Labor And Employee Relations Manager

Why Work for Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages:

We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits:

The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs:

To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional service providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.       

Job Summary

Under general direction from the Human Resources Director, the Labor and Employee Relations Manager oversees the City's labor and employee relations and manages other human resources staff. This position has oversight and responsibility for the areas including conducting and overseeing grievance responses; advising management regarding disciplinary actions; serving as lead negotiator of the City's negotiating team during labor negotiations; and may act in the capacity of Chief Examiner/Secretary for the Civil Service Commission, directing the effective administration of all Civil Service rules and regulations.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Labor and Employee Relations Manager is part of the Human Resources leadership team which provides operational and strategic direction for the department. This position oversees labor and employee relations, serves as lead negotiator, and works closely with the Human Resources Director and Human Resources Manager to manage employee performance and resolve complaints. Whereas the Human Resources Manager oversees department operations, this position's focus is on labor management and employee relations.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as a lead negotiator on the City's negotiating team and as spokesperson with all union employee groups. Develops bargaining strategy in conjunction with bargaining team; maintains accurate notes of negotiating sessions; drafts proposed language to be included in negotiated agreements; prepares contracts for publication reflecting language agreed to by both parties; ensures that City labor contracts comply with all applicable state and federal laws.

• Leads, organizes, and tracks work of internal workgroups impacting negotiations decision-making including employer bargaining teams, leadership meetings, and City Council meetings.

• Analyzes negotiation proposals to determine their impact and potential implementation problems; works closely with Human Resource and Finance staff to develop compensation plans and procedures, calculate cost of changes in salary rates or benefit programs proposed for negotiation, and develop and articulate costing approach as it relates to negotiation strategy.

• Attracts, retains, and motivates a professional and competent staff. Manages and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; directs work and provides training for staff development.

• Oversees the City's employee relations services. Consults and advises management on employee performance and corrective or disciplinary actions. Conducts or assigns interventions and investigations; analyzes and recommends solutions to issues.

• Receives and investigates employee complaints and harassment allegations regarding perceived improper interpretation or application of City policies and procedures or formal agreements with recognized employee groups.

• Conducts impartial investigations on complaints of workplace harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and other workplace related issues. Prepares investigative report materials and evaluates information to make timely recommendations on the resolution of each case for management review.

• Makes recommendations to the Human Resources Director regarding the disposition of grievances; works with department managers, directors, and the City Manager to respond to grievances; may be involved in preparation for arbitration hearings Washington Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) hearings.

• Conducts research to determine the impact of proposed regulations and laws on City policies and procedures; creates and modifies personnel policies and procedures as required due to changes in federal, state, and local laws or directives from City management.

• May oversee the operations of the human resource functions and administration of all rules and regulations for the Civil Service Commission.

• Answers questions and provides technical information regarding the interpretation of City personnel policies and procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Meets with representatives of recognized employee groups to discuss problems or issues not adequately covered by the current negotiated agreements.

• Works in collaboration with the Human Resources Manager and Analysts to review, evaluate, and provide guidance on employee accommodation requests and leave cases.

Peripheral Duties:

• Provides a high level of internal customer service, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and valuing the input and feedback of others.

• Supports the relationship between the City of Kirkland and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and City staff; enthusiastically promotes City goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information; enforces compliances with the confidentiality standards of the Privacy Act of 1974.

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

• May serve as acting Director in the absence of the Human Resources Director.

• Performs other tasks as assigned.

• Knowledge of interest based bargaining and other mediation/facilitation methods, practices, and techniques.

• Knowledge of labor and employee relations practices, methods, techniques, and federal and state respective employment laws.

• Knowledge of current trends, principles, and practices in the field of public sector Human Resources Administration in the state of Washington.

• Knowledge of application of municipal policies, procedures, practices, and applicable state and federal laws.

• Knowledge of investigative practices and procedures.

• Skilled in effective, clear, and persuasive oral and written communications.

• Skilled in dealing discreetly with sensitive personnel matters, maintaining confidentiality, and utilizing interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.

• Skilled in researching complex issues, analyzing situations accurately, and recommending an effective course of action.

• Advanced computer skills including creating spreadsheets, various forms of documents, and presentations. Knowledge of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and data capabilities.

• Ability to articulate and promote the organization's strategic positions, including its core values, to a diverse audience.

• Ability to provide leadership, mentorship, counsel and motivation to department staff and employees in alignment with the organization's goals and priorities.

• Ability to delegate, assign, prioritize and review the work of others.

• Ability to manage projects and programs and meet department goals and established timelines.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City management staff, Union leaders, and with a variety of internal and external customers.

• Ability to provide consultation, justify recommendations, make persuasive arguments, present management positions, conduct trainings, and give public presentations.

• Ability to navigate public administration situations, risks, and opportunities in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, or Public Administration, or closely related field.

• Experience: 5 years of human resources or labor and employee relations experience, including considerable related experience in labor and employee relations. 2 years of supervisor or lead experience is required.

• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

• Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification, or Senior Human Resources (SPHR) certification is preferred.

• Experience working in human resources in the public sector and with first responders is desirable.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

Work is performed in a typical office environment in a fast-paced department with frequent interruptions from phone calls, staff, applicants, and inter-office activities; may be exposed to individuals who are upset or irate and may be required to travel to different sites and work late hours to conduct/attend meetings.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position and operate office machinery (such as a computer) for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office and position self to maintain files in cabinets. The employee may occasionally move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand accurately. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.  

This is a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime exempt position. A minimum of 40-hour workweek is expected. Additional work beyond 40 hours per workweek may be required to complete projects and meet deadlines.

Selection Process

Position requires a resume and cover letter (letter of interest) for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. This position is open until filled, with a first review date by the 15th day of initial posting.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work.  As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings.  Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.