Manager Labor Relations

Halifax Regional Municipality; Halifax; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for a full-time, permanent position of Manager, Labour Relations in the Employee Relations section of Human Resources. Reporting to the Director, Employee Relations, the Manager will lead a team of Labour Relations Specialists, serve as lead negotiator in collective bargaining, and shape HR strategy for the organization.

You will provide expert guidance, mentor staff, and partner with business units to align labour relations with

Qualifications

• Undergrad degree in Law, Business or HR or related field.
• Five years of senior HR experience in a unionized setting with grievance handling and contract interpretation.
• Experience as Chief Negotiator or bargaining team member is required.
• CHRP designation considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Labour Relations Specialists and guide complex matters.
• Lead negotiation efforts and support strategic HR initiatives.
• Develop and implement LR policies and process improvements.
• Present updates to Regional Council and senior leadership on LR matters.
• Mentor staff and manage performance and development.

Skills

Team leadership

Negotiation

Mentoring

Communication

HR strategy

Labour relations

Budget management

People management

Legal knowledge

Education

Undergraduate degree in Law/Business/HR

Tools

LexisNexis

Job description

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for full-time, permanent position of Manager, Labour Relations in the Employee Relations section of Human Resources.

We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Director, Employee Relations, the Manager,Labour Relations is responsible for the leadership and delivery of front-line and strategic labour relations service to business unit clients through a team of Labour Relations Specialists (LRS’).

The Manager will lead, mentor, and coach a team of professional staff in the delivery of HR services to the organization, ensuring alignment with HRM’s organizational values and strategic priorities. The Manager will also serve as the organization’s lead negotiator in collective bargaining as assigned.

As a member of the Human Resources Management Team, the Manager will form part of the team responsible for developing the overall HR strategy for the Municipality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides leadership to a team of Labour Relations Specialists, including providing expert guidance and advice to team members dealing with complex labour relations matters.
• Leads, develops and coaches the team and assists in positioning them as credible, proactive and trusted partners within the business units by building trusting relationships, streamlining LR services and delivering results.
• Implements and manages programs, special projects and services delivered by the team and recommends new approaches and supporting policies and procedures to address identified needs and to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of HR services offered.
• Demonstrate skills in helping the Municipality navigate the present and future landscape in labour relations, in particular in collective bargaining.
• Acts as the Employer’s lead negotiator in collective bargaining as assigned.
• Presents to Regional Council and provides updates to senior leadership on labour relations matters.
• Coordinates with internal partners to facilitate the resolution of escalated issues, ensuring timely and effective solutions.
• Adheres to all policies, procedures, guidelines, processes and practices as outlined by applicable regulations, legislation and collective agreements.
• Provides leadership and direction to the team by conducting regular performance review meetings, providing constructive feedback, creating development plans and teamwork initiatives.
• Hire, train, supervise, and develop team members; manage schedules and workflow; assign duties; and monitor quality of work.
• Monitors staff attendance against organizational standards and implements measures as required.
• Prepare, manage and justify budget. Monitor expenditures ensuring adherence to budgetary approvals, policies and guidelines.
• Supports the integration of the corporate plan; corporate initiatives; Plan on a Page and objectives into the Employee Relations division.
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Law, Business or Human Resources or other related area of study from a recognized and accredited educational institution or suitable combination of education and experience.
• Five years of broad senior experience within the human resource field in a unionized environment with demonstrated experience in grievance management, collective agreement interpretation, progressive discipline, investigation.
• Experience in collective bargaining as Chief Negotiator or as a bargaining team member required.
• Experience in leading, mentoring and engaging a team of professionals.
• Experience in the delivery of programs and the management of staff in a unionized environment.
• CHRP designation an asset.
• Must have demonstrated experience communicating effectively in person and in writing.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of applicable NS legislation, Trade Union Act, Labour Standards Code, Human Rights Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Thorough knowledge of labour relations principles and collective agreement administration.
• Knowledge of the shifting industrial relations landscape (past, present and future landscape).
• Thorough knowledge of human resource principles and best practices.
• Labour legal research and writing skills including using Lexis-Nexis.

Security Clearance Requirements

Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES

Valuing Diversity, Values & Ethics, Organizational Awareness, Customer Service, Organization & Planning, Teamwork & Cooperation, Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Managementt, Decision Making, Developing Others, Value & Ethics, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Networking/Relationship Building.

WORK STATUS

Full-time, permanent.

HOURS OF WORK

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; 35 hours per week.

SALARY

Non-Union, Level 9, $105,040-$135,936. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION

Purdy’s Wharf Tower 2, 1969 Upper Water Street, Halifax.

CLOSING DATE

Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on September 27, 2026.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax