LABOR RELATIONS MANAGER SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Dec 30, 2025 - The Labor Relations Manager focuses on managing labor relations within a unionized environment, including collective bargaining agreements, labor law compliance, due process, and code of conduct enforcement. This role requires strong expertise in labor law, labor negotiations, and union dispute resolution, along with the ability to develop fair, balanced strategies and clearly articulated opinions that support effective decision-making. The manager also demands solid business understanding, excellent communication and public relations skills, and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Labor Relations Manager Resume
  • Collective Bargaining
  • Labor Strategy
  • Grievance Management
  • Arbitration Support
  • CBA Administration
  • Contract Interpretation
  • Contract Compliance
  • Labor Law Compliance
  • Negotiation Strategy
  • Labor Data Analysis
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Relationship Building
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Leadership Counseling
  • Change Leadership
  • Management Advising
  • Performance Coaching
  • Training Facilitation
  • Consensus Building
  • Media Communication

Summary of Labor Relations Manager Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Human Resources Management with 6 years of Experience

  • Prior human resources experience as a Labor Relations Partner
  • Must have ICF coaching certification
  • Demonstrated adaptability and ability to work in a matrixed environment
  • Demonstrated problem-solver and critical thinker
  • Proven track record of building strong relationships with business leaders
  • Demonstrated ability to get things done within a matrixed HR function 
  • Full understanding and utilization of a mature HR model with COEs, Shared Services, HR Business Partners and Employee Relations Partners
  • Must have prior contract negotiation experience with several unions
  • Prior experience with conflict resolutions, bargaining, grievances, etc.
  • Understanding of labor laws
  • Ability to research and document

2. BA in Labor Studies with 5 years of Experience

  • Must have traditional labor experience
  • Proven record of handling union grievances, leading collective bargaining negotiations, participating and managing arbitrations, managing Unfair Labor Practice charges, and other labor-related proceedings
  • Thorough understanding of state and federal law concerning labor relations
  • Able to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations
  • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels within and outside of the organization
  • Working knowledge of labor and employment law
  • Familiarity with state and federal laws, including the NLRA, Title VII, FLSA, OSHA, ADA, and other relevant statutes
  • Strong problem-solving skills, utilizing technical expertise and good business judgment in support of operational and strategic objectives
  • Must be able to move around the stores during engagement visits and identify areas that require improvement
  • Progressive experience within human resources and/or labor relations experience

3. BS in Industrial Relations with 7 years of Experience

  • Must have experience in labor unions and CBA
  • Experience as an HR Lawyer
  • Solid experience in labor laws, company code of conduct and experience in implementing/enforcing and leading due process
  • Able to develop and implement strategies/approaches that lead to fair, balanced decisions and change
  • Able to write/craft opinions/points of view, decisions
  • Proactivity, partnering, collaborative, stakeholder management
  • Prior experience in labor relations or human resources in a unionized environment
  • Working experience in labor law, labor negotiations or union dispute resolution 
  • Knowledge of governmental regulations and laws relating to labor and employment law and employee benefits
  • Possess a basic understanding of general business economic principles
  • Possess excellent public relations and communications skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of Company and outside personnel
  • Possess the ability to work in cooperation with others to achieve desired results
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