Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Pennsylvania
Labor Relations Consultant jobs in Pennsylvania are concentrated in manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and the public sector, with steady demand at the junior advisor, senior consultant, and director levels across the state. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh anchor most of the hiring activity, with Harrisburg generating consistent openings driven by state government and its affiliated agencies, while major employers such as UPMC, Comcast, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintain ongoing labor relations functions. The most in-demand specialties are collective bargaining support, grievance arbitration, and labor compliance consulting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Position Summary
The Program Manager, Labor Relations is a senior Human Resources leadership position responsible for providing enterprise-level leadership, subject matter expertise, and strategic oversight for labor relations across The Guthrie Clinic. This position leads the development and execution of the organization's labor relations strategy and provides leadership oversight for labor-management activities throughout the organization.
Serving as the organization's subject matter expert for labor relations, the Program Manager provides strategic advice, consultation, and guidance to organizational leaders and Human Resources partners regarding collective bargaining, contract interpretation and administration, grievances, labor-management relationships, dispute resolution, and labor relations policies and practices.
The Program Manager leads and supports collective bargaining activities, including bargaining strategy and preparation, proposal analysis and development, negotiations, collective bargaining agreement interpretation, and administration of negotiated agreements. The position applies significant knowledge of labor and employment law, collective bargaining requirements, organizational policies, and established labor relations practices to identify risk, advise leadership, and promote consistent and compliant labor relations practices across the Guthrie enterprise.
The Program Manager also provides leadership, advice, and subject matter expertise to other areas of Human Resources responsible for implementing components of the organization's labor relations strategy. As assigned and based upon organizational needs, the Program Manager may also provide consultation and support on highly complex, sensitive, or higher-risk employee relations matters.
Travel to Guthrie locations and availability during collective bargaining negotiations, significant labor relations matters, and other time-sensitive labor events are required components of the position.
Essential Functions
Labor Relations Strategy and Leadership
Acts as the organization's subject matter expert specific to labor relations, providing leadership, expertise, and consultation across the Guthrie enterprise.
Leads the development, implementation, and ongoing execution of the organization's labor relations and collective bargaining strategy.
Provides leadership oversight for labor relations programs, initiatives, and activities across applicable areas of the organization.
Advises senior leaders, operational management, and Human Resources partners regarding labor relations strategy, risks, policies, practices, and emerging issues.
Provides guidance and subject matter expertise to other areas of Human Resources responsible for implementing components of the organization's labor relations strategy, supporting consistent practices and alignment across the enterprise.
Provides leadership and consultation regarding labor and employment law considerations affecting labor relations matters and partners with legal counsel, as appropriate, on matters requiring legal interpretation or advice.
Identifies and evaluates potential labor relations, legal, regulatory, contractual, and organizational risks and recommends appropriate strategies to address or mitigate identified risks.
Promotes labor relations strategies and practices that support compliance with applicable labor laws, collective bargaining obligations, organizational policies, and employees' protected rights.
Partners with Human Resources leadership and legal counsel, as appropriate, on complex or higher-risk labor relations and employment matters.
Facilitates effective communication and serves as a labor relations liaison among management, Human Resources, employees, and authorized union representatives, as appropriate.
Provides enterprise-wide labor relations leadership and on-site support across Guthrie locations as necessary, including during collective bargaining, significant labor-management matters, grievance proceedings, and other time-sensitive labor relations events.
Collective Bargaining and Contract Administration
Leads organizational strategy related to collective bargaining, including bargaining preparation, strategy development, proposal development and analysis, negotiations, and administration of negotiated agreements.
Reviews and analyzes collective bargaining agreements and develops interpretations regarding contractual language, intent, application, and obligations.
Advises management regarding the development, application, administration, and interpretation of labor relations policies, practices, and collective bargaining agreements consistent with organizational policy and strategy.
Advises and assists management in the administration of labor relations policies and serves as an organizational information resource on labor relations matters.
Reviews collective bargaining agreements to identify contractual obligations, operational implications, potential areas of risk, and opportunities for improved labor-management practices.
