Labor Relations Manager

About the role

The Labor Relations Manager serves as the primary strategic and operational leader for all labor management relations at ST Engineering Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS). This role ensures effective partnership with union leadership, supports a high performance manufacturing environment, and safeguards compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), labor law, and company policies. The manager acts as a trusted advisor to HR, Operations, and senior leadership on labor strategy, employee relations, and workforce engagement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main liaison between MRAS HR team, leadership and union representatives, fostering a collaborative, transparent, and productive labor management relationship.
• Lead the administration, interpretation, and communication of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Develop and implement labor relations strategies that support operational goals, workforce stability, and a positive employee experience.
• Provide guidance to leaders on contract language, grievance handling, discipline, and performance management.
• Manage the full grievance process, including investigation, documentation, meetings, and resolution recommendations.
• Represent the company in grievance hearings, mediations, and arbitrations as needed.
• Coach supervisors and managers on consistent, contract compliant application of policies and corrective actions.
• Support preparation for contract negotiations, including data analysis, costing, proposals, and strategy development.
• Facilitate and lead negotiation activities as appropriate.
• Participate in bargaining sessions and ensure follow-through on negotiated commitments.
• Maintain historical records, negotiation notes, and labor cost models.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws (NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, EEO, etc.).
• Conduct internal audits to ensure consistent application of policies and contract provisions.
• Partner with Legal and HR to mitigate risk and maintain documentation standards.
• Support initiatives that strengthen communication, trust, and engagement across the unionized workforce.
• Provide training to leaders on labor relations, contract interpretation, and effective communication.
• Monitor workplace climate and proactively address emerging issues.
• On-site role supporting a large aerospace manufacturing operation.
• Track labor metrics such as grievances, arbitrations, absenteeism, overtime, and disciplinary trends.
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership based on data analysis.
• Maintain accurate labor relations records and reporting systems.
• Mentor, coach, and develop Labor Relations staff to build capability, consistency, and bench strength.
• Establish best practices and standard approaches across the labor relations function.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex labor relations matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years of labor relations or employee relations experience in a unionized environment
• Strong knowledge of labor law, grievance procedures, and collective bargaining
• Demonstrated experience advising leaders and resolving complex workplace issues
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to be on site any shift as required to address labor relations issues

Qualifications

• This position involves access to export-controlled technology which requires U.S. Person status or government authorization.

Skills

• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance business needs and employee concerns.
• Relationship building across union and nonunion stakeholders.
• Sound judgment in high pressure or ambiguous situations.
• Data driven decision making and strong analytical skills.
• Influence and communication at all organizational levels.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date
• Health Flexible Spending Accounts
• Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes
• Immediate 401k vesting
• Education Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff)