Manager, Labor Relations

MANAGER, LABOR RELATIONS
Oakland, CA

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Labor Relations to lead regional labor relations activities in a maritime and industrial port environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong labor relations professional with experience in union environments, contract negotiations, grievance resolution, and labor strategy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead regional labor relations activities, including contract negotiations, grievance resolution, arbitrations, and dispute management.
• Serve as a key labor relations representative in ILWU/PMA matters, negotiations, grievance proceedings, and related meetings.
• Develop labor strategies and serve as a primary spokesperson during contract negotiations.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of union contracts, working conditions, work rules, and labor practices throughout the region.
• Advise management on contract interpretation, labor issues, grievances, and dispute resolution.
• Oversee union grievance processes and support matters involving NLRB, OSHA, ADA, DFEH, and other regulatory agencies.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with ILWU, other unions, management, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Monitor labor and industry developments and recommend strategies and best practices that support operational and business objectives.
• Provide labor relations training and guidance to frontline management regarding contracts, grievance procedures, and employer rights.
• Partner with management on labor-related aspects of business development initiatives.
• Assist with M&R labor and vendor contract negotiations and administration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, regulations, contractual obligations, and company policies.
• Support safety, loss prevention, legal, privacy, and human resources initiatives.
• Provide decisive, practical guidance to management on complex labor relations matters.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Minimum 3 years of labor relations management experience, including contract negotiations and grievance/dispute resolution.
• Strong experience working in a union environment.
• Extensive knowledge of union contracts, labor practices, and working rules.
• Experience with ILWU/PMA labor relations is highly preferred.
• Container terminal or maritime industry experience is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively with management, unions, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of HR principles and practices in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to make timely, clear, and decisive decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position supports an active maritime terminal operation. Work schedules may vary based on vessel activity and operational requirements. The position may occasionally require nights, weekends, extended hours, and schedule flexibility.

Travel between operational sites, stakeholder locations, meetings, and industry events may also be required.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY

This is a highly visible labor relations leadership role with the opportunity to directly influence labor strategy, workforce relations, operational effectiveness, and long-term business objectives within a critical maritime operation.