Develops, reviews, analyzes, and evaluates management and union bargaining proposals.
Leads and participates in collective bargaining negotiations within the scope of authority established by the organization involving wages, hours, benefits, working conditions, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Provides strategic recommendations to organizational leadership regarding collective bargaining priorities, proposals, and potential resolutions.
Advises management regarding consistent interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
Maintains familiarity with both union and management practices and applies that knowledge in developing labor relations strategies and recommendations.
Grievance and Dispute Resolution
Advises and assists management in investigating, evaluating, responding to, and resolving grievances in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, organizational policies, and established authority.
Develops strategies and recommendations for resolving grievances and labor-management disputes.
Facilitates effective communication among management, Human Resources, employees, and authorized union representatives, as appropriate.
Identifies grievance trends and recurring labor relations issues and recommends proactive interventions.
Employment Law and HR Consultation
Maintains strong working knowledge of applicable federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations.
Advises leaders and HR partners regarding labor and employment law considerations affecting workplace and labor relations matters.
Identifies potential legal, regulatory, contractual, and employee relations risks and partners with legal counsel when appropriate.
Provides education, coaching, tools, and guidance to leaders and HR professionals regarding collective bargaining agreements, grievances, union interactions, and effective labor-management practices.
Monitors labor and employment law developments and assesses their potential impact on organizational labor relations strategies and practices.
Complex Employee Relations Support
As assigned based on organizational need to provide consultation and or direct support on highly complex, sensitive, or higher-risk employee relations matters.
Partners with Employee Relations, HR leadership, operational leaders, and legal counsel, as appropriate, to address complex workforce matters.
Travel and Availability
Travel to Guthrie locations is required to support collective bargaining, labor-management meetings, grievances, investigations, leadership consultation, training, and other labor relations activities.
Availability during collective bargaining negotiations, significant labor relations matters, and other time-sensitive labor events is required.
Occasional availability outside of regularly scheduled business hours may be required based on organizational needs.
On-site support at Guthrie locations may be required for significant labor relations matters.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field is required.
Masters degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
Experience
Required
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible labor relations experience.
Proven experience working in a labor relations capacity.
Demonstrated experience with collective bargaining agreements, contract interpretation and administration, grievance management, labor-management relations, and collective bargaining.
Demonstrated experience advising organizational leaders and Human Resources professionals on complex labor relations matters.
Proven experience applying labor and employment law principles and considerations to workplace matters, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances, employee relations, and labor-management practices.
Experience working effectively with both management and organized labor representatives.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, sensitive, and confidential workplace matters.
Demonstrated ability to influence, advise, and collaborate with leaders and other key stakeholders.
Preferred
Experience leading or serving in a significant leadership role during collective bargaining negotiations.
Experience providing labor relations leadership across multiple business units, facilities, or locations.
Experience within a complex, multi-site healthcare organization or similarly complex operating environment.
Experience advising senior organizational leaders on significant labor relations matters.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining practices, contract administration, grievance resolution, and labor-management relations.
Strong working knowledge of applicable federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations, including principles governing collective bargaining, protected concerted activity, labor-management relations, and employment practices.
Demonstrated ability to identify and evaluate legal, regulatory, contractual, labor relations, and employee relations risks and provide appropriate recommendations.
Ability to recognize matters requiring consultation or partnership with legal counsel.
Advanced ability to analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreement language and provide clear, practical guidance regarding contractual requirements and organizational obligations.
Demonstrated understanding of both union and management practices and the dynamics of represented workforces.
Strong negotiation, mediation, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop and execute labor relations strategies aligned with broader workforce and organizational objectives.
Ability to provide leadership and subject matter expertise to other Human Resources functions responsible for implementing labor relations strategies.
Demonstrated ability to influence, advise, and establish credibility with leaders at multiple organizational levels.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to recognize trends, assess risk, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical recommendations.
