Employee Relations Specialist - Term Position

Wawanesa; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 78,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Employee Relations Specialist for a term position. This role offers a hybrid work environment where you can balance in-office and remote work. You'll support the organization by managing employee relations strategies, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws. If you're passionate about fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact while advancing your career in a supportive environment. Join a company recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and contribute to a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of HR experience focused on employee relations and conflict resolution.
• Strong understanding of Canadian employment laws and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement employee relations strategies to foster a positive work environment.
• Resolve workplace disputes and support managers in performance management.

Skills

Understanding of Canadian employment law

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

HRIS systems proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources

Human Resources Certification (e.g., CPHR)

Tools

HRIS systems

Case management tools

Job description

Employee Relations Specialist - Term Position

Location: Hybrid - Canada, CA Lethbridge, AB (Hybrid), CA Edmonton, AB (Hybrid), CA Montreal, QC (Hybrid), CA Dartmouth, NS (Hybrid), CA Thunder Bay, ON (Hybrid), CA Moncton, NB (Hybrid), CA Lloydminster, AB (Hybrid), CA Vancouver, BC (Hybrid), CA Ottawa, ON (Hybrid), CA North York - Toronto, ON (Hybrid), CA Wawanesa, MB (Hybrid), CA Winnipeg, MB (Hybrid), CA Kitchener, ON (Hybrid), CA Calgary, AB (Hybrid)

Job ID: 9071

Working Business Language: This role is considered a head-office role and will be required to communicate with internal stakeholders across Canada where the primary business language utilized is English.

Salary: The salary offered for this role is estimated to be within the following range: $78,000 - $97,000. Candidates with salary expectations outside of the range are still encouraged to apply.

About Us: At Wawanesa, we’re proud to offer a hybrid work environment that offers flexibility to our employees in balancing in-office (2 days per week OR 15 hours per week in a Wawanesa office) and remote work. The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company (“Wawanesa Mutual”), founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, serving more than 1.7 million members in Canada.

We are currently looking for dedicated, driven, and enthusiastic individuals who thrive in an environment that welcomes change and are looking for an opportunity for diverse experience and advancement on a growing team.

The Specialist, Employee Relations supports Wawanesa’s success by ensuring a fair and consistent approach to organizational policies, procedures, and employment practices. This role involves handling conflict resolution, helping leaders manage performance issues, and assisting with employee investigations while fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

This role is a term position, with a minimum duration of 12 months.

Job Responsibilities

• Employee Relations Strategy: Collaborate with the ER team to develop and implement an employee relations strategy that supports the organization’s goals and promotes a positive, inclusive work environment.
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation: Work with employees and managers to resolve workplace disputes in a constructive and timely manner.
• Risk Management & Legal Compliance: Work with leaders to identify potential employee relations risks and provide guidance on mitigation strategies.
• Employee Investigations: Partner with Compliance to complete internal investigations regarding allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other workplace concerns.
• Policy Development & Compliance: Engage in regular reviews of company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Canadian employment laws.
• Performance Management & Disciplinary Action: Provide support to managers on performance management practices.
• Collaboration with Leadership and Employees: Work with leaders and employees on employee relations topics.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): Support the integration of inclusive strategies into employee relations efforts.
• Change Management: Assist with organizational restructuring, mergers, or growth initiatives by providing employee relations insights.
• Data & Reporting: Track and analyze employee relations metrics to identify trends and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Human Resources Certification (e.g., CPHR) is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of HR experience, with a focus on employee relations, conflict resolution, and employment law.
• Experience in conducting investigations and resolving workplace conflicts.
• Experience working in a medium-sized organization, with an understanding of Canadian employment laws and regulations.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of Canadian employment law, labour standards, and Human Resources best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and case management tools.

Wawanesa is proud to be one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, a Kincentric Best Employer in Canada and a Forbes Best Employer in Canada recognizing an exceptional place to work!

Diversity Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: Wawanesa is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that is equitable and inclusive for all.

If you are interested in this exciting, challenging position with Wawanesa, apply today with your Resume.