Employee Relations Manager (CMM)

Salary : $141,264.00 - $209,652.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 11/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: CMM

Description
The Employee Relations Manager directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the programs and activities of the Employee Relations Division, including but not limited to labor relations, employee relations, classification & compensation, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disability Act (ADA) administration, and employee leaves of absence with City departments and outside agencies. Providing highly responsible and complex administrative assistance to the Executive Director of Human Resources, the Employee Relations Manager functions as a consultant to City management and has responsibility in interpreting and implementing labor agreements.

Candidates must possess a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience and knowledge in public sector human resources administration, including five (5) years of employee and labor relations experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience, supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

This recruitment is continuous with a first review of applications deadline of 11:59pm, Sunday, November 29, 2026. This recruitment can close at any time without notice after this deadline. The eligibility list established for this classification may be used to fill future vacancies within the Operations Division.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Assumes management oversight of the Employee Relations Division and its programs and activities, including but not limited to labor relations, employee relations, classification & compensation, EEO/ADA, and employee leaves of absence; and oversees division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities.
• Facilitates communications between City and recognized bargaining units, including providing legally mandated information, responding to union inquiries, and addressing meet and confer obligations.
• Conducts labor negotiations regarding wages, hours of work, and other terms and conditions of employment with bargaining groups; consults with management staff to develop the City's position concerning management and union proposals; oversees the implementation of agreement provisions; and oversees the negotiation and preparation of letters of understanding to resolve issues that arise during the term of active collective bargaining agreements.
• Works with managers to address and correct employee relations matters, including employee deficiencies; manages the implementation of disciplinary policies, practices, and procedures; conducts investigations; implements discipline and termination procedures; and advises on grievance procedures.
• Manages the City's classification & compensation plan, including overseeing classification & compensation studies and position audits; provides classification & compensation policy and procedural direction and guidance; assesses the City's position in the labor market; and identifies related trends.
• Reviews, tracks, and assists in the administration, investigation and/or resolution of EEO complaints and ADA matters.
• Serves as the employee and labor relations liaison between the Human Resources Department and other departments; and provides advice and counsel and helps coordinate resolution of complaints and allegations.
• Participates in employee litigation matters; consults with internal and external legal counsel on recommended courses of action; and represents the City in arbitration, Personnel Board, and/or PERB proceedings.
• Attends and participates in City Council meetings to provide information and answer questions regarding division matters, as needed.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews findings with the Executive Director of Human Resources; and implement improvements.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan of the Employee Relations Division; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; and reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of assigned annual budgets; directs the forecasting of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; and directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Executive Director of Human Resources; and prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Assists in the administration of Personnel Board proceedings and/or other professional boards and commissions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration, including five (5) years of employee and labor relations experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience, supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience, education, and training must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Public sector human resources administration; employer and employee relations; labor relations; negotiation processes; progressive discipline; EEO and ADA administration; classification & compensation; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; municipal budgetary processes and control; methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and applicable quantitative methods; municipal government administration; business letter writing and report preparation; office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and office software applications; pertinent federal, state, and local public sector labor and employment laws, codes, and regulations; wage and salary administration.
Ability to: Coordinate and direct the day-to-day operations and services of a comprehensive human resources program; facilitate and represent the City in labor negotiations; provide advice and counsel on grievance and disciplinary matters; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; recommend, implement, and evaluate goals, objectives, programs, projects, policies, and procedures; understand, interpret, and apply Citywide and departmental codes, policies, and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; communicate tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately; prepare clear and concise technical and staff reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; conduct complex research projects; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; maintain appropriate and effective recordkeeping; operate office equipment, including computer equipment and office software applications; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with department management, City employees, employee organizations, elected and appointed City officials, and the public.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License is a condition of continued employment in this classification.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE
Possession of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
Possession of IPMA-Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) certification is highly desirable.
Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit an online City application (including Supplemental Questionnaire) with Resume and Cover Letter.
Resumes and other attachments will be used in addition to the application in determining your qualifications. The City communicates with candidates via e-mail. You are responsible for providing a valid e-mail address that you access regularly and checking your spam folder. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Writing Skills Examination (Tentatively scheduled to be assigned the week of November 30, 2026): (Qualifying) will evaluate the candidate's subject matter knowledge, analytical skills and writing aptitude. The areas that will be evaluated may include: analytical thought process and proper English and grammar usage, clarity, conciseness, organization, content, and logical progression from one idea to the next. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to continue in the selection process.
Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for week of December 7, 2026): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience and training, communication, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.
This group is unrepresented, but the benefits mirror those of Middle Management in the Santa Ana Management Association (SAMA).
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

(under SAMA)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01

Along with a thorough application (including supplemental questionnaire responses), you must attach your resume and cover letter. Failure to provide specific, complete, and verifiable information may result in the non-consideration of your application. The following supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. The responses provided to these questions will be evaluated along with your resume, cover letter, and stated education and work experience on your application to determine whether you meet minimum qualification requirements and identify applicants that possess the most pertinent qualifications to invite to continue in the selection process. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

02

How many year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration do you possess?

• None
• Less than 4 years
• At least 4 years, less than 6 years
• At least 6 years, less than 8 years
• At least 8 years, less than 10 years
• At least 10 years or more

03

How many year(s) of employee and labor relations specific experience do you possess?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• At least 2 years, less than 5 years
• At least 5 years, less than 7 years
• At least 7 years or more

04

Please describe in detail your progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration AND employee and labor relations. Include details such as your role in labor negotiations and what labor union(s) you have experience with. If none, type N/A.
05

Please list the agency/agencies which your knowledge of public sector human resources administration and employee and labor relations is from. If none, type N/A. (Your employment stated on your application must support this response.)
06

How many year(s) of supervisory experience do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, less than 2 years
• At least 2 years, less than 3 years
• At least 3 years, less than 5 years
• At least 5 years or more

07

Please describe your supervisory/managerial experience. Please include how many employee(s) you supervised and their job titles. If none, type N/A. (Your experience stated on your application must support this response.)
08

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Did not graduat