Employee & Labor Relations Manager na City of Miami Beach, FL

About the Department

This is an advanced professional and supervisory position in the City’s Human Resources Department involving complex and specialized personnel management and labor relations functions. Employees in this classification are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing Human Resources policies and procedures, as well as overseeing and performing a wide range of difficult and sensitive HR functions. Emphasis is placed on establishing and maintaining effective labor-management relations, interpreting collective bargaining agreements, administering grievance procedures and arbitrations, and advising management on labor and employee relations matters.

The position requires considerable judgment, analytical ability, and the application of advanced theories, principles, and methods in the field of human resources. Employees must exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with departmental officials, employees, union representatives, and the general public. 

Position Duties

•Manages and directs the City's employee and labor relations functions, including but not limited to interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, policies, disciplinary procedures, and relevant federal and state labor laws such as the FLSA and Labor Management Relations Act.
•Oversees the resolution of complex labor relations issues through collaboration, labor-management discussions, and grievance hearings; provides final recommendations to the HR Director on grievance outcomes and represents the City in arbitration proceedings and other related hearings.
•Oversee employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, performance management, and workplace investigations, ensuring consistency with City policies and applicable laws.
•Serves as the City’s point of contact for all matters related to labor and employee relations and advises the HR Director on grievance resolutions and arbitration strategies.
•Develops and implements citywide labor relations strategies that support operational effectiveness, alignment with City goals, and compliance with applicable regulations.
•Advises and consults with department leaders, supervisors, and HR staff on employee and labor relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary action, performance management, workplace investigations, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
•Participates in labor contract negotiations, prepares contract language to articulate negotiated agreements, and advises the Director on proposal options, pay plans, and labor concepts.
•Directs and facilitates labor-management meetings, prepares agendas, and coordinates presenter involvement and follow-up.
•Directs the city-wide grievance and appeals functions on all matters regarding wages, hours and working conditions which may include performance evaluation appeals, attendance, disciplinary action, compensation, discrimination, management rights issues, scheduling, overtime issues, etc; hears, investigates and renders final decisions on Step III grievances.
•Develop policies and procedures involving labor and employee relations activities and advises departmental officials on compliance and appropriate procedures for administration.
•Supervises assigned HR staff or units, provides leadership and direction, and evaluates performance to ensure departmental division goals are met.
•Studies legislation, arbitration decisions, case law, media and collective bargaining contracts to assess industry trends. Engages in peer networking and actively participates in professional organizations to stay current on best practices and maintain subject matter expertise in employee and labor relations.
•Performs other related duties as assigned to support the efficient and effective operation of the Human Resources Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Public or Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in labor and employee relations, including experience with collective bargaining, grievance handling, workplace investigations, and disciplinary actions.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, labor regulations, and HR best practices.
• A Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or licensed attorney is preferred.

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
• The work is typically performed in an office.
• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, word processor, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
• No significant climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, or crawling.
• Some walking, moving, reaching, handling, sitting, standing, pushing, pulling.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, coworkers, the press the general public and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, gender identity or sexual orientation. 
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of all city ethics and conflicts of interest policies. Strong understanding of ethical behavior is required.  
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.  
• Performs related work as required.  
• Reports to work as directed during an emergency as an essential employee of the City of Miami Beach.
  
  

For all technical, professional, supervisory and managerial positions:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop innovative and creative solutions to issues consistent with the City’s strategic plan.

 Applicants must detail any related work experience on the application or risk disqualification.  It is the applicant's responsibility to update their NEOGOV profile with work experience, education, certifications and personal contact information when submitting each application, failure to do so will result in ineligibility.  City of Miami Beach employees must reflect their current position and detail their work experience on the application to avoid being disqualified.
 
Veterans Preference: Veterans Preference is awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07. If veteran's preference is being claimed, it must be indicated on the application form and proper documentation, including all forms DD-214 (either Member 2 or Member 4), as well as the final Department of Defense Disability Letter (dated within one year) must be submitted with the application.