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Manager of Labor Relations

Location: Peoria, IL (on-site with regular local and regional travel)

Reports to: Vice President of Human Resources

Employment type: Full-time

Salary grade: SG28 (average starting range $115,000 - $140,000)

Organizational Overview

Liberty Steel USA is a leading American steel manufacturer grounded in sustainability, innovation, and community. We forge steel that supports critical infrastructure and industrial growth while honoring a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to safety.

We strive to be the employer and supplier of choice in American steelmaking, driven by empowered people, advanced technology, and continuous improvement. Steelmaking has always evolved, and we view change as an opportunity to strengthen our operations, invest in our workforce, and improve how we work.

Safety is not a policy-it is a promise. In every decision, we prioritize the well-being of our people. We believe our strength lies in one another and in the communities we serve. Through responsible stewardship, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect our environment, support our workforce, and ensure long-term vitality for future generations.

Position Overview

The Senior Manager of Labor Relations is a highly visible, hands-on leader responsible for day-to-day labor relations across Liberty Steel USA's Peoria operations. This role is intentionally embedded in the operation, with consistent presence on the mill floor and direct engagement with supervisors, union leadership, and hourly employees. The position requires a practitioner who understands the realities of a unionized steel environment and who can navigate complex labor matters in real time while maintaining trust, consistency, and contract integrity.

This role is not advisory from a distance. The Senior Manager of Labor Relations serves as the first point of contact for labor relations matters and plays an active role in grievance handling, investigations, and dispute resolution. Experience with the United Steelworkers is strongly preferred, though comparable experience with the Teamsters, UAW, or similar industrial unions will be considered.

Core Responsibilities

On-site Labor Relations Leadership

• Maintain regular presence in the plant to observe operations and engage directly with supervisors and employees
• Serve as a visible and accessible labor relations resource for frontline leaders
• Address labor issues as they arise, including attendance, discipline, contract interpretation, and work rule questions
• Build credibility through responsiveness, consistency, and follow-through Collective Bargaining and Negotiations
  
• Develop and support negotiation strategy in partnership with the VP of HR and executive leadership
• Prepare proposals, counterproposals, costing models, and briefing materials
• • Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements
  • Manage grievance processes through all steps, including arbitration when necessary
  • Advise operations leaders on contract application and compliance
  • Maintain consistent documentation and case trackingLead negotiation sessions and manage external labor counsel as needed

    Contract Administration and Grievance Management

  Qualifications

  Candidates interested in this role should have the following qualifications:

  • 5+ years of HR experience in an industrial setting, preferably in manufacturing or skilled trades environments
  • Significant experience working in unionized settings; steel or heavy industry experience strongly preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in HR Management/Development, Labor Relations/Industrial Relations, Business Administration (with HR, Management, or Operations concentration) or relevant field required
  • Prior experience as an operational supervisor or safety lead is preferred
  • Deep working knowledge of labor law, collective bargaining, and employee relations
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to align people strategy to operational outcomes
  • High emotional intelligence, credibility, and presence across all levels of the organization
  
  

  Success In This Role

  Success in this role requires a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategic direction and rolling up their sleeves to execute alongside their team. The Vice President of Human Resources must earn trust across all levels of the organization-building credibility with frontline employees and union leadership while serving as a trusted advisor and coach to executives. This role calls for a practical, forward-thinking mindset grounded in a deep respect for safety, people, and long-term sustainability, paired with clear, confident communication and disciplined follow-through. Decisive leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complexity with consistency and integrity are essential to driving lasting impact in this position.