Deputy Industrial Relations Manager

Requisition ID: 285050 

•  Relocation Authorized: National - Single 
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project 
• Work Location: Brownsville, TX 

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Bechtel is partnering with NextDecade to support their vision to provide the world access to lower carbon intensive energy with their Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) project in Brownsville, Texas.

RGLNG is a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal situated on a 984-acre site on the banks of the Brownsville ship channel. The first phase of the RGLNG project consists of three liquefaction trains, two storage tanks and one marine berth. At full capacity, the five-train facility will have a production capacity of 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Project Location Overview:

Brownsville, Texas is a city known for its diverse history, tradition, and rich culture. Located in the southernmost region in the beautiful state of Texas, lays Brownsville a rich, tropical oasis bordering the Rio Grande River and near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Brownsville embraces innovation, looks forward to the future and beyond!

Job Summary:

The Deputy Industrial Relations Manager plays a critical leadership role on a fast-paced LNG construction project, supporting the Project IR Manager in overseeing all industrial and employee relations matters. This position is suited to a seasoned IR professional with a strong investigative background and the ability to manage high volumes of complex casework involving craft professionals across all disciplines. The successful candidate will lead a field-based team and work closely with construction and functional leadership to drive consistent, fair, and effective resolution of employee relations matters while ensuring adherence to project and company standards. #LI-TH1

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead daily IR operations on a major LNG construction project, ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures across a diverse craft workforce.
• Manage and mentor a team of IR professionals, setting expectations for investigative quality, responsiveness, and professionalism in handling casework.
• Conduct and oversee thorough investigations into complex employee relations issues, including work rule violations, misconduct, harassment, grievances, and interpersonal disputes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to construction and functional leaders, providing timely guidance on IR policy, employee conduct matters, and application of project policies.
• Monitor trends in case data, disciplinary actions, and grievance volumes to identify systemic issues and recommend improvements.
• Represent the project in internal and external forums, including meetings with management, client representatives, community stakeholders, and (when needed) labor representatives.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of project IR systems, processes, and procedures in line with the Project Industrial Relations Execution Strategy.
• Provide oversight on project-wide IR communications, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with corporate and project expectations.
• Collaborate with Workforce Services to monitor workforce trends, including terminations, resignations, absenteeism, and behavioral issues.
• Utilize employee data systems and requisition tracking tools to support case management and reporting activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor regulations and maintain high standards of documentation, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field (or international equivalent), and 8–10 years of relevant experience; or 12–14 years of progressively responsible experience in Employee Relations, Industrial Relations, or Workforce Services on major construction projects.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven expertise in managing high-volume, complex ER/IR investigations and disciplinary processes in a union or craft labor environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in field-based construction settings, ideally on large-scale industrial projects.
• Deep understanding of employee relations strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and industrial relations frameworks.
• Strong working knowledge of labor standards, employment law, and internal policy application.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across site departments and levels of leadership.
• Proficiency in workforce tracking systems, employee data platforms, and case management tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare concise reports and communicate sensitive information with discretion.
• Resilient, decisive, and action-oriented in high-pressure situations.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com