Sr. Manager, Activision Labor Relations

Job Title:

Sr. Manager, Activision Labor Relations

Requisition ID:

R027397

Job Description:

Job Title: Sr. Manager, Activision Labor Relations

Reporting To: HR and Labor Leadership

Department: HR

Location: Santa Monica, CA

YOUR MISSION

The Senior Manager, Labor Relations, will serve as part of the Human Resources team at Activision, a limited integration gaming studio of Microsoft. Working closely with the Microsoft Corporate Human Resources’ Labor Relations team and reporting through Activision Human Resources, this role serves as a key strategic and operational partner, providing support and labor relations guidance to key stakeholders across the enterprise. This role is responsible for ensuring effective implementation of applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

This role will ensure the continued success of Activision gaming while assisting with the application of Microsoft’s labor principles and prioritizing a labor management relationship built on trust, respect, integrity, and accountability. The Senior Manager, Labor Relations ‘s primary focus will be on CBA administration, grievance management, Requests for Information (RFIs), and training, while partnering closely with the Director, Labor Law, Human Resources, business leadership, and other key stakeholders to ensure compliance with labor laws and alignment with company strategy.

This role requires strong expertise in union contract administration, grievance handling, U.S. labor law, and business acumen, along with the ability to build constructive relationships with union representatives.

This role is anticipated to be assigned as a hybrid work model position, with some work on-site at an Activision Blizzard office and some work remote.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE:

Priorities may evolve in a dynamic work environment, and this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Administration

• Oversee implementation and administration of collective bargaining agreements across Activision Publishing bargaining units.

• Provide day-to-day guidance regarding the interpretation of contract provisions to HR leaders and management, including advice on contractual obligations, risks, and best practices.

• Monitor compliance with contract terms including wages, working conditions, and procedural requirements.

• Work with Legal to develop and maintain contract interpretation guidance and internal playbooks.

Grievance Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for the grievance process for all bargaining units, including intake, documentation, and resolution.

• Collaborate with HR and Legal to determine strategy for grievance responses and potential arbitration.

• Function as the company’s representative in grievance meetings and support arbitration preparation when necessary.

• Track grievance trends and proactively recommend solutions to mitigate recurring issues.

• Resolve labor disputes through collaboration and constructive engagement, both within and outside the formal grievance process.

Requests for Information (RFIs)

• Manage and respond to union Requests for Information in compliance with legal obligations and contractual timelines in conjunction with Director of Labor (Legal).

• Coordinate with HR, ER, Legal, and operational leaders to gather and review responsive information.

• Ensure responses are accurate, timely, and strategically aligned with company legal guidance.

Labor Relations Strategy & Partnership

• Serve as a key advisor to HR and business leaders on implementing labor relations strategy and risk management.

• Partner closely with the Director, Labor Law and Legal team on complex labor matters, and dispute resolution.

• Maintain productive working relationships with union leadership and bargaining committees.

• Provide strategic support during collective bargaining negotiations, including proposal review, costing analysis, scenario planning, and leadership briefings.

Management Training & Capability Building

• Design and deliver labor relations training programs for managers and HR partners, including:

  • Microsoft Labor Principles adherence

  • Contract interpretation

  • Grievance handling

  • Compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

• Provide ongoing labor relations coaching and support to managers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Business, Law, or a related field AND 7+ years’ experience in HR, mediation or alternative dispute resolution, collective bargaining or ER-related roles

  • OR Master's Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Human Resources (HR), Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Industrial Relations, Law, or related field AND  6+ years' experience in HR, mediation, collective bargaining or Employee Relations (ER)-related roles

  • OR equivalent, substantial experience

• Expertise and ability to apply all aspects of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) as well as employment and human resources related laws, regulations, policies, and practices.

• Demonstrated track record of building and sustaining productive, trust‑based relationships with union representatives and other labor stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in collective bargaining agreement administration and implementation.

• Demonstrated management-side experience in grievances, arbitrations, and/or negotiations.

• Proven ability to advise leaders and influence outcomes in complex situations.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and lead labor relations initiatives and special projects in a complex, matrixed environment.

Preferred

• Experience supporting unionized environments within gaming, entertainment, technology, or creative industries.

• Experience supporting inaugural CBA implementation.

• Experience in collective bargaining and/or arbitration.

• Strong executive presence and ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.

OUR WORLD

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization. 

We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up. 

Ready to Activate Your Future? 

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!  Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.  You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $105,120.00 - $194,400.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.