Excellent judgment and demonstrated ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential workplace matters.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex labor, employment, and contractual matters clearly and effectively.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with management, Human Resources partners, employees, union representatives, legal counsel, and other stakeholders.
Ability to balance strategic leadership responsibilities with hands-on involvement in complex labor relations matters when necessary.
Ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-paced, multi-site organizational environment.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical requirements of this position are generally consistent with a professional leadership role that includes office-based work, meetings, and travel among organizational locations.
Work is primarily performed in professional office, meeting, administrative, and healthcare facility environments.
Frequently operates a computer, standard office equipment, standard office technology and electronic communication systems.
Frequently communicates and exchanges information in person and through telephone, video, and electronic communication.
Frequently remains in a stationary position for periods of time during meetings, negotiations, grievance proceedings, and computer-based work.
Requires movement within and between work locations and travel to Guthrie facilities and other locations as required.
Collective bargaining and significant labor events may require extended meeting participation and occasional work outside normal business hours.
The pay range for this position is $45.98 - $71.77/hr
#LI-NW1
Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.
The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
Position Summary
The Program Manager, Labor Relations is a senior Human Resources leadership position responsible for providing enterprise-level leadership, subject matter expertise, and strategic oversight for labor relations across The Guthrie Clinic. This position leads the development and execution of the organization's labor relations strategy and provides leadership oversight for labor-management activities throughout the organization.
Serving as the organization's subject matter expert for labor relations, the Program Manager provides strategic advice, consultation, and guidance to organizational leaders and Human Resources partners regarding collective bargaining, contract interpretation and administration, grievances, labor-management relationships, dispute resolution, and labor relations policies and practices.
The Program Manager leads and supports collective bargaining activities, including bargaining strategy and preparation, proposal analysis and development, negotiations, collective bargaining agreement interpretation, and administration of negotiated agreements. The position applies significant knowledge of labor and employment law, collective bargaining requirements, organizational policies, and established labor relations practices to identify risk, advise leadership, and promote consistent and compliant labor relations practices across the Guthrie enterprise.
The Program Manager also provides leadership, advice, and subject matter expertise to other areas of Human Resources responsible for implementing components of the organization's labor relations strategy. As assigned and based upon organizational needs, the Program Manager may also provide consultation and support on highly complex, sensitive, or higher-risk employee relations matters.
Travel to Guthrie locations and availability during collective bargaining negotiations, significant labor relations matters, and other time-sensitive labor events are required components of the position.
Essential Functions
Labor Relations Strategy and Leadership
Acts as the organization's subject matter expert specific to labor relations, providing leadership, expertise, and consultation across the Guthrie enterprise.
Leads the development, implementation, and ongoing execution of the organization's labor relations and collective bargaining strategy.
Provides leadership oversight for labor relations programs, initiatives, and activities across applicable areas of the organization.
Advises senior leaders, operational management, and Human Resources partners regarding labor relations strategy, risks, policies, practices, and emerging issues.
Provides guidance and subject matter expertise to other areas of Human Resources responsible for implementing components of the organization's labor relations strategy, supporting consistent practices and alignment across the enterprise.
Provides leadership and consultation regarding labor and employment law considerations affecting labor relations matters and partners with legal counsel, as appropriate, on matters requiring legal interpretation or advice.
Identifies and evaluates potential labor relations, legal, regulatory, contractual, and organizational risks and recommends appropriate strategies to address or mitigate identified risks.
Promotes labor relations strategies and practices that support compliance with applicable labor laws, collective bargaining obligations, organizational policies, and employees' protected rights.
Partners with Human Resources leadership and legal counsel, as appropriate, on complex or higher-risk labor relations and employment matters.
Facilitates effective communication and serves as a labor relations liaison among management, Human Resources, employees, and authorized union representatives, as appropriate.
Provides enterprise-wide labor relations leadership and on-site support across Guthrie locations as necessary, including during collective bargaining, significant labor-management matters, grievance proceedings, and other time-sensitive labor relations events.
