Senior Labor Relations Manager

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward. We are looking for a Senior Labor Relations Manager.

What will you do? 

As a Senior Labor Relations Manager, you will lead the organization's labor relations strategy by fostering constructive and compliant relationships with labor unions, employee representatives, and key business leaders. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on collective bargaining matters, labor legislation, workforce disputes, and employee relations strategies.

This role is responsible for negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, mitigating labor risks, resolving complex workplace issues, and ensuring alignment between business objectives and labor practices. You will proactively drive initiatives that promote positive labor-management relationships, operational continuity, employee engagement, and compliance with all applicable labor laws and regulations.

How will you do it? 

• Lead labor relations strategies that support business objectives while maintaining positive union and employee relationships.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for labor unions and employee representatives.

• Plan, lead, and participate in collective bargaining negotiations, including contract preparation, negotiation, implementation, and administration.

• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, labor policies, and regulatory requirements.

• Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders and HR partners on labor relations matters and workforce planning.

• Investigate and resolve complex labor disputes, grievances, disciplinary cases, and arbitration matters.

• Develop risk assessments and mitigation plans related to labor relations issues.

• Monitor changes in labor laws, regulations, and industry trends to ensure ongoing compliance and best practices.

• Partner with Legal, Human Resources, Operations, and business leaders to address workforce challenges and support organizational initiatives.

• Analyze labor relations metrics and trends to identify risks, opportunities, and improvement actions.

• Support organizational change initiatives, restructurings, site transformations, and workforce transitions from a labor relations perspective.

• Design and deliver training programs for leaders on labor relations practices, contract compliance, and conflict resolution.

• Promote a culture of fairness, respect, compliance, and constructive employee relations throughout the organization.

What are we looking for?  

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field.

• Master's degree or advanced labor relations certification preferred.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience leading collective bargaining negotiations and managing unionized environments.

• Strong knowledge of labor laws, employment regulations, and collective bargaining practices.

• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations matters, grievances, arbitrations, and dispute resolution processes.

• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance employee, union, and organizational interests.

• Ability to build effective relationships with labor representatives, leadership teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven approach.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• High level of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality.

• Proficiency with HR systems, labor relations reporting, and Microsoft Office applications.

• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

What do we offer?  

• Comprehensive benefits package. 

• Opportunities for professional growth and development. 

• Supportive and inclusive work environment. 

• Commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being. 

• Engagement in meaningful projects that make a difference. 

Johnson Controls does not request pregnancy or HIV testing as a condition for hiring, continued employment, or promotion, in accordance with its commitment to labor equality and non-discrimination.