Lead, Labour & Employee Relations

Algoma University

$83K — $104K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Industrial Relations or related field; CHRP designation is an asset.
  • Minimum five years of experience in Labour Relations within a unionized environment.
  • Strong judgment and attention to detail under time constraints.
  • Experience in consultative and collaborative relationship building.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Indigenous communities and their ways of knowing is an asset.
  • Extensive understanding of employment laws including ESA, LRA, and OHSA.

Responsibilities

  • Manage labour relations and HR inquiries related to policies and collective agreements.
  • Build relationships with administrative and unionized groups.
  • Provide support to management on best practices for collective agreement application.
  • Implement a restorative mediation approach to enhance workplace relationships.
  • Oversee grievance processes, ensuring appropriate tracking and follow-up.
  • Conduct research and compile data for reports and departmental planning.
  • Participate in arbitrations and Collective Bargaining sessions.

Benefits

  • Supportive work environment focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Opportunity to work with Indigenous communities and contribute to related initiatives.
  • Access to professional development and training opportunities.
  • Participation in team initiatives and collaborative projects.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Lead, Labour & Employee Relations Administration Department: People & Culture (P&C) Position Status: Temporary (1-year), Full-time Non-Union Location: Brampton, ON or Sault Ste. Marie, ON Supervision Received: Number of Positions: Manager, Labour and Workplace Experience 1 PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Labour & Employee Relations 70% General Human Resource Management 25% Other Duties 5% TOTAL: 100% Algoma University has an existing vacancy in the position of Lead, Labour and Employee Relations. The Lead, Labour and Employee Relations is a key member of the People & Culture team and will play a strong role in the University's goal of enhancing and maintaining a positive work environment for all employees. Reporting to the Manager, Labour and Workplace Experience, the Lead, Labour and Employee Relations will support employee/labour relations within the institution. This role works within the People & Culture Department on sensitive matters affecting our community. They gather, maintain documents and records required for collective agreement, contract and policy development, administration, investigation and negotiation. The Lead, Labour & Employee Relations has a strong focus on developing positive relationships with internal community stakeholders, while contributing to a strong culture of mutual respect. The People & Culture Team plays a key role in Algoma's commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and decolonizing and Indigenizing our policies and procedures. This position is responsible for conducting research, data collection, developing analytical tools, preparing summary reports and maintaining files related to internal complaints, grievances, awards and settlements and external decisions, in order to make informed recommendations to Manager, Labour and Workplace Experience. This position requires high sensitivity to confidential matters, and the incumbent must take appropriate measures to maintain integrity. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Labour & Employee Relations (70%) - Manages routine labour relations and human resource inquiries related to policies, procedures and collective agreements: refers complex matters to the Manager, Labour and Workplace Experience. - Support relationship building with all administrative and unionized groups, - Provide support and guidance to management officers to ensure best practices are followed, and collective agreements are correctly interpreted and applied. - Support the implementation of a restorative mediation approach to problem-solving to continue the enhancement of maintaining healthy and positive relationships across the institution. - Support employee and labour relations matters on some issues including performance management, progressive discipline up to and including termination, workplace investigations, grievance management and resolution. - Ensure grievances, appeals, discipline, and arbitration are appropriately directed, tracked, and monitored with adequate follow-up. - Initiate research and compile necessary data to assist with the generation of reports and department planning. - Support the preparation of, and participate as needed in, arbitrations and in Collective Bargaining sessions. - Work with both academic and operational leadership to ensure all collective agreement deadlines are met. - Utilize all collective agreements, policies, procedures, regulations and initiatives, and legislative requirements to support effective people management. - Maintain ongoing awareness of all changes to federal and provincial legislation pertaining to labour and employee relations. - Provide training, as required, on all applicable collective agreements. - Develop and maintain effective liaison with staff and faculty unions including active participation on their respective Joint Consultative Committees (JCC) as required. B. General Human Resource Management (25%) - Provide general problem-solving solutions to help maintain healthy and positive working relationships across the institution. - Collects data, conducts surveys, interviews and other research related to human resource management strategies and policies - Occasionally participates in human resource activities such as recruitment, training and development and onboarding - Assists with preparation of plans, policies, documents and reports including EDI reports, organizational charts, labour agreements and human resources. C. Other duties (5%) - Support other team initiatives and other duties, as assigned WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Environment Minimal Physical Minimal exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable conditions Sensory Attention Considerable Work requires a frequent need to concentrate on a variety of sensory inputs for a lengthy duration requiring diligence and attention Mental Stress Considerable Work activities are performed in an environment with frequent exposure to mental stress MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related discipline; a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation would be considered an asset. - A minimum of five years of experience in the Labour Relations field in a unionized environment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience is required. - This position requires sound judgment, attention to detail, adaptability, and an ability to work under challenging time constraints and varying conditions.Sound understanding of people management. - Demonstrated experience using a consultative and collaborative approach in building relationships. - Demonstrated excellence in both verbal and written communications - Experience working with Indigenous communities, with demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, understanding, and being is considered an asset. - Extensive knowledge of various employment laws and practices such as but not limited to: the Employment Standards Act; Labour Relations Act; Ontario Human Rights Code; Occupational Health and Safety Act; Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act - Critical thinking, conflict management and project management skills. - Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with the myriad of individuals and organizations. - Ability to maintain privileged and confidential information. - Ability to handle multiple assignments and prioritize activities in a fast-paced environment. - Proficient in the use of computer applications for collaboration. Salary Scale: $83,283 to $104,104 annually To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter HERE no later than 4:00 p.m. on September 14, 2026.

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