Collective Bargaining and Contract Administration
Leads organizational strategy related to collective bargaining, including bargaining preparation, strategy development, proposal development and analysis, negotiations, and administration of negotiated agreements.
Reviews and analyzes collective bargaining agreements and develops interpretations regarding contractual language, intent, application, and obligations.
Advises management regarding the development, application, administration, and interpretation of labor relations policies, practices, and collective bargaining agreements consistent with organizational policy and strategy.
Advises and assists management in the administration of labor relations policies and serves as an organizational information resource on labor relations matters.
Reviews collective bargaining agreements to identify contractual obligations, operational implications, potential areas of risk, and opportunities for improved labor-management practices.
Develops, reviews, analyzes, and evaluates management and union bargaining proposals.
Leads and participates in collective bargaining negotiations within the scope of authority established by the organization involving wages, hours, benefits, working conditions, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Provides strategic recommendations to organizational leadership regarding collective bargaining priorities, proposals, and potential resolutions.
Advises management regarding consistent interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
Maintains familiarity with both union and management practices and applies that knowledge in developing labor relations strategies and recommendations.
Grievance and Dispute Resolution
Advises and assists management in investigating, evaluating, responding to, and resolving grievances in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, organizational policies, and established authority.
Develops strategies and recommendations for resolving grievances and labor-management disputes.
Facilitates effective communication among management, Human Resources, employees, and authorized union representatives, as appropriate.
Identifies grievance trends and recurring labor relations issues and recommends proactive interventions.
Employment Law and HR Consultation
Maintains strong working knowledge of applicable federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations.
Advises leaders and HR partners regarding labor and employment law considerations affecting workplace and labor relations matters.
Identifies potential legal, regulatory, contractual, and employee relations risks and partners with legal counsel when appropriate.
Provides education, coaching, tools, and guidance to leaders and HR professionals regarding collective bargaining agreements, grievances, union interactions, and effective labor-management practices.
Monitors labor and employment law developments and assesses their potential impact on organizational labor relations strategies and practices.
Complex Employee Relations Support
As assigned based on organizational need to provide consultation and or direct support on highly complex, sensitive, or higher-risk employee relations matters.
Partners with Employee Relations, HR leadership, operational leaders, and legal counsel, as appropriate, to address complex workforce matters.
Travel and Availability
Travel to Guthrie locations is required to support collective bargaining, labor-management meetings, grievances, investigations, leadership consultation, training, and other labor relations activities.
Availability during collective bargaining negotiations, significant labor relations matters, and other time-sensitive labor events is required.
Occasional availability outside of regularly scheduled business hours may be required based on organizational needs.
On-site support at Guthrie locations may be required for significant labor relations matters.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field is required.
Masters degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
Experience
Required
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible labor relations experience.
Proven experience working in a labor relations capacity.
Demonstrated experience with collective bargaining agreements, contract interpretation and administration, grievance management, labor-management relations, and collective bargaining.
Demonstrated experience advising organizational leaders and Human Resources professionals on complex labor relations matters.
Proven experience applying labor and employment law principles and considerations to workplace matters, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances, employee relations, and labor-management practices.
Experience working effectively with both management and organized labor representatives.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, sensitive, and confidential workplace matters.
Demonstrated ability to influence, advise, and collaborate with leaders and other key stakeholders.
Preferred
Experience leading or serving in a significant leadership role during collective bargaining negotiations.
Experience providing labor relations leadership across multiple business units, facilities, or locations.
Experience within a complex, multi-site healthcare organization or similarly complex operating environment.
Experience advising senior organizational leaders on significant labor relations matters.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining practices, contract administration, grievance resolution, and labor-management relations.
Strong working knowledge of applicable federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations, including principles governing collective bargaining, protected concerted activity, labor-management relations, and employment practices.
Demonstrated ability to identify and evaluate legal, regulatory, contractual, labor relations, and employee relations risks and provide appropriate recommendations.
Ability to recognize matters requiring consultation or partnership with legal counsel.
Advanced ability to analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreement language and provide clear, practical guidance regarding contractual requirements and organizational obligations.
