Labour Relations Advisor

The Royal; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal in Ottawa is seeking a Labour Relations Advisor to support collective bargaining, grievance handling, arbitration and performance management initiatives. You will conduct in-depth research, provide data-driven insights, and prepare reports to inform strategy and decision-making.

This role partners with Operational Leaders and HR teams, maintains confidential records, and leads special projects such as pay equity research and workforce transition initiatives.

Qualifications

• Requires a 3-year university degree in HR, Labour Relations, Employee Relations or related field.
• Minimum 2–3 years of progressive HR or Labour Relations experience in a multi-union environment.
• Proven research, data analysis, and report preparation experience related to collective bargaining and grievances/arbitrations.
• Strong analytical and research skills; able to interpret collective agreements, arbitral decisions and legislation.
• Excellent written communication; able to draft grievance responses, meeting minutes and formal reports with clarity.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; HRIS and database tools are an asset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment on sensitive labour matters.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to interact with union reps, legal counsel, and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with high accuracy in data management and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on collective agreements, arbitral jurisprudence, legal precedents, and labour board rulings to inform strategy.
• Provide subject matter expertise on interpreting collective agreement language and its practical application.
• Prepare detailed, well-organized reports and presentation materials.
• Support investigations into workplace misconduct under guidance of Labour Relations Manager.
• Review routine disciplinary matters and guide managers on appropriate levels of discipline.
• Maintain and manage grievance and arbitration tracking systems.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to HR team on labour relations matters.
• Lead or contribute to projects like labour databases, seniority reconciliations and pay equity research.
• Provide calendar management and meeting coordination for the team.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Research skills

Written communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Discretion

Independent working

Education

3-year university degree in Human Resources/Labour Relations

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HRIS systems

Database tools

Job description

The Labour Relations Advisor contributes to the strategic and operational success of the Labour and Employee Relations team by providing proactive research, data-driven insights, and informed recommendations in support of collective bargaining, grievance handling, arbitration, labour dispute resolution, and performance management processes, including progressive discipline. The role also supports organizational workforce optimization initiatives by assisting with redeployment processes and workforce transition activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth comprehensive research on collective agreements, arbitral jurisprudence, legal precedents, and labour board rulings to inform Labour Relations strategy.
• Provide subject expertise on interpreting complex collective agreement language and its practical application.
• Prepare detailed, insightful andwell-organized reports and presentation materials.
• Partner with Operational Leaders to support investigation into workplace and professional misconduct under the direction of the Labour Relations Specialist/Manager.
• Review and triage routine disciplinary matters and provide guidance to managers on appropriate levels of discipline.
• Maintain and manage detailed and time-sensitive grievance and arbitration tracking systems.
• Serves as a trusted advisor and resource to HR team members by providing guidance and expertise on labour relations matters.
• Lead or contribute to special projects such as developing labour databases, seniority reconciliations, and pay equity research.
• Provide administrative support to the Labour Relations and Employee Relations team by providing calendar management and meeting coordination
• Manage confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of discretion and professionalism.

Qualifications

• 3-year university degree with specialization in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Employee Relations or relevant field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of progressive HR or Labour Relations experience in a multi-union environment.
• Proven experience in research, data analysis, and report preparation related to collective bargaining and grievance/arbitration processes.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to interpret collective agreements, arbitral decisions, and legislative documents.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft grievance responses, meeting minutes, and formal reports with accuracy and clarity
• Proven organizational and time management skills to manage multiple competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); experience with HRIS systems and database tools is an asset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive labour relations matters.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to interact effectively with union representatives, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in data management, record-keeping, and document preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also contributing to team-based projects and department goals.

Language Requirements

• English level A- is mandatory in oral expression, comprehension, reading and writing. Bilingual (French/English) is considered an asset.