Senior HR Advisor/HR Advisor - Employee and Labor Relations

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 300 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2606-270-3614-REF
Department: Human Resources
Division: HR - None
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Job Responsibilities
As our organization continues to evolve, we are strengthening and reshaping our Human Resources team. We are seeking a professional who is energized by meaningful employee and labor relations work and who want to help shape a fair, collaborative, and high-performing workplace. Whether you're an experienced Human Resources Advisor looking to deepen your employee and labor relations expertise, a Senior Human Resources Advisor ready to take on more strategic, autonomous work, or a professional with experience in employment or labor law seeking to apply that knowledge in a dynamic HR environment , we encourage you to apply. Final job classification and compensation will reflect experience, education, and professional credentials.

About the Role
In this role, you will support and strengthen employee and labor relations efforts across the organization. You will serve as a trusted resource for employees, managers, and HR leadership, providing fair, consistent, and legally sound guidance while contributing to a positive, engaged workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities (Scope Based on Level)

• Provide guidance on employee and labor relations matters, policies, procedures, and contract interpretation.
• Conduct workplace investigations with thorough documentation and adherence to established processes.
• Support or lead preparation for union contract negotiations, including research and data analysis.
• Handle or assist in grievance resolution and other labor relations activities.
• Partner with HR leadership and department managers to promote positive employee relations and ensure compliance with labor agreements and employment laws.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state employment regulations.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders.

At the Senior HR Advisor Level:

• Operate with increased autonomy and oversee key processes.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to colleagues across County departments.
• Contribute to policy development, process improvements, and strategic HR initiatives.

*Please note this position is referral bonus eligible*

Minimum Qualifications

• HR Advisor (Mid-Level)
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Management, Legal Studies, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of HR experience with a focus on employee or labor relations, an equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.
  • Familiarity with labor contract interpretation and grievance procedures.
  • Strong understanding of employment laws including FLSA, Title VII, Bullard-Plawecki, and related statutes.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  Senior HR Advisor (Advanced-Level)
  • Bachelor's degree in HR, Industrial Relations, Public Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or a related field.
  • Five years progressively responsible in employee or labor relations, an equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Professional certifications such as SHRM or HRCI preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage complex HR functions, and provide leadership within areas of expertise.
  Preferred Qualifications (Either Level)
  • Experience working in unionized environments.
  • Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Knowledge of collective bargaining processes.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.
  Why Join Us?
  • Flexible role that aligns responsibilities with your experience.
  • Opportunity to grow into a higher-level HR position.
  • Meaningful work improving employee experience and labor relations.
  • Collaborative and supportive HR team.
  • Competitive compensation based on qualifications.

WHY WORK AT KENT COUNTY?

Invest In Your Future
You can build a secure, lasting career here with benefits that support you and your family.

Make a Difference
Be a part of something meaningful and witness the direct impact of what you do.

Be Part of a Team
Teamwork allows us to achieve together what none of us could do alone.

Lead with Integrity
Be part of a workplace that values honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing.
01


Please briefly describe your experience specifically focused on employee and labor relations if not clear from your application.
02


Please indicate which position your experience more closely aligns with.

• Senior Human Resources Advisor
• Human Resources Advisor

Required Question