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Human Resources & Labor Relations Manager

SSM Health · WI · Full time

Posted Aug 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a contract negotiation you were directly part of. What was your role, and how did it turn out?

What they are checking: Whether they have real, hands-on bargaining experience, which the posting says it is looking for.

How do you build a working relationship with union leaders when you often disagree?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay respectful and build trust even through hard negotiations.

How do you coach front-line leaders so they handle union issues well day to day?

What they are checking: Whether they can build leaders' skills so problems don't escalate into grievances.

In a Catholic, mission-driven health system, how do you think about fairness in employee relations?

What they are checking: Whether they can tie their labor relations work to respect for every employee.

What would you do

A manager wants to change a schedule practice, but the contract language is unclear. How do you advise them?

What they are checking: Whether they can read contract language carefully, consider past practice and give sound advice.

A manager disciplines an employee without following the contract process. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they protect the organization by correcting mistakes early and coaching the manager.

What do you do if there are signs of a possible strike or job action at the hospital?

What they are checking: Whether they think about patient care continuity, legal requirements and communication.

About the work

Walk me through how you handle a grievance from first filing to resolution.

What they are checking: Whether they know the steps, timelines and when to settle versus move forward.

How do you prepare for bargaining? What data and information do you gather?

What they are checking: Whether they plan with wage data, costing and clear goals before talks begin.

How do you keep up with labor law and National Labor Relations Board decisions?

What they are checking: Whether they stay current on rules that can change how they handle issues.

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The full job description

As published by SSM Health.

It's more than a career, it's a calling. WI-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison Worker Type: Regular Job Highlights: Are you an experienced Labor Relations leader who thrives in a union environment? As the Human Resources & Labor Relations Manager, you'll play a key role in leading labor relations strategy, supporting collective bargaining efforts, and partnering with leaders to navigate complex employee and union-related matters. This highly visible position serves as a trusted advisor on contract interpretation, grievance management, negotiations, and employee relations while helping drive a positive and productive workplace culture. We're seeking a candidate with hands-on experience in union negotiations, strong labor relations expertise, and the ability to influence outcomes through effective collaboration and strategic leadership. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a mission-driven healthcare organization while shaping labor and employee relations strategy. This is an onsite role based at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI. Job Summary: Manages the operational activities of one or more Human Resources functional areas. Job Responsibilities and Requirements: PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Assists with the design, planning and implementation of human resources programs and policies to achieve the strategic business plans. • Provides assistance, advice and guidance to employees; provides or coordinates provision of a range of work-related dispute resolution services as required, to include mediation, conciliation, negotiation, and/or formal arbitration. Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. • Assists with the development and implementation of Human Resources initiatives. • Assists with the development and implementation of activities needed to automate and streamline processes to ensure operational excellence, high reliability and continuous improvement. • Provides individual and group advice, guidance, professional support to Human Resources staff and others with respect to interpretation and application of employee relations and associated policies, practices, and procedures. Handles complex,high-profile operational issues. • Interprets and provides advice and guidance regarding the terms of the collective bargaining agreements to ensure systemwide administrative compliance. • Directs and leads labor negotiators during the collective bargaining process; develops and implements collective bargaining parameters, guidelines, and procedures on behalf of the organization. • Researches, identifies, and interprets current and emerging employee and labor relations issues, trends, and opportunities. • Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION • Bachelor's degree EXPERIENCE • 5 years’ experience PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs. • Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements. • Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors. • Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication. Ability to hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc. • Frequent keyboard use/data entry. • Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting and gripping. • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs. • Rare climbing. REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS • None Department: 8711010033 Human Resources-WI Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America) Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more.

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