Senior Employee & Labour Relations Specialist

Why Lakehead University?

Thunder Bay is one of Canada’s top emerging cities. Here you will find a mix of modern city living and

the best of nature – all on your doorstep. Thunder Bay provides small city affordability, big city opportunities, and the bonus of a superior lifestyle. When it comes to location, nature, and cost of living, Thunder Bay is one of the best places to live in Canada. For more on the vibrant city of Thunder Bay, visit thunderbay.ca.

At Lakehead University, we challenge the conventional to provide a university experience that’s far from

ordinary. Your unique ideas will be respected and encouraged. Join our thriving academic community where you can make a real difference through innovation and collaboration.

Lakehead is a comprehensive University with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. In 2022, for the third year in a row, Lakehead University was included in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Lakehead is the highest-ranked university in the world with

under 10,000 students. Maclean’s has once again included Lakehead University among Canada’s top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in the magazine’s 2023 University Rankings.

About this Job

The Senior Employee & Labour Relations Specialist plays a key role within the Human Resources department by supporting all aspects of employee and labour relations to ensure a positive and productive work environment. Reporting to the Manager of Employee and Labour Relations, this position assists in developing and implementing strategies, policies, and programs that promote effective employee relations, manage union relationships, and ensure compliance with relevant labour laws and regulations. The Specialist provides guidance to University Leadership on employee relations matters, fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and respect across the institution. Additionally, the incumbent supports investigations into employee conduct, harassment, or other allegations. This role is integral to maintaining positive employee and labour relations, contributing to University goals, and ensuring a compliant and supportive work environment for all employees

Job Duties

●Serve as the primary contact for all labour relations matters, including interpreting collective agreements, addressing grievances, and supporting the arbitration process.

Employment Opportunity

●Develop and implement proactive labour relations strategies to prevent disputes and foster a collaborative work environment.

●Negotiate collective agreements in alignment with university goals and budgetary constraints, collaborating with union representatives and bargaining teams.

●Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.

●Conduct investigations into workplace harassment or misconduct, ensuring fair and impartial outcomes in compliance with university policies and legal requirements.

●Stay updated on labour legislation and industry trends to inform policies and practices, minimizing legal risks and promoting compliance.

●Develop and maintain a labour relations database to track grievance trends, arbitration outcomes, and other key metrics.

●Lead training and mentorship programs for junior HR staff on labour relations and the collective bargaining process.

●Implement and oversee return-to-work programs, ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

●Foster positive relationships with union representatives, leadership, employees, and other stakeholders, serving as a resource and advisor on employee relations matters.

●Develop and oversee diversity and inclusion initiatives to promote a fair and equitable workplace

Qualifications

●Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

●Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in employee and labour relations with demonstrated expertise in collective bargaining, grievance resolution, investigations, and policy development.

●Completion of CHRL (Certified Human Resources Leader) designation is a definite asset.

●Exceptional knowledge of provincial employment laws and regulations, collective bargaining principles, and employment regulations applicable to the higher education sector.

●Comprehensive understanding of collective bargaining principles and labour relations practices.

●Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and principles.

●Familiarity with occupational health and safety regulations.

●Knowledge of conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques.

●Understanding of project management principles and practices.

Working Conditions

●Office hours 8:30-4:30 with occasional evening events

●Office environment.

Employment Opportunity

What do We Offer?

This position offers a competitive remuneration package including salary, comprehensive benefits package, life insurance, pension plan, and tuition waiver.

Lakehead University has a commitment to supporting employees and providing opportunities for flexible and diverse work arrangements. We are proud to share the Alternate Work Arrangement Guideline as a step to creating innovative schedules that work for our employees to promote a quality work-life balance. Please inquire with the hiring manager if this position is eligible for an Alternate Work Arrangement.

How to Apply

Interested applicants may apply by clicking on this link to this Google Form and attaching the cover letter and resume in word or PDF format.

If you are experiencing any issues with the Google Form, please email humanres@lakeheadu.ca for assistance.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807)

343.8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements