Deputy Labor Relations Manager

Requisition ID: 280487 

•  Relocation Authorized: National/International - Family 
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project 
• Work Location: Thacker Pass,NV 

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:

Thacker Pass is the largest known lithium resource in the United States. Once complete, the mine and processing facilities will produce more lithium carbonate than any other facility in the United States by far – enough to power 1 million electric vehicles per year.

As the EPCM contractor for Lithium Americas, Bechtel is responsible for managing and integrating the efforts of a team contractors engineering and building the facility. We are also managing procurement of about $1 Billion in goods and services. Earth work began in 2023, and design and procurement of long-lead equipment is underway.

The project is located in the high desert and wide-open spaces of north-central Nevada about 25 miles from the Oregon border, 1 hour northwest of Winnemucca, Nevada and 3 hours northeast of Reno. Planned with sustainability and the environment in mind, the facility will use its excess process heat to generate electricity and will recycle process water up to seven times. Once the second phase of the project is complete, Thacker Pass will produce more than 16 times the current U.S. output of lithium.

Bechtel is proud to play a critical role in the U.S. transition to cleaner energy and offers the following opportunity on the Thacker Pass Project.

Job Summary:

In this role, you will lead a team and manage daily labor relations activities on construction projects, providing advice in the resolution of labor disputes, grievances, and work stoppages. Your strategic input will enable the industrial relations team to develop and implement process improvement initiatives that facilitate positive labor relations and prevent labor problems and schedule delays. #LI-NP1

Major Responsibilities:

• Interprets and administers applicable labor union contracts and enforces work rules. Works with subcontractor representatives performing work on the construction project to ensure labor contracts are interpreted correctly and work rules are enforced uniformly.
• Analyzes jurisdictional work assignments based on local precedents and practices. Where no precedents are established, bases decision on knowledge of equipment and work tasks involved.
• Conducts and/or provides guidance in conducting informal and formal grievance hearings in accordance with applicable labor union contract procedures.
• Works with Bechtel’s Legal and Human Resources representatives on labor union attempts to organize non-manual employees at construction project or office locations.
• Works with local labor union officials towards meeting affirmative action goals applicable to the manual labor force employed on the construction project and to meet apprenticeship ratios as established in labor union contracts. Performs the function of compliance officer for manual employees on assigned projects.
• Conducts jobsite training programs for manual employees and their supervisors. Develops and/or adapts existing training programs to cover specific working conditions or local labor practices covering issues such as work rule enforcement, resolution of grievances, jurisdictional work assignments and contract and equal employment/affirmation action policies and procedures for manual employees.
• When delegated, works with Bechtel’s Procurement and subcontract personnel on material and equipment purchases and on the selection of potential subcontractors.
• Works with Bechtel’s Legal representatives to develop documentation in support of legal actions arising from labor disputes and/or equal employment/affirmative action cases filed by manual employees. Serves as witness when required.
• Responsible for implementing craft process improvement programs at the jobsite level. Works with local and regional building trades representatives on process improvement initiatives.
• Along with the jobsite Safety representative, responsible for field implementation of Environmental, Safety and Health programs as they pertain to craft personnel.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 10-13 years of relevant experience or 14-17 years of relevant work experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience in performing labor relations functions on a construction project or in an office.
• Working knowledge of labor contract negotiation strategies and tactics.
• Knowledge of domestic labor and employment law including employment discrimination and anti-retaliation, wage and hour, job protection, compensation and benefit, discrimination and harassment and common laws that pertain to manual construction workers.
• Knowledge of labor contract grievance procedures and their practical technical application.
• Knowledge and experience of jurisdictional work assignment practices.
• Knowledge of organizational structure and work practices of labor unions.
• Knowledge of Labor Relations Department organization and policies.
• Experience in developing programs for manual employees and their supervisors.
• Skill in written and verbal communication. 
• Analyzes immediate and/or anticipated labor problems. Decides on and implements corrective actions to prevent work stoppages and construction schedule delays.
• Keeps abreast of labor laws and related legislation applicable to construction labor union employees.
• Conducts local recruiting efforts for manual employees through the local labor unions and coordinates procedures with the Labor Relations Supervisor when nationwide recruiting is required.
• Develops negotiation strategies and tactics and represents Bechtel in local and regional labor contract negotiations. Represents Bechtel independently or serves on the negotiation team of a local or regional construction contractor association. Provides assistance when directed to Labor Relations Representatives involved in local contract negotiations.
• Represents Bechtel as a member of local or regional construction contractor associations and joint apprenticeship committees as approved and/or delegated by the Manager of Labor Relations.

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