Labour Relations Consultant

uwaterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo is seeking a senior Labour Relations Advisor to provide expert guidance on complex employee and labour relations matters. You will support grievance resolution, collective bargaining, and risk mitigation while strengthening constructive labour-management relationships.

The role emphasizes policy administration, strategic advising to leaders, and collaboration to deliver defensible solutions aligned with institutional needs.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in HR, business, law, or related field; IR focus preferred.
• CHRP/CHRL designation preferred.
• Minimum four years of related work experience, preferably in a unionized post-secondary environment.
• Strong labour and employee relations expertise, including policy interpretation, risk management, workforce planning, and change management.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized advice and guidance on labour relations and collective agreement interpretation.
• Advise on labour relations implications of organizational change, restructuring, and workforce planning.
• Facilitate grievance resolution, investigations, and dispute resolution with unions or employee associations.
• Promote consistent interpretation and administration of agreements, policies, and practices.
• Support bargaining, benchmarking, and development of labour relations materials and training.

Skills

Labour relations

Employee relations

Negotiation

Policy interpretation

Change management

Education

Undergraduate degree in HR/IR/Business

CHRP or CHRL preferred

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

Learn more about our recruitment process.

• Job Requisition ID: 2026-02864
• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Group: Staff
• Job Category: Human Resources Advisory
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Department: Human Resources - Labour Relations
• Hiring Range: $80,248.28 - $100,310.35
• Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
• Internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, October 1 2026, at 11:59PM.

Job Description

Primary Purpose Provides senior-level labour relations expertise to support the University's operational and strategic objectives. The position advises leaders on complex employee and labour relations matters, promotes consistent collective agreement and policy administration, supports grievance resolution and collective bargaining, strengthens constructive labour-management relationships, and identifies and mitigates institutional risk. Through sound professional judgment, research, analysis, and collaboration, the role delivers practical and defensible solutions aligned with institutional needs.

Key Accountabilities

Labour Relations Advisory

Provides specialized advice and guidance to leaders on labour relations, collective agreement interpretation, and employee relations matters. Advises on the labour relations implications of organizational change, restructuring, workforce planning, and strategic initiatives.

Grievance, Dispute Resolution, and Case Management

Facilitates the resolution of complex labour and employment matters, including grievances, complaints, workplace disputes, and investigations, in collaboration with employees, leaders, and union or employee association representatives. Supports the University in grievance meetings, mediations, and other dispute resolution processes by preparing and presenting information, recommendations, and supporting documentation. Oversees labour relations case files and ensures records are accurate, complete, confidential, and maintained in accordance with legislative, regulatory, collective agreement, and institutional requirements.

Collective Agreement Administration

Promotes consistent interpretation, application, and administration of collective agreements, policies, and employment practices while supporting compliance and mitigating institutional risk.

Collective Bargaining Support

Provides strategic bargaining support through sector scans, benchmarking, and analysis of labour relations trends, emerging issues, and institutional priorities. Supports the development and evaluation of bargaining proposals, strategies, and collective agreement language through research, analysis, and recommendations aligned with institutional goals. Prepares reports, settlement agreements, bargaining documentation, and related labour relations materials.

Labour Relations Risk Management

Identifies, assesses, and mitigates labour relations risks through proactive consultation, analysis, and recommendations that support compliant and effective employment practices.

Labour-Management Relations

Develops and maintains effective working relationships with unions and their representatives, faculty and staff associations, and leaders to support constructive labour-management relations. Participates in labour relations and other institutional committees as required, providing labour relations expertise and recommendations.

Program, Policy, and Process Improvement

Contributes to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of labour relations policies, programs, practices, and resources. Collaborates with leaders to develop tools, resources, and training that strengthen leadership capability and support effective labour relations administration across the University.

Required Qualifications

Education

Undergraduate degree specializing in Human Resources, Business, Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field, or an institutionally recognized equivalent combination of education and experience. Formal education in Industrial Relations is preferred. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation is preferred.

Experience

Minimum four years of related work experience, preferably in a unionized post-secondary environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Strong labour and employee relations expertise, including collective agreement and policy interpretation, risk and issue management, workforce planning, organizational design, change management, and conflict resolution. Strong consultation, negotiation, investigation, and conflict-management skills, with the ability to provide strat