Sr. Manager, Activision Labor Relations

About the role

The Senior Manager, Labor Relations, will serve as part of the Human Resources team at Activision, a limited integration gaming studio of Microsoft. Working closely with the Microsoft Corporate Human Resources’ Labor Relations team and reporting through Activision Human Resources, this role serves as a key strategic and operational partner, providing support and labor relations guidance to key stakeholders across the enterprise. This role is responsible for ensuring effective implementation of applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and prioritizing a labor management relationship built on trust, respect, integrity, and accountability.

The Senior Manager, Labor Relations’s primary focus will be on CBA administration, grievance management, Requests for Information (RFIs), and training, while partnering closely with the Director, Labor Law, Human Resources, business leadership, and other key stakeholders to ensure compliance with labor laws and alignment with company strategy. This role is anticipated to be assigned as a hybrid work model position, with some work on-site at an Activision Blizzard office and some work remote.

Responsibilities

• Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Administration
  • Oversee implementation and administration of collective bargaining agreements across Activision Publishing bargaining units.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance regarding the interpretation of contract provisions to HR leaders and management, including advice on contractual obligations, risks, and best practices.
  • Monitor compliance with contract terms including wages, working conditions, and procedural requirements.
  • Work with Legal to develop and maintain contract interpretation guidance and internal playbooks.
• Grievance Management
  • Serve as primary point of contact for the grievance process for all bargaining units, including intake, documentation, and resolution.
  • Collaborate with HR and Legal to determine strategy for grievance responses and potential arbitration.
  • Function as the company’s representative in grievance meetings and support arbitration preparation when necessary.
  • Track grievance trends and proactively recommend solutions to mitigate recurring issues.
  • Resolve labor disputes through collaboration and constructive engagement, both within and outside the formal grievance process.
• Requests for Information (RFIs)
  • Manage and respond to union Requests for Information in compliance with legal obligations and contractual timelines in conjunction with Director of Labor (Legal).
  • Coordinate with HR, ER, Legal, and operational leaders to gather and review responsive information.
  • Ensure responses are accurate, timely, and strategically aligned with company legal guidance.
• Labor Relations Strategy & Partnership
  • Serve as a key advisor to HR and business leaders on implementing labor relations strategy and risk management.
  • Partner closely with the Director, Labor Law and Legal team on complex labor matters, and dispute resolution.
  • Maintain productive working relationships with union leadership and bargaining committees.
  • Provide strategic support during collective bargaining negotiations, including proposal review, costing analysis, scenario planning, and leadership briefings.
• Management Training & Capability Building
  • Design and deliver labor relations training programs for managers and HR partners, including:
    • Microsoft Labor Principles adherence
    • Contract interpretation
    • Grievance handling
    • Compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
  • Provide ongoing labor relations coaching and support to managers.

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business, Law, or a related field AND 7+ years’ experience in HR, mediation or alternative dispute resolution, collective bargaining or ER-related roles
  • OR Master's Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Human Resources (HR), Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Industrial Relations, Law, or related field AND 6+ years' experience in HR, mediation, collective bargaining or Employee Relations (ER)-related roles
  • OR equivalent, substantial experience
  • Expertise and ability to apply all aspects of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) as well as employment and human resources related laws, regulations, policies, and practices.
  • Demonstrated track record of building and sustaining productive, trust-based relationships with union representatives and other labor stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience in collective bargaining agreement administration and implementation.
  • Demonstrated management-side experience in grievances, arbitrations, and/or negotiations.
  • Proven ability to advise leaders and influence outcomes in complex situations.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and lead labor relations initiatives and special projects in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Preferred Experience
  • Supporting unionized environments within gaming, entertainment, technology, or creative industries.
  • Supporting inaugural CBA implementation.
  • Experience in collective bargaining and/or arbitration.
  • Strong executive presence and ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.

About the Company

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
• Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns.
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Pay

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $107,350.00 - $198,630.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.