Labour and Employee Relations Specialist

NFI Group Inc.; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global bus manufacturer is seeking a Labour and Employee Relations Specialist to enhance positive relations and provide guidance across business units in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Responsibilities include supporting collective bargaining, managing grievances, and maintaining relationships with union representatives. Ideal candidates have experience in HR, particularly within unionized environments, and strong knowledge of employment laws. Competitive wages and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive wages and comprehensive benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

On-the-job training

Advancement opportunities

Employee social events

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of HR unionized experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and U.S. employment laws.
• Proven ability to work with unionized workforces.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on labour and employee relations matters for NFI Group Business Units.
• Play an active role in the collective bargaining process.
• Track and assess grievance activity and offer recommendations.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Labour Relations, Human Resources or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Reporting tools

Job description

NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer(heavy-duty transit buses), MCI(motor coaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC(low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts. NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base in our buses and coaches around the world. Further information is available at www.nfigroup.com.

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY: We are seeking a Labour and Employee Relations Specialist to join our team. This role plays a key part in promoting positive labour and employee relations as well as providing advice, guidance and counselling on labour and employee relations matters to all NFI Group Business Units in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Responsibility includes establishing and maintain positive relationships with all key internal stakeholders as well as union representatives. This position will report directly to the Director of Labour and Employee Relations.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice, guidance, and support on a wide range of labour and employee relations matters for all NFI Group Business Units.
• Play an active role in the collective bargaining process, including preparing mandates, drafting proposals, developing strategies, and serving on negotiation teams.
• Partner with management teams to review collective agreement changes and deliver training to ensure understanding and alignment.
• Track and assess grievance activity, offering recommendations and support when matters move forward to arbitration.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel on arbitration and other labour-related litigation.
• Advise on disciplinary matters, including suspensions and terminations, for both unionized and non-unionized employees.
• Provide expertise on the administration and interpretation of collective agreements.
• Build and maintain constructive, positive relationships with union representatives.
• Design and deliver engaging training programs to strengthen labour and employee relations capabilities across the organization.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education with a direct focus in Labour Relations, Human Resources and/or Business Administration.
• 1 – 3 years of HR unionized experience, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to work with unionized workforces, including interpreting collective agreements, handling grievances, and supporting labour relations.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and U.S. employment laws and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and reporting tools.

Benefits

• Competitive Wages and comprehensive benefit package with Immediate benefit eligibility
• Paid holidays and vacation
• On-the-job training in a continuous learning environment
• Advancement opportunities within our family of companies
• Employee social committee organizes numerous events throughout the year, including summer barbecues, holiday festivities, sporting events and tournaments, and much more.