Employee Labor Relations Manager, HR Business Partner (NCS) - Department of Public Works

Job Summary

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is seeking an experienced and mission-driven HR Business Partner to lead the agency’s Employee & Labor Relations function. Reporting to Chief of Human Capital Tamira Muir, this position serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and supervisors across the department on all matters involving employee relations, performance management, progressive discipline, labor contract interpretation, and workplace investigations.

DPW employs a diverse, unionized workforce responsible for delivering essential public services to the residents of Baltimore. The ideal candidate will possess the technical knowledge, emotional intelligence, and strategic insight needed to manage sensitive personnel issues, strengthen labor relations, and support a culture of fairness, accountability, and service excellence.

Essential Functions

• Advise DPW managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, disciplinary procedures, contract interpretation, and workplace compliance.
• Lead the agency’s response to grievances, administrative hearings, and arbitrations; represent the agency in collaboration with labor attorneys and City representatives.
• Partner with the Chief of Human Capital to implement consistent labor relations practices aligned with City policy and collective bargaining agreements.
• Conduct and/or coordinate investigations into employee complaints, workplace misconduct, and policy violations.
• Provide coaching to supervisors and managers in effective documentation and performance management strategies.
• Track labor relations trends, analyze case data, and prepare reports to support continuous improvement in employee relations.
• Supervise and support Human Resources staff involved in employee and labor relations functions.
• Assist in developing and delivering internal training programs related to HR policy, workplace conduct, and supervisory responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. AND Experience: Have five years of experience in progressive and strategic human resources management (as a generalist, specialist, or business partner).
• OR Equivalency: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of graduate coursework in human resources management, business administration, or public policy from an accredited college or university may be substituted for each year of the experience requirement.
• Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Employees in this classification are encouraged to obtain and maintain professional human resources certification from a nationally recognized organization such as the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), or Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).
• Certifications such as PHR, SPHR, or IPMA-CP are highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of employee and labor relations, grievance/arbitration procedures, and union contract administration.
• Strong understanding of Federal, State, and local employment laws and labor regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex personnel issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Prominent leadership and interpersonal skills in unionized environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, conflict resolution, and coaching skills.
• Experience interpreting policies and advising on disciplinary actions, investigations, and appeals.

Additional Information

• Background Check: Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.
• Probation: All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.
• BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.