Employee & Labor Relations Manager

Employee & Labor Relations Manager - Temp or Temp-to-Hire - San Rafael CA Onsite - $59.89 - $89.83/hour

Our client a Marin-based healthcare organization is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Manager to support a highly visible hands-on role. With active union negotiations underway this position will play a key part in both day-to-day employee relations and for the right candidate visible labor strategy work alongside senior leadership.

This is a highly visible role in a complex unionized healthcare environment with multiple bargaining units. Youll work closely with a seasoned HR leadership team report directly to the CHRO and have regular exposure to executive-level discussions and decision-making. The role carries a high level of autonomy and calls for someone who can step in with confidence navigate sensitive situations and bring practical solutions-oriented thinking.

Please note this role requires compliance with pre-employment screening including immunizations background check and drug screening in accordance with federal guidelines including marijuana/THC screening.

This role can be structured based on experience:

• Employee Relations focus - 3 month temporary

• Employee Labor Relations - temp-to-hire opportunity

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead complex employee relations matters including investigations grievances disciplinary actions and leave management

• Partner closely with leaders to assess risk navigate sensitive issues and drive consistent defensible outcomes

• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance management documentation and employee relations best practices

• Interpret and apply policies procedures and where applicable union contract language

• Manage a fluctuating caseload in a high-volume unionized environment

For candidates with labor relations experience:

• Serve as a key partner to executive leadership during active union negotiations

• Support bargaining strategy preparation and participation as needed

• Advise on contract interpretation grievance strategy and escalation approach across multiple unions

• Represent HR in high-stakes meetings including grievance discussions and union interactions

• Partner with HR leadership to align labor strategy with operational needs

Ideal Qualifications:

• 7 years of experience in Employee and/or Labor Relations within a complex organization

• Deep experience handling investigations grievances and sensitive employee matters independently

• Strong working knowledge of employment law risk assessment and documentation best practices

• Experience in a union environment required; multi-union exposure strongly preferred

• Labor relations and bargaining experience required for temp-to-hire consideration

• Demonstrated ability to influence and advise leaders at all levels

• Executive presence with the ability to navigate challenging conversations with confidence and credibility

• Strong judgment with a practical solutions-oriented approach

• Comfortable operating with a high level of autonomy in a visible role

• Healthcare experience a plus