Title: Lead of Employee/Labor Relations
Compensation: $150K - $174K
Location: Hybrid (Offices in Center City, Plymouth, St. Paul, Chaska, Maple Grove)

About the Job:

Lakeside HR Group has partnered with our client to recruit an Employee/Labor Relations leader. Our client is a mission driven leader in behavioral health. This organization blends science, compassion, and lived experience to support individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

The Employee/Labor Relations Lead is responsible for promoting a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace by developing, implementing, and leading employee relations strategies and programs. This role provides consultation and guidance to leaders and employees regarding workplace concerns, conflict resolution, investigations, policy interpretation, and employment law compliance. The Employee/Labor Relations Lead partners with HR Business Partners, Centers of Excellence, and Legal Counsel to mitigate risk, ensure consistency, and strengthen organizational culture aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Employee Relations Strategy & Case Management

Oversee and lead the full life cycle of employee relations cases, including investigations, performance issues, corrective action, and conflict resolution.
Conduct impartial, thorough investigations using established methodologies and documentation standards
Provide guidance and coaching to leaders to promote fair and consistent application of policies.
Identify trends and systemic issues to recommend preventive strategies and policy updates.
Partner with Legal and Compliance to ensure alignment with employment law and organizational policy.
Represent Human Resources on the Policy Governance Team by ensuring HR policies are regularly reviewed, legally compliant, and strategically aligned. Monitor employment law developments—particularly state and federal changes and update policies accordingly to reflect current legal standards, organizational values, and operational needs.
Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain policy integrity, support risk mitigation, and promote transparency and consistency across the organization

Enhance Workplace Culture & Engagement

Partner with leaders and HR Business Partners to develop proactive approaches that foster a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusion.
Analyze engagement and turnover data to identify patterns related to employee relations issues and propose targeted interventions.
Collaborate with Talent & Organizational Performance to facilitate workshops and coaching sessions to strengthen manager capability in communication, conflict resolution, and team climate.
Collaborate with Community & Belonging and Learning & Development teams to reinforce equitable and inclusive workplace practices.

Labor Relations & Union Engagement

Develop and maintain effective labor-management relationships through proactive communication and partnership with union representatives.
Support or lead collective bargaining preparation and negotiations, including data analysis, proposal development, and strategy alignment.
Ensure consistent administration of CBAs, including guidance to leaders on contract interpretation, past practice, and employee rights.
Identify labor relations trends and risks and partner with HR, Legal, and leadership to mitigate disruption and maintain operational continuity.
Provide training to leaders on working in unionized environments, including contract compliance and positive employee relations practices.

Risk Mitigation and Policy Governance

Monitor evolving employment legislation and recommend policy changes to maintain compliance.
Develop and maintain ER-related procedures, templates, and toolkits.
Provide regular reporting and analysis of ER trends to senior leadership.
Partner with Compliance to support audit readiness and risk management initiatives.
Monitor changes in labor laws and union-related regulations and ensure organizational practices and policies remain compliant.

Continuous Improvement and Organizational Learning

Lead initiatives to improve employee experience through feedback loops, post-case debriefs, and policy simplification.
Create resources and training materials to build organizational capability in handling workplace issues.
Participate in cross-functional HR projects and contribute to enterprise-wide strategic initiatives.

Safety, Security & Compliance

Ensure a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors by adhering to all safety protocols and regulatory standards.
Maintain confidentiality and privacy of patient information in accordance with federal, state, and organizational policies.
Follow procedures for emergency preparedness, environmental safety, and ergonomic practices.
Ensure secure handling of physical spaces and sensitive materials, including locking doors, windows, and files as required.

Required Skills & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in HR, business or related field or equivalent experienc
Minimum four years of Human Resources experience or related. Prefer 2-3 years’ experience in a similar role with experience in recruiting, training and development, change Leadership and employee relations.
Experience supporting labor relations or unionized environments preferred.
Advanced skill with MS Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education, training, licensure, experience, etc
SPHR/PHR
Change Leadership/ Organizational Development experience.
Talent Leadership/ Leadership Development experience.
Demonstrated experience in collective bargaining, grievance handling, and contract administration.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
Group term life & Voluntary life insurance
Short- & Long-Term Disability
Generous paid time off and holidays
401K with employer contribution (up to 6% match after 1 year of employment)
Opportunities for professional development and continued learning
The chance to make a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization

About Lakeside HR Group:

At Lakeside HR Group, we understand that finding the right job is essential for your career success. We are a boutique-style human resources consulting and recruiting firm dedicated to providing personalized, tailored solutions. When you partner with us, you are not just getting a recruiter; you are getting the entire Lakeside team working together to support your career goals.

Partner with us at Lakeside HR Group, where we are more than just a recruiting firm; we are your partners in achieving your career aspirations.