Labor Relations Manager

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Project Overview:

Bechtel is the licensing, engineering, procurement, and construction partner on TerraPower’s Natrium team. Selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, Natrium is participating in a DOE initiative to re-establish U.S. leadership in nuclear energy that provides matching funding to industry to design and build an operational advanced reactor. TerraPower, a leading advanced generation technology company founded by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, will be deploying its 345 MWe sodium fast reactor (SFR), called Natrium. The Natrium plant features an advanced, cost-competitive reactor design that is safer, simpler, easier, less costly to construct, less expensive to operate, and able to provide energy that is competitive with fossil fuels. It also features an innovative molten salt energy storage system designed to be complementary to solar and wind power by evening out the peaks and valleys in production when the sun is not shining, or the wind is not blowing. With the reactor and energy storage output combined, the plant can produce more than 500 MWe of power.

Job Summary:

The Labor Relations Manager is responsible for managing labor relations activities on assigned projects or within a designated region. This role provides expert guidance to project leadership and management on labor agreements, collective bargaining relationships, jurisdictional issues, grievance resolution, and work stoppage prevention. The position exercises independent judgment in complex labor matters and ensures consistent interpretation and application of labor agreements, company policies, and applicable labor laws. #LI-SM2

Major Responsibilities:

• Manage day‑to‑day labor relations activities on construction projects, including advising management on the resolution of labor disputes, grievances, jurisdictional issues, and work stoppages.
• Interpret, administrate, and ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements, project labor agreements, and site work rules.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with North America’s Building Trade Unions, craft leadership, and workforce representatives.
• Analyze jurisdictional work assignments using local practices, historical precedents, and contractual requirements; provide recommendations to construction and project management.
• Support workforce planning activities, including coordination related to construction apprenticeships, workforce development initiatives, and craft availability.
• Identify labor relations risks and develop strategies to mitigate potential impacts to project cost, schedule, safety, and productivity.
• Provide guidance to management on grievance handling, disciplinary processes, and contract compliance.
• Collaborate with Construction, Human Resources, Legal, and Workforce Services to support project execution and labor strategy.
• Prepare labor relations reports, analyses, and documentation for project leadership and senior management.
• Provide functional leadership and direction to labor relations representatives or specialists, as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• In‑depth knowledge of labor relations practices, collective bargaining agreements, and unionized construction environments.
• Ability to resolve complex labor issues using sound judgment and discretion.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional collaboration in high‑risk or time‑sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex assignments.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in management roles on construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience and strong working knowledge of North America’s Building Trade Unions.
• Experience with construction apprenticeships, workforce development programs, and grievance management.
• Ability to independently manage complex labor relations issues in a unionized construction environment.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to work effectively with project leadership, union representatives, and cross‑functional teams.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

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.