Labor Relations Manager

Job Description

At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.

As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.

Job Summary

Manages the day-to-day administration and implementation of DPR’s labor relations program. Serves as a subject matter expert, and provides managerial guidance to Business Units, Self-Perform Work teams, project teams and functional partners. Interprets collective bargaining agreements, helps shape labor strategy, supports collective bargaining activities, and advises leaders on labor risk, workforce planning, and organizational change. Exercises independent judgement on complex matters and escalates high-risk, precedent-setting or enterprise-wide issues to senior labor relations leadership.

Key Responsibilities

· Manages the administration and implementation of labor relations programs and practices across assigned areas, while contributing to broader strategy.

· Analyzes collective bargaining agreements to interpret their intent, spirit and terms; provides leaders with practical guidance and positions DPR for consistent administration and effective negotiations.

· Uses dispute history, wage and market data, and labor relations trends to develop strategic bargaining proposals and proactive solutions to recurring issues. Plays a substantive role in bargaining preparations and participates in negotiations as assigned

· Prepares leadership briefings, and coordinates implementation of settlements. Prepares other labor relations correspondence, which may include wage and benefit summaries, contract comparisons, and industry updates.

· Reviews and guides jurisdictional work assignments using applicable agreements, established area practice, company precedent, and the nature of the work, tools, materials and equipment involved.

· Oversees and administers grievance and arbitration proceedings. Conducts and supports workplace investigations involving craft employees. Leads the resolution of grievances, disputes and labor matters within established authority, including recommending strategy and resolution. .

· Independently interprets established CBA provisions and precedent. Advises Business Units, Self-Perform Work teams, project and field leadership on labor matters, risk, and workforce implications.

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· Coordinates labor relations activities with related work groups to improve efficiency, alignment, and consistency while maintaining appropriate governance, records, and reporting.

· Builds and maintains productive labor-management relationships with union representatives, apprenticeship programs, trust funds, employer associations and other industry organizations.

· Supports Self-Perform Work teams and Business Units through workforce planning, labor availability analysis, apprentice tracking and craft development initiatives.

· Serves as a mentor to other labor relations staff while promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.

· Escalates complex issues, significant bargaining developments, material disputes, and matters that may create legal, financial, operational or enterprise-wide risk to senior labor relations leadership.

Education Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, human resources, business, construction management or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience required.

Work Experience

· 10+ years of experience in labor relations, labor agreement administration, human resources, construction operations, payroll compliance or a related field required.

· Experience interpreting or administering collective bargaining agreements and supporting labor negotiations required.

· Experience in union construction, self-perform operations and prevailing wage compliance preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

None required.

Additional Requirements

· Strong research, analytical, organizational and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex agreements into clear operational guidance.

· Ability to manage multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information with discretion.

· Ability to travel as required. Role Scope

This position is a manager-level execution and advisory role. Enterprise labor strategy, major negotiations, precedent-setting decisions and significant labor risk remain with senior labor relations leadership. The role is structured to allow for a future Assistant Director or Senior Manager role above the Labor Relations Manager and a future Labor Relations Administrator / Advisor role below the Labor Relations Manager.

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.

Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.

Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.