New

Program Manager - Labor Relations

Metropolitan Council
$98,800.00 - $160,347.20 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement plan, pension
United States, Minnesota, Saint Paul
390 Robert Street North (Show on map)
Aug 26, 2025
WHO WE ARE We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Human Resources works with all divisions of the Metropolitan Council to provide proactive solutions for the Council's workforce needs in the areas of recruitment, labor relations, benefits, training, organizational development, occupational health, and wellness. How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Program Manager - Labor Relations will assist in the development and execution of strategic and tactical labor/employee strategies for assigned divisions within the Council. They will work closely with the division management team and HR peers to develop and execute labor relations and human resources strategies that align with business objectives. They will also promote effective working relationships within the organization and ensure the company's values, business principles, and behaviors are embedded into labor relations and HR policies and procedures. This posting will establish a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings. This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. What you would do in this job Provide day-to-day advice and counsel to division directors/managers, Human Resources staff, and business leaders on labor/employee relations matters to include contract/plan interpretation, grievance resolution, and other related matters Serve as chief spokesperson for assigned units in contract negotiations and provide assistance to other chief spokespersons, as assigned Participate with divisional management team in the development and implementation of labor relations strategies in bargaining and/or individual issues to ensure consistent approach and enhance the labor/management relationship Prepare and present cases for labor arbitration; assist outside counsel when cases are referred externally Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws and advise on the effect to operations Participate as contributing member of the Council's Labor Relations team to identify and maximize opportunities to create a unified approach to Council terms and conditions of employment What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications) Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree field of study in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Law, or related field) and experience (in the Labor Relations field for a company or agency, or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company): High school diploma/GED with ten years of experience Associate degree with eight years of experience Bachelor's degree with six years of experience Master's degree with four years of experience What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications): Experience conducting employee investigations Experience conducting arbitrations, including effectively preparing and presenting cases Experience working in a human resources or labor relations role in a complex, multi-union environment Experience serving as a chief spokesperson in union contract negotiations Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have: Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to labor relations and human resources management in the public sector Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration Knowledge of analytical processes and procedures Knowledge of principles and practices of collective bargaining and labor contract administration Knowledge of research methods, report-writing techniques, and statistical concepts and methods Skilled in basic computer skills - word processing, spreadsheet, email, and document management Skilled in intermediate math and statistics Ability to understand, analyze, interpret, and act upon a variety of complex labor relations and human resources issues in accordance with applicable labor agreements, legal requirements, and policies Ability to participate in the development of strategies to effectively manage negotiation and arbitration Ability to conduct market analysis as part of a negotiation strategy Ability to analyze labor contracts and grievance settlement proposals to identify the economic impact and precedence-setting implications Ability to quickly establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, co-workers, and labor representatives Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing Ability to meet critical deadlines and make sound decisions under pressure Ability to coach, organize, plan, lead, and manage Ability to work independently as well as on a team What you can expect from us: We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement. We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance. More about why you should join us! Additional information Union/Grade: Non-represented/Grade J FLSA Status: Exempt Safety Sensitive: No What your work environment would be: You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites. What steps the recruitment process involves: We review your minimum qualifications. We rate your education and experience. We conduct a structured panel interview. We conduct a selection interview. Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then: If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation. If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position. IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration. The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.