Employee & Labor Relations Manager

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Manager to join the Human Resources team. This is a great opportunity to work with an experienced HR team and build a rewarding career with a highly regarded research institution!

Reporting to the Senior HR Employee & Labor Relations Manager, this position manages the day to day activities and oversight of the Lab's Employee and Labor Relations team and related employee programs. This role will make substantial contributions to and play a key role in advising Laboratory management on the appropriate direction and formulation of the Laboratory's employee and Labor Relations programs and policies. The candidate  must demonstrate and be recognized as an expert in all facets of Employee and Labor Relations,  State and Federal labor and employment laws; function as chief spokesperson (and backup Chief Spokesperson as needed) on behalf of the Laboratory on all Labor Relations issues, including local contract negotiations and arbitration. This role manages professional staff and builds and maintains an effective Laboratory interface with the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP), and the DOE, regarding employee and Labor Relations, and UC/DOE policies and procedures.

What You Will Do:

• Represent the Laboratory both internally and externally as an expert in labor and employee relations, communicate effectively in both oral and written fashion, and conduct business professionally and ethically.

• Develop and implement ELR strategies including policies, procedures, and operating standards for the Lab based on trust, mutual respect, and accountability, that are aligned with organizational goals, comply with Collective Bargaining/legal requirements, and promote positive employee relations.

• Provides advice and counsel to Laboratory management in the development and presentation of Laboratory positions/proposals in labor contract negotiations. Represents the Laboratory as chief spokesperson and/or backup Chief Spokesperson in collective bargaining with all unions or delegates to direct reports on the ELR team.

• Manages, plans, and directs Lab arbitration positions, materials, and preparations.  

• Represent the Laboratory as chief spokesperson in labor and employment arbitration proceedings and/or in Partnership with the Sr. Manager ELR, and/or Principle ELR Consultants. 

• Plans and directs position, planning, and materials for external proceedings involving PERB, EEOC/DFEH, EDD, and other agencies as necessary. Provide research and analysis regarding issues under HEERA/PERB, ADA, FMLA, NLRB, FEHA, CFRA, and Weingarten/Skelly rights.

• Provides recommendations to Sr. ELR Manager and Laboratory management on strategic business and organizational issues based upon extensive training, knowledge, and experience in labor and employee relations and pertinent labor laws.

• Ensures all collective bargaining agreements and Laboratory policy (i.e., Regulations and Procedures Manual)  are administered effectively, with particular emphasis on protecting the Laboratory's management prerogatives and rights while fostering collaborative labor-management relationships. 

• Manages HR-initiated investigations and the HR investigation processes.

• Manages Lab disciplinary case review processes and ensures that all disciplinary actions determined under the processes are predicated upon just cause.

• May serve as back up for Sr. ELR Manager on the Crisis Action Team.  

• Provides leadership, direction, and management to ELR professional staff to ensure expected job performance.  Supports, drives, and ensures appropriate and sound implementation and alignment of ELR strategies, processes, governance, and systems and develops trends and reporting of ELR stats, work, and workplace issues for Sr. ELR Manager. 

• Manage additional employee programs as assigned.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in business, human resources, industrial relations or other related fields (or equivalent experience) AND a minimum of 12 years of Employee and Labor Relations experience. 

• Minimum 3 years of Management/Leadership experience (of exempt level employees) in HR, ELR, or LR (with prevalent LR), and Chief Negotiator experience. 

• Travel up to 40% (Typically specific times of the year for contract negotiations).

• Demonstrated experience in all facets of labor and employee relations, inclusive of labor contract administration, collective bargaining (including significant experience as chief spokesperson), mediation, arbitration advocacy, facilitation/conflict resolution, drafting of settlement agreements, letters of understanding, and arbitration post-hearing briefs.

• Experience working in a highly complex organization.

• Experience conducting investigations and knowledge of investigatory processes/best practices.

• Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills.  

• Strong understanding and working knowledge of applicable labor and employment laws and regulations at the CA state and federal levels.

• Ability to lead by example in driving change throughout the organization and to partner across all areas and levels of the organization.

• Demonstrated negotiation skills, including the ability to analyze complex situations and create positive outcomes for the business and the team.  

• Excellent analytical skills, including legal analysis, and strong verbal and written communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• 3+ years of HR Business Partner experience.

• Juris Doctorate or Master's Degree in business, human resources, industrial relations or related field.

• Experience in labor law through prior legal practice or Labor Relations negotiations role. 

• Knowledge of human resource management theories, principles, and practices encompassing HR functional areas, such as compensation/benefits, training and organizational development, workplace diversity, staffing/recruitment, and leadership/management development.

• General knowledge of LBNL/UC/DOE policies and procedures.

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• This position is budgeted to pay $180K - $205K annually. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.  

• It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:
Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.