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Labor Relations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Labor Relations Manager serves as the primary strategic and operational leader for all labor management relations at ST Engineering Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS). This role ensures ...

Job Summary The Labor Relations Manager acts as the primary contact for related topics, providing advice and counsel to managers, supervisors, and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations ...

Job Summary The Labor Relations Manager acts as the primary contact for related topics, providing advice and counsel to managers, supervisors, and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations ...

Job Summary The Labor Relations Manager acts as the primary contact for related topics, providing advice and counsel to managers, supervisors, and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations ...

We are looking for a Union Manager to lead labor relations at Suzano Packaging's Pine Bluff paperboard mill, serving as the company's primary representative with United Steelworkers (USW). Reporting ...

We are looking for a Union Manager to lead labor relations at Suzano Packaging's Pine Bluff paperboard mill, serving as the company's primary representative with United Steelworkers (USW). Reporting ...

As a Labor Relations Manager, you'll lead a team of Labor & Employee Relations professionals while serving as a strategic advisor to business leaders across Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. You'll ...

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As a Labor Relations Manager, you'll lead a team of Labor & Employee Relations professionals while serving as a strategic advisor to business leaders across Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. You'll ...

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VENTEON and Harvard Resource Solutions are hiring a Labor/Employee Relations Manager to support a manufacturing plant in Sterling Heights, MI. You will develop and execute strategies, manage ...

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Labor Relations Manager information

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$58.5K

$111.4K

$166.5K

How much do labor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations manager in the United States is $111,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $127,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Labor Relations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Labor Relations Manager jobs? The top employers for Labor Relations Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Labor Relations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Labor Relations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,369 per year, or $53.5 per hour.
Labor Relations Manager

Labor Relations Manager

ST Engineering

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


ST Engineering rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 427 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Who YOU are and what YOU can become:
The Labor Relations Manager serves as the primary strategic and operational leader for all labor management relations at ST Engineering Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS). This role ensures effective partnership with union leadership, supports a high performance manufacturing environment, and safeguards compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), labor law, and company policies. The manager acts as a trusted advisor to HR, Operations, and senior leadership on labor strategy, employee relations, and workforce engagement. Reports directly to the site Director of Human Resources.
Who WE are and where WE are going:
At MRA Systems, our employees have amazing opportunities to work on advanced technologies and systems that support thousands of customers and millions of people worldwide every day. From the first flight across the Pacific Ocean to developing highly complex structures for the most popular aircraft in the world, we have come a long way always with a can-do approach to problem solving while delighting customers with our high say-do ratio. We are looking for people with innovative ideas and the drive to help us grow into the future.
A pioneer in the production and assembly of complex aerostructures including aircraft and rocket components, engine nacelle systems, thrust reversers and advanced composite products, we apply the latest digital technologies and automation in composite design and manufacturing that are second to none. At ST Engineering MRAS, we are also rapidly augmenting our maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities leveraging the company's expanded aircraft nacelle portfolio as well as it's materials and processing expertise.
What YOU will do:
Labor Relations Strategy & Partnership
  • Serve as the main liaison between MRAS HR team, leadership and union representatives, fostering a collaborative, transparent, and productive labor management relationship.
  • Lead the administration, interpretation, and communication of the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Develop and implement labor relations strategies that support operational goals, workforce stability, and a positive employee experience.
  • Provide guidance to leaders on contract language, grievance handling, discipline, and performance management.

Grievance & Dispute Resolution
  • Manage the full grievance process, including investigation, documentation, meetings, and resolution recommendations.
  • Represent the company in grievance hearings, mediations, and arbitrations as needed.
  • Coach supervisors and managers on consistent, contract compliant application of policies and corrective actions.

Collective Bargaining & Negotiations
  • Support preparation for contract negotiations, including data analysis, costing, proposals, and strategy development.
  • Facilitate and lead negotiation activities as appropriate.
  • Participate in bargaining sessions and ensure follow-through on negotiated commitments.
  • Maintain historical records, negotiation notes, and labor cost models.

Compliance & Policy Management
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws (NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, EEO, etc.).
  • Conduct internal audits to ensure consistent application of policies and contract provisions.
  • Partner with Legal and HR to mitigate risk and maintain documentation standards.

Workforce Engagement & Culture
  • Support initiatives that strengthen communication, trust, and engagement across the unionized workforce.
  • Provide training to leaders on labor relations, contract interpretation, and effective communication.
  • Requires regular interaction with production leadership, union representatives, and HR partners.
  • Monitor workplace climate and proactively address emerging issues.
  • On-site role supporting a large aerospace manufacturing operation.

Data, Reporting & Analytics
  • Track labor metrics such as grievances, arbitrations, absenteeism, overtime, and disciplinary trends.
  • Provide insights and recommendations to leadership based on data analysis.
  • Maintain accurate labor relations records and reporting systems.

Leadership & Team Development
  • Mentor, coach, and develop Labor Relations staff to build capability, consistency, and bench strength
  • Provide guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities to team members
  • Establish best practices and standard approaches across the labor relations function
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex labor relations matters

What YOU must bring to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, or a related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years of labor relations or employee relations experience in a unionized environment
  • Strong knowledge of labor law, grievance procedures, and collective bargaining
  • Demonstrated experience advising leaders and resolving complex workplace issues
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to be on site any shift as required to address labor relations issues
  • This position involves access to export-controlled technology which requires U.S. Person status or government authorization. A 'U.S. Person,' as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62, includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. To be considered for this position, you must either be a U.S. Person or fall within a legally recognized export control exception or authorization. If hired, you will be required to provide valid proof of such status

Desired Characteristics
  • Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial operations.
  • Prior involvement in contract preparation, negotiations or arbitration.
  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience is highly preferred
  • Master's degree or specialized labor relations certification (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR).

Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to balance business needs and employee concerns.
  • Relationship building across union and nonunion stakeholders.
  • Sound judgment in high pressure or ambiguous situations.
  • Data driven decision making and strong analytical skills.
  • Influence and communication at all organizational levels.

At ST Engineering, we offer great rewards, competitive pay, career advancement and growth opportunities.
Estimate salary range for this role: $100,000 to $140,000 per year. ST Engineering considers several factors with extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, education/training/certification, job level, and work location. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.
ST Engineering - MRAS Benefits:
As a full-time employee of ST Engineering- MRAS, you are eligible for our benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date
  • Health Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes
  • Immediate 401k vesting
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff)

Employment Notice: Background and Drug Screening Requirements
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, successful completion of a background check and drug screening is a mandatory condition for employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results from these screenings.
It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We're proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's through our differences that innovative changes are made.
ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 571-771-0101, or by email at stena.careers@stengg.us.

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