Hybrid is 3x a week on site in Portland, Oregon
WHO OUR CLIENT IS...
Our client is a dynamic organization with
over 800 employees
in Portland, Oregon, recognized for its
collaborative, values-driven, and trailblazing workforce
committed to its communities, environment, and social equity. The organization builds
shared prosperity through travel, trade, and economic development , driving initiatives that strengthen the regional economy and support
quality jobs, multigenerational wealth, and equitable access to markets . WHAT OUR CLIENT NEEDS...
Our client is seeking a
seasoned labor relations leader
who can operate as both a
strategic thought partner, advisor and trusted practitioner . Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, this role provides
enterprise-level leadership
across collective bargaining, contract administration, dispute resolution, and labor management partnerships. This leader will bring
sound judgment, credibility, and calm leadership
to a complex union environment, balancing organizational priorities, legal obligations, and long-term workforce stability. Success requires the ability to
influence at the executive level
while remaining grounded in day-to-day labor realities. WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS CRITICAL POSITION...
Enterprise Labor Relations Strategy Develop and lead a
coordinated, enterprise-wide labor relations strategy
that promotes short-and long-term planning and coherence across multiple collective bargaining agreements. Plan across bargaining cycles to establish disciplined approaches to preparation, sequencing, and prioritization that support predictable labor outcomes. Collective Bargaining & Negotiations Serve as the
lead negotiator and management spokesperson
for collective bargaining agreements, including development of bargaining strategy, proposals, and settlement frameworks. Prepare and execute
Memorandums of Agreement, Understanding, and Exception , as well as supplemental agreements. Monitor labor relations trends, statutory changes, and legal decisions to inform negotiation strategy. Business Partnership & Operational Integration Act as a
trusted advisor and representative of management
in highly visible labor matters across aviation, marine operations, public safety, and other business lines. Maintain a strong understanding of operations and represented work groups through direct engagement, ensuring labor leadership is grounded in how work is performed. Contract Administration, Grievances & Dispute Resolution Oversee the
interpretation and administration
of collective bargaining agreements, work rules, and related policies. Lead and represent the organization in
grievance management, mediations, arbitrations, and Employment Relations Board proceedings , in coordination with legal counsel. Financial Awareness & Sustainability Lead cross-functional collaboration
with HR, Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and Finance to evaluate the
financial implications and enterprise-wide impacts
of labor agreements across bargaining units. Advance labor strategies
that balance wage and benefit structures, cost sustainability, and long-term workforce affordability within a public-sector environment. Knowledge Management & Capability Building Strengthen
documentation and knowledge management
related to labor practices, side agreements, and contract interpretation to reduce risk and preserve institutional knowledge. Promote clarity and consistency in the application of labor provisions across departments. Design and deliver training for managers on labor relations fundamentals, contract application, and effective labor management practices. Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management
for direct report, ensuring high professional standards and continuity in labor relations practices. Requirements WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE IN YOUR BACKGROUND...
8+ years
of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, including leading or owning complex collective bargaining negotiations and advising senior leaders. Experience in a
public-sector or highly unionized, complex organization
with multiple bargaining units and varied contract provisions. Strong working knowledge of
labor law , collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration processes, and applicable federal and state regulations, including
Oregon PECBA or comparable frameworks . Working understanding of the
financial implications
of labor agreements and experience partnering with
Payroll, Benefits, Finance, and Legal . Proven ability to
influence , build trust, and remain calm and effective in high-stakes, high-visibility situations. Experience improving
documentation, consistency, or knowledge management
related to labor practices or contract interpretation. Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field;
Master’s degree and/or CLRP, PHR, or SPHR preferred . Benefits Medical, dental, vision, basic Life and AD&D, FSA/HRA, STD, LTD, PTO, PERS
Our client is a dynamic organization with
over 800 employees
in Portland, Oregon, recognized for its
collaborative, values-driven, and trailblazing workforce
committed to its communities, environment, and social equity. The organization builds
shared prosperity through travel, trade, and economic development , driving initiatives that strengthen the regional economy and support
quality jobs, multigenerational wealth, and equitable access to markets . WHAT OUR CLIENT NEEDS...
Our client is seeking a
seasoned labor relations leader
who can operate as both a
strategic thought partner, advisor and trusted practitioner . Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, this role provides
enterprise-level leadership
across collective bargaining, contract administration, dispute resolution, and labor management partnerships. This leader will bring
sound judgment, credibility, and calm leadership
to a complex union environment, balancing organizational priorities, legal obligations, and long-term workforce stability. Success requires the ability to
influence at the executive level
while remaining grounded in day-to-day labor realities. WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS CRITICAL POSITION...
Enterprise Labor Relations Strategy Develop and lead a
coordinated, enterprise-wide labor relations strategy
that promotes short-and long-term planning and coherence across multiple collective bargaining agreements. Plan across bargaining cycles to establish disciplined approaches to preparation, sequencing, and prioritization that support predictable labor outcomes. Collective Bargaining & Negotiations Serve as the
lead negotiator and management spokesperson
for collective bargaining agreements, including development of bargaining strategy, proposals, and settlement frameworks. Prepare and execute
Memorandums of Agreement, Understanding, and Exception , as well as supplemental agreements. Monitor labor relations trends, statutory changes, and legal decisions to inform negotiation strategy. Business Partnership & Operational Integration Act as a
trusted advisor and representative of management
in highly visible labor matters across aviation, marine operations, public safety, and other business lines. Maintain a strong understanding of operations and represented work groups through direct engagement, ensuring labor leadership is grounded in how work is performed. Contract Administration, Grievances & Dispute Resolution Oversee the
interpretation and administration
of collective bargaining agreements, work rules, and related policies. Lead and represent the organization in
grievance management, mediations, arbitrations, and Employment Relations Board proceedings , in coordination with legal counsel. Financial Awareness & Sustainability Lead cross-functional collaboration
with HR, Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and Finance to evaluate the
financial implications and enterprise-wide impacts
of labor agreements across bargaining units. Advance labor strategies
that balance wage and benefit structures, cost sustainability, and long-term workforce affordability within a public-sector environment. Knowledge Management & Capability Building Strengthen
documentation and knowledge management
related to labor practices, side agreements, and contract interpretation to reduce risk and preserve institutional knowledge. Promote clarity and consistency in the application of labor provisions across departments. Design and deliver training for managers on labor relations fundamentals, contract application, and effective labor management practices. Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management
for direct report, ensuring high professional standards and continuity in labor relations practices. Requirements WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE IN YOUR BACKGROUND...
8+ years
of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, including leading or owning complex collective bargaining negotiations and advising senior leaders. Experience in a
public-sector or highly unionized, complex organization
with multiple bargaining units and varied contract provisions. Strong working knowledge of
labor law , collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration processes, and applicable federal and state regulations, including
Oregon PECBA or comparable frameworks . Working understanding of the
financial implications
of labor agreements and experience partnering with
Payroll, Benefits, Finance, and Legal . Proven ability to
influence , build trust, and remain calm and effective in high-stakes, high-visibility situations. Experience improving
documentation, consistency, or knowledge management
related to labor practices or contract interpretation. Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field;
Master’s degree and/or CLRP, PHR, or SPHR preferred . Benefits Medical, dental, vision, basic Life and AD&D, FSA/HRA, STD, LTD, PTO, PERS