Demonstrated understanding of both union and management practices and the dynamics of represented workforces.
Strong negotiation, mediation, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop and execute labor relations strategies aligned with broader workforce and organizational objectives.
Ability to provide leadership and subject matter expertise to other Human Resources functions responsible for implementing labor relations strategies.
Demonstrated ability to influence, advise, and establish credibility with leaders at multiple organizational levels.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to recognize trends, assess risk, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical recommendations.
Excellent judgment and demonstrated ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential workplace matters.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex labor, employment, and contractual matters clearly and effectively.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with management, Human Resources partners, employees, union representatives, legal counsel, and other stakeholders.
Ability to balance strategic leadership responsibilities with hands-on involvement in complex labor relations matters when necessary.
Ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-paced, multi-site organizational environment.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical requirements of this position are generally consistent with a professional leadership role that includes office-based work, meetings, and travel among organizational locations.
Work is primarily performed in professional office, meeting, administrative, and healthcare facility environments.
Frequently operates a computer, standard office equipment, standard office technology and electronic communication systems.
Frequently communicates and exchanges information in person and through telephone, video, and electronic communication.
Frequently remains in a stationary position for periods of time during meetings, negotiations, grievance proceedings, and computer-based work.
Requires movement within and between work locations and travel to Guthrie facilities and other locations as required.
Collective bargaining and significant labor events may require extended meeting participation and occasional work outside normal business hours.
The pay range for this position is $45.98 - $71.77/hr
#LI-NW1
Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.
The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
See All 9 Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Pennsylvania
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Find JobsLabor Relations Consultant Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Labor Relations Consultant Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in labor relations consultant jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, or industrial and organizational psychology required
- Direct experience negotiating or administering collective bargaining agreements with unionized workforces
- Familiarity with the National Labor Relations Act and Pennsylvania public employee labor laws
- Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources certification strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to manage grievance procedures through arbitration in a Pennsylvania work environment
- Experience advising management on NLRB charge responses and labor relations strategy in complex organizations
Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a labor relations consultant in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license to practice as a labor relations consultant, so entry is driven by education and demonstrated expertise. Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, or a related field, with a master's or law degree preferred for senior roles. Earning the Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources credential through HRCI strengthens candidacy considerably, as does direct experience with Pennsylvania's public employee bargaining framework under the Public Employee Relations Act.
Which companies hire labor relations consultants in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring labor relations consultants in Pennsylvania right now include The Guthrie Clinic, Aramark, and Synthomer, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pennsylvania's high union density in manufacturing, healthcare, and state and local government means labor relations roles are consistently active across both private employers and public-sector agencies statewide.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most labor relations consultant jobs?
Sayre, Philadelphia, and Braddock account for the largest share of labor relations consultant openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia dominates due to its concentration of large healthcare systems, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters, Pittsburgh draws heavily from manufacturing and hospital networks, and Harrisburg generates consistent volume from state government agencies and their contractors who need specialists familiar with Pennsylvania's public-sector bargaining rules.
Are there remote labor relations consultant jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical fields because the role regularly requires on-site presence for negotiations, arbitration hearings, and workforce meetings. About 100% of labor relations consultant openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting modest but real flexibility. The tasks most likely to move remote are policy drafting, compliance research, and management training sessions rather than active bargaining table or grievance work.
How can I get hired as a labor relations consultant in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting in an HR generalist or employee relations coordinator role within a large Pennsylvania employer that operates under union contracts, such as a major health system, a public school district, or a state agency covered by the Public Employee Relations Act. Many large Pennsylvania institutions, including UPMC and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, hire HR associates who support seasoned labor relations staff and gain direct exposure to grievance administration and contract interpretation. Completing the Professional in Human Resources certification and building familiarity with Pennsylvania's Public Employee Relations Act significantly improves competitiveness for those early roles.
Where can I find and apply to labor relations consultant jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to labor relations consultant jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Pennsylvania employers. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location preference, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 9 Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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