Director, People & Labour Relations

Canadian Mental Health Association; Newmarket; On-site; CAD 106,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A community mental health organization in Ontario seeks a Director of People & Labour Relations to lead strategic HR initiatives and manage labour relations. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in a unionized environment, particularly in healthcare. This is a full-time, permanent role requiring strong communication and leadership skills. Competitive salary offered between $106,708 and $129,324.

Benefits

Competitive Total Compensation

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience in a union environment.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Experience in healthcare strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee talent acquisition and workforce planning.
• Act as chief negotiator in collective bargaining.
• Implement initiatives for employee engagement.

Skills

Strong business acumen

Strategic thinking

Exceptional verbal and written communication

Ability to coach and mentor

High emotional intelligence

Education

Post-secondary degree in HR, Labour Relations, or Business

Professional HR designation (CHRP or CHRL preferred)

Job description

Why work for CMHA York Region?

We deliver quality mental health and addictions services that promote recovery and health, and end stigma.

Our Values :

• Responsive to the needs of our clients, their families, and our communities
• Respectful in how we meet the needs of our clients and staff in each interaction
• Committed to delivering the highest quality of care, every time
• Innovative in our approach to meeting our clients’ and communities’ needs
• Inclusive in how we work and serve our clients

Team Values :

• We create belonging
• We build better
• We deliver

We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers :

• Competitive Total Compensation (including salary, benefits, pension)
• HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)
• Comprehensive Health Benefits

We are hiring a Director, People & Labour Relations on our People and Culture Team ! JOIN US at CMHA-YRSS; where innovation and community mental health care intersect!

Position :

Permanent, Full-time, 35 Hours per Week, Evening Hours and Weekends may be required

Salary : $106,708-$129,324

• Candidate experience will be considered when determining the starting salary. This salary represents step 1 to 7 in a 7-step salary band.

Closing Date : November 24, 2025

Location :

The Director, People & Labour Relations will work primarily from our Newmarket Office located at 1101 Nicholson Road, Unit 5, Newmarket, ON L3Y 9C3, CAN as well as some travel throughout York Region and South Simcoe as required.

Job Profile :

The Director, People & Culture / Labour Relations provides strategic and operational leadership to the P&C team, fostering a culture of growth and development among employees. This role is responsible for supporting the alignment of HR goals with the organization's strategic plan, offering expert guidance to the P&C team, and supporting leaders across the organization in both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. As the chief negotiator in collective bargaining and lead in grievance resolution and mediation, the Director plays a critical role in managing labour relations and associated costs. Reporting to the VP, People and Culture, the Director drives strategic and tactical service delivery to enhance employee and labour experiences, contributing to excellence in client care.

Responsibilities :

• Oversee talent acquisition, workforce planning, succession planning, and performance management programs.
• Act as chief negotiator in collective bargaining and lead spokesperson in grievance resolution and mediation.
• Implement initiatives that improve employee engagement and retention.
• Provide expert guidance on labour relations strategies, risk mitigation, and cost management.
• Foster positive union-management relationships to proactively address workplace issues.
• Ensure consistent application of collective agreements, organizational policies, and employment legislation.
• Act as a supervisor under OHSA and lead efforts to promote a strong safety culture.
• Identify and manage organizational risks related to HR practices and labour relations.
• Provide strategic consultation and operational support to leaders and staff across the organization.
• Manage HR departmental budgets and resources effectively.
• Demonstrate strong business acumen and analytical skills in financial and operational decision-making.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Anti-Discrimination, Harassment, and Workplace Violence.
• Engage in continuous professional development through education, workshops, and training.
• Comply with all health and safety policies and procedures under CMHA-YRSS’s Health & Safety Program.
• Support initiatives that promote workplace wellness and psychological safety.
• Engage in regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Support organizational projects, research, and communication initiatives.
• Promote CMHA-YRSS’s Vision, Mission, and Values in all professional activities.

Requirements :

• A post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Business Administration, Health Administration, or a related field.
• Professional HR designation such as CHRP or CHRL (preferred).
• Ongoing commitment to professional development and staying current with HR best practices.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience in a large, complex, union environment.
• Experience in healthcare is strongly preferred.

Proven track record in :

• Leading HR teams and driving organizational effectiveness.
• Collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and labour relations strategy.

Knowledge of :

• HR best practices across all functional areas.
• Safety culture in healthcare settings and compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

Relevant federal and provincial legislation, including : Employment Standards Act

Labour Relations Act

Ontario Human Rights Code

Regulated Health Professions Act

Mental Health Act and related healthcare legislation.

Skills and Abilities :

• Strong business acumen, including budget management and financial analysis.
• Strategic thinking and evidence-based decision-making.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop leaders and staff.
• Expertise in change management and fostering a culture of innovation.
• High emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and psychological safety.

This position reports to and is supervised by the Vice President, People and Organizational Effectiveness

Working Conditions :

This role works extensively at a desk, using a computer.Works in any combination of standard office environment in a shared office space or remotely. Travel to various satellite offices throughout York Region and South Simcoe. Weekend and evening hours may be required.

Disclaimer :

In keeping with mental health reform, best practices, funding, and direction this position may later require knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions not noted here.

Complete the application form and submit the following :

• Cover letter with 300 words or less and tell us why you would want this role and why you should be considered for the position (PDF or Word)
• Resume (PDF or Word) (applications without resumes will not be considered)

CMHA-YRSS is dedicated to promoting employment equity and dismantling obstacles to employment for marginalized communities. CMHA-YRSS supports the journey to mental wellness, and we welcome applicants with lived experience of mental illness. In acknowledgment of the systemic underrepresentation faced by Black, Indigenous, racialized peoples, and those living with disabilities, this opportunity has been developed based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We therefore extend invitations for applications from the following groups :

• Racialized Persons
• Indigenous Persons
• Persons living with Disabilities

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.