Senior HR Analyst (Employee & Labor Relations Program Manager)
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, or a related field.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience, including at least two years focused on employee and labor relations, investigations, or disciplinary administration in a public-sector environment. Experience supporting union negotiations is highly desirable.
The City of Thousand Oaks is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Human Resources Analyst to serve as the program manager for employee and labor relations.
Working under the general direction of the Deputy Director and Director of Human Resources, the Senior Human Resources Analyst oversees complex employee relations matters; conducts and coordinates workplace investigations; manages employee discipline processes; and supports labor negotiations with the City’s three recognized employee associations.
This role works closely with the City Attorney’s Office, outside labor counsel, and external investigative firms to ensure employee and labor relations matters are handled consistently, lawfully, and in accordance with City policies and labor agreements. The position also partners with department management and supervisory staff to address employee concerns, promote consistent practices, and support effective performance management.
In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to City departments and executive leadership, ensuring employment decisions align with applicable laws, labor agreements, and best practices. You will play a key role in maintaining productive labor-management relationships and supporting a fair, consistent approach to employee conduct and performance.
While the primary focus of this position is employee and labor relations, the position may also be assigned responsibilities within the City’s safety and risk program. Specific duties will depend on the qualifications and skills of the selected candidate.
Primary Responsibilities
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Coordinate and manage employee relations matters across City departments, including guidance on performance management, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation, under the direction of HR leadership.
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Conduct and coordinate workplace investigations involving allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and other policy violations, in collaboration with HR leadership, the City Attorney’s Office, and external investigators, as appropriate.
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Support disciplinary processes by ensuring consistency, legal compliance, and adherence to due process requirements.
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Support labor negotiations with the City’s three recognized employee bargaining units, including data analysis, proposal development, contract drafting support, and preparation of negotiation materials and communications.
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Interpret and administer Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and assist departments in understanding and applying negotiated agreements and relevant labor laws.
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Serve as a key liaison among Human Resources, City departments, labor organizations, legal counsel, and external partners to support constructive labor-management relationships.
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Provide advanced analysis and recommendations to HR leadership on employee and labor relations matters, employment law considerations, and policy development.
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Develop and deliver training for supervisors and managers on employee relations topics, disciplinary processes, investigations, and contract compliance.
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Monitor changes and trends in labor and employment law and assist HR leadership in evaluating impacts on City policies, procedures, and practices.
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Serve as a technical resource on risk and workplace safety regulations and policies, as assigned, and support compliance and advisory efforts.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned public-sector HR professional who excels in analysis, collaboration, and program management. You are someone who:
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Possesses strong knowledge of California labor and employment laws, public-sector labor relations, and grievance and disciplinary procedures.
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Demonstrates advanced analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to assess complex employee relations issues and develop sound, well-reasoned recommendations.
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Has experience conducting or coordinating workplace investigations and preparing thorough, clear, and well-documented investigative reports.
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Has experience supporting labor negotiations and interpreting MOUs, with an understanding of the respective roles of legal counsel and HR leadership.
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Effectively balances organizational needs with employee considerations, promoting objectivity, consistency, legal compliance, and a safe workplace.
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Is a skilled and tactful communicator who builds effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, union representatives, attorneys, and external partners.
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Maintains a high level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive and complex employee matters.
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Demonstrates the ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources and present clear, practical recommendations to HR leadership.
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Has knowledge of workplace safety regulations and policies and can serve as a resource to management on safety-related matters, as assigned.