This role serves as a key advisor and subject matter expert on labor matters, fostering productive relationships with unions, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, and aligning labor strategies with institutional goals.

The position supports the administration of collective bargaining agreements, facilitates grievance management, addresses employee concerns, and ensures adherence to applicable labor laws and institutional policies. As a resource to supervisors, managers, and employees, the Labor Relations Manager promotes effective communication and collaborative workplace relationships.

In partnership with the Office of the Provost, Human Resources, academic leadership, and administrative departments, this role contributes to a work environment that supports the college's academic and operational mission.

Flex work options are available.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist in the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with contract provisions.

  • Serve as a point of contact for union representatives and employees regarding labor and employment-related inquiries.

  • Support the grievance and dispute resolution process, including documentation, tracking, and coordination with management or legal counsel.

  • Monitor and track labor relations activities, maintaining accurate case records and reporting metrics as needed.

  • Advise managers and supervisors on policy interpretation, labor law compliance, and day-to-day employee relations issues.

  • Cultivate and maintain collaborative, constructive relationships with union representatives.

  • Attend and facilitate monthly labor management meetings with staff union leadership to support collaborative problem-solving, track issues, and promote positive labor-management relationships.

  • Participate in labor-management meetings and assist in preparing materials for negotiations or informational sessions.

  • Collaborate with HR, legal counsel, and academic or departmental leaders to address operational and labor-related concerns.

  • Assist in training managers on labor contract provisions, policies, and best practices in employee relations.

  • Support the preparation of reports, analyses, and recommendations related to labor relations trends and issues.

  • Contribute to special projects, including contract renewals, labor negotiations support, and organizational policy updates.

  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, industrial relations, business administration, or a related field.

  • At least three (3) years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, or HR operations; higher education labor relations experience preferred.

  • Experience participating in collective bargaining or union negotiations in higher education a plus.

  • Knowledge of compliance and regulatory reporting related to labor relations.

  • Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, and grievance processes.

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

  • Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and across functional teams.

  • Proficiency with HRIS, case management systems, and standard office software.

  • Ability to independently lead projects or initiatives in labor relations.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

Position Minimum Annual Salary:  $75.000.00

Position Maximum Annual Salary: $90,000.00

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Position subject to a background screening

  • This is a non- union position

  • This is a full-time position

  • This position is overtime ineligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.