Labour Relations Lead (Manager)

Toronto District School Board; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 131,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work opportunity

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) invites applications for a Labour Relations Lead (Manager). This permanent role sits in People and Culture and requires travel across sites and a hybrid work arrangement. The lead will provide expert guidance on collective agreements, employment law, and policy, while supporting bargaining and staff development.

Strong communication and leadership are essential. We offer a competitive compensation package, a comprehensive benefits program, and

Qualifications

• University degree in a related discipline with seven years of experience in employee/labour relations.
• Professional designation in Human Resources (e.g., CHRP/CHRM) or IR certificate.
• Demonstrated experience in collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration, and lead negotiation roles.
• Advanced knowledge of labour and employment legislation and related regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication, including reporting and training.
• Proven ability to advise management on complex labour relations issues.
• Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and staff development abilities.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply collective agreements, legislation, and Board policies.
• Lead complex labour relations case files including grievances and disputes.
• Support collective bargaining with research, costing, and proposals.
• Represent the Board in grievance meetings, mediations, and arbitration hearings.
• Coordinate grievance settlements and arbitration awards with compliance to agreements.

Skills

Negotiation

Mediation

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

University degree in Labour Relations or related

CHRP/CHRM or IR certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS

Case management systems

Job description

Our staff members are the backbone of our system. Becoming a part of the TDSB team means joining a talented community of educators and support staff dedicated to enriching the lives of all students and helping them to achieve success.

The TDSB is one of the largest and most culturally diverse school boards in Canada, with approximately 246,000 students in 584 schools and approximately 40,000 employees. We offer a dynamic, challenging work environment and unmatched career opportunities for our staff.

Please review the information provided and explore the exciting career possibilities the TDSB has to offer as we continue to establish ourselves as the leading school board of the new millennium.

We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.

Labour Relations Lead (Manager)

1 – Permanent Position

People and Culture

(Non-Union, 12 Month)

$131,013 - $157,199

The Toronto District School Board adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices.

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Labour Relations, the Labour Relations Lead provides senior-level expertise and leadership in managing complex labour and employee relations matters across the TDSB. The Lead ensures consistent interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation, and Board policies, and contributes to the Board’s bargaining and labour relations strategy. As a subject matter expert, the Lead provides authoritative advice and guidance to senior leaders and staff, supports key organizational initiatives, and promotes compliant, equitable, and legally sound labour relations practices.

Summary of Duties

• Provide authoritative interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation, and Board policies.
• Lead the management of complex labour relations case files, including grievances related to discipline, accommodation, and workplace disputes.
• Participate in collective bargaining by providing research, data analysis, costing, proposal development, and strategic support to the Senior Manager and central bargaining team.
• Represent the Board in grievance meetings, mediations, arbitration hearings, and related proceedings, ensuring thorough preparation and effective case presentation.
• Oversee and coordinate the implementation of grievance settlements, resolutions, and arbitration awards to ensure consistency with collective agreements, legislation, Board policies, and best practices.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel to senior leadership, principals, managers, and staff on complex labour and employee relations matters to mitigate risks and support sound decision-making.
• Support the Senior Manager in overseeing Labour Relations operations, including workflow coordination, performance management, staff development.
• Provide functional guidance and mentorship to Labour Relations Advisors on complex and escalated matters.
• Monitor and analyze trends in grievances, complaints, case law, sectoral agreements and legislative developments to identify risks, inform bargaining strategies, and recommend proactive solutions.
• Develop and deliver training, tools, guidelines, and communication materials to strengthen labour relations capacity and ensure consistent contract administration across schools and departments.
• Support labour relations projects, policy reviews, process improvements, and the development of strategies aligned with organizational and educational priorities.
• Liaise with Union/Association representatives, People and Culture staff, Legal Counsel and other stakeholders to exchange information, resolve issues and support effective contract administration.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely documentation of labour relations matters.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, statistical analyses, and sector research related to grievances, settlements, and emerging labour relations issues.
• Serve on internal and external committees, providing expert labour relations guidance.
• Provide leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related discipline (e.g., Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Law) with seven years of progressively responsible related experience in employee/labour relations working for a large, complex, and multi-unionized employer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional designation in Human Resources [e.g., Certified Human Resources Manager (CHRM), Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)] or certificate in Industrial Relations.
• Demonstrated experience in collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration processes, and collective agreement interpretation, including serving as a lead negotiator.
• Advanced knowledge of labour and employment legislation, relevant case law, and related regulations, including the Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparing detailed reports, facilitating training sessions, and engaging effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to advise and guide management on complex and sensitive labour relations issues.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and case management skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to guide, mentor and support staff on complex labour relations matters.
• Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, and objectivity in handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, HRIS, and case-management databases.

Special Requirements

• Requires travel across TDSB sites and off-site locations.
• Provision of own vehicle for Board Business.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends with minimal notice, including occasional extended periods of work.

Additional Information

Work Year: 12 months

Location: 5050 Yonge Street

The position offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and a hybrid work opportunity. Applications are welcome until the closing date.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will not be acknowledged in writing.

The Toronto District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Truth, Reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous peoples, Human Rights, Equity and Anti-Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at TDSB.

We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the hiring process.

The TDSB follows a hybrid work structure where some employees may be able to work remotely at times, based on operations requirements. Please refer to Policy P103, Flexible Working Arrangements for more information.

TDSB uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including the initial review of applications. These tools operate based on predefined criteria and do not make final hiring decisions. If you have questions or concerns about the use of AI in the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail].