Manager, Labour Relations

CHEO; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEO is seeking a Manager, Labour Relations to lead the labour relations function, including collective bargaining, grievance handling and arbitration, while aligning with CHEO's mission and safety policies. You will supervise a Labour Relations team, advise management, and drive strategic HR initiatives in a fast-paced hospital environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration with management, union representatives and staff, ensuring lawful, fair and effective resolution of disputes and a culture

Qualifications

• Degree specializing in Human Resources, Labour Relations or a related discipline (Essential)
• Minimum seven to ten (7-10) years of progressive relevant experience with proven team leadership (Essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of labour relations principles including collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration procedures and employment legislation (Essential)
• Skilled in workplace complaint investigations and dispute resolution mechanisms (Essential)
• Criminal Record Check (CRC) (Essential)
• Effective leadership, critical thinking and team building skills (Essential)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to establish trust at all levels (Essential)
• Strong negotiations, problem solving, conflict resolution and decision-making skills (Essential)
• Demonstrated experience in managing contentious situations / people issues (Essential)
• Strong knowledge of employment and labour legislation (Essential)
• Strong organizational and multi-task skills (Essential)
• Flexible with working hours to suit operational requirements (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment (Essential)
• Proficiency in MS Office and payroll/HR information systems (Essential)
• Working knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation; knowledge of CHEO policies (Essential)

Responsibilities

• Manage the labour and employee relations function including collective bargaining, collective agreement application and administration, grievance and arbitration procedures, workplace complaints process, labour relations training, discipline and discharge, attendance awareness
• Lead CHEO's Labour Relations team and support the CTO in planning goals and strategies
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and programs ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations
• Lead the design and development of labour relations education and training initiatives for management and staff
• Monitor performance indicators and report on labour relations outcomes
• Contribute to strategic HR program development within the HR Management team
• Provide expertise and support to management for effective labour relations management
• Establish and report on key performance indicators for employee relations
• Perform duties in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and CHEO policies

Skills

Labour relations

Leadership

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Policy development

Communication

HRIS

Education

Degree in HR or Labour Relations

Tools

MS Office Suite

Payroll systems

Job description

Reporting to the Director, Labour Relations & Healthy Workplace, the Manager, Labour Relations will bring a high level of expertise, leadership and support in the areas of Labour Relations. The Manager will work closely with all levels of management, union representatives and employees to establish and maintain a culture of positive and collaborative labour relations. The Manager will lead negotiations with all union groups and will provide expertise when preparing for and representing the organization in mediation and arbitration cases.

The Manager will be accountable for day to day labour relations and to develop and enhance operational objectives, corporate goals and values.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Manages the labour and employee relations function including collective bargaining, collective agreement application and administration, grievance and arbitration procedures, workplace complaints process, labour relations training, discipline and discharge, attendance awareness. Manages and leads the Labour Relations team. Supports the CTO in the planning and development of goals, objectives and strategies consistent with the Hospital’s mission and vision. Leads in the development and implementation of relevant policies, procedures, and programs and ensures compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations. Leads CHEO’s collective bargaining team and process. Leads and facilitates labour management meetings. Leads the design and development of labour relations education and training initiatives for management and staff. Monitors performance indicators; i.e. number and type of grievances and other complaints, labour management topic themes, occupational health and safety issues/concerns, employee engagement scores etc. and develops solutions to enable positive outcomes. As part of the HR Management team, contributes to the strategic development of HR programs, policies and processes by developing a progressive, business focused labour relations strategy to reflect current and future needs of the organization. Provides expertise, training and support to all levels of management to ensure the effective management of labour relations issues. Establishes and reports on key performance indicators to measure employee relations success and reports on a regular basis. Performs work in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all CHEO corporate/department policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety. Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

The successful candidate will embody organizational values and lead with vision, fairness, and integrity, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and accountability. They are skilled in diplomacy and proactive communication, effectively navigating sensitive labour–management issues and building collaboration across departments.

An exceptional communicator, they can explain complex matters clearly to diverse audiences while actively listening and ensuring all voices are respected. They are confident in leading difficult conversations with professionalism and tact.

As a people leader, they provide clear direction, coaching, and support for career growth, while cultivating a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace that balances organizational priorities with staff well-being. By modelling resilience under pressure, they set the tone for a respectful, high-performing workplace.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree specializing in Human Resources, Labour Relations or a related discipline (Essential)
• Minimum seven to ten (7-10) years of progressive relevant experience, with proven experience in team leadership (Essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of labour relations principles, such as collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration procedures and employment legislation (Essential)
• Skilled in workplace complaint investigations and dispute resolution mechanisms (Essential)
• Criminal Record Check (CRC) (Essential)
• Effective leadership, critical thinking and team building skills (Essential)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to establish trust at all levels (Essential)
• Strong negotiations, problem solving, conflict resolution and decision-making skills (Essential)
• Demonstrated experience in effectively managing contentious situations / people issues (Essential)
• Strong knowledge and experience working with relevant employment and labour legislation (Essential)
• Strong organizational and multi-task skills (Essential)
• Flexible with working hours to suit operational requirements (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment (Essential)
• Pleasant manner and tactful in dealing with the public, excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skill (Essential)
• Demonstrated initiative, customer service and team work skills (Essential)
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office Suite and good general knowledge of payroll/HR information systems (Essential)
• Working knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation; general knowledge of corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to health and safety (Essential)

Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.

Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.