Manager of Labour Relations

St. Clement's School; Whitby; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is seeking a Manager of Labour Relations to lead a team of specialists and provide senior‑level guidance on collective agreements, legislation and board policies. Reporting to the Senior Manager of People and Culture, you will oversee grievances, arbitrations, and negotiations across teachers and education workers, ensuring lawful, fair outcomes.

Applicants should have 5+ years of progressive labour relations experience, including full‑cycle bargaining;

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years progressive labour relations experience including contract administration, grievances, mediations and arbitrations.
• Experience leading collective bargaining in a large multi‑union setting is preferred.
• Labour relations experience in Ontario's public education sector is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead labour relations function and provide expert guidance to internal partners.
• Interpret and apply collective agreements, legislation and DDSB policies.
• Oversee grievances, arbitrations, OLRB proceedings and settlements.
• Lead collective bargaining for teachers and education workers; develop strategy.
• Manage professional and administrative employee groups’ terms and conditions.
• Develop and deliver training on labour relations topics; mentor staff.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and participate in committees as needed.

Skills

Labour relations

Negotiation

Mediation

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Policy interpretation

Education

University degree in Labour Relations

CHRL designation asset

Job description

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of People and Culture, the Manager of Labour Relations serves as a key member of the Durham District School Board's (DDSB) People and Culture leadership team, providing senior-level expertise, leadership and strategic labour relations advice to support operational effectiveness and the delivery of DDSB's strategic plan. The Manager leads a team of Labour Relations Specialists to support leaders at all levels of the organization. As a subject matter expert, the Manager works with the bargaining units to foster a climate of positive and collaborative labour relations, ensuring compliant, equitable, and legally sound labour relations practices.

Key Responsibilities

M anage and Lead L abour R elations Functions :

• Oversees DDSB's labour relations function and provides expert leadership and advice to internal partners
• Provides expert interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation and DDSB policies
• Leads the management relating to all labour relations matters including grievances, arbitrations, OLRB proceedings, collective agreement application, interpretation and administration.
• Resolves disputes with the board's 10 bargaining units through the grievance process.
• Maintains and builds positive relationships/ trust with all employee groups (Union and Non-Union) on behalf of the Board.
• Represent DDSB in grievance meetings, mediations, arbitration hearings
• Manage and oversee the implementation of grievance settlements, resolutions, layoff entitlements and arbitration awards.
• Conduct and oversee workplace investigations relating to labour relations matters.
• Monitor and analyze trends in grievances, case law, complaints and other legislative developments to identify risks, opportunities and inform bargaining.

Lead Collective Bargaining/ Employment Contract Negotiations:

• Leads collective bargaining and the bargaining committee during collective agreement negotiations for teachers and education workers and terms and conditions of employment for non-union groups.
• Develops the bargaining strategy and secures mandate required to direct negotiations.
• Leads the research and preparation for bargaining, drafts language for all proposals and coordinates the Board's bargaining team to achieve consensus in developing positions and reaching agreements.
• Responsible for administering terms and conditions of employment for the Principal and Vice Principal and Management, Professional and Administrative employee groups.

Leadership And Operational Management:

• Responsible for leading a team of Labour Relations Specialists to support leaders at all levels of the organization in fulfilling their strategic priorities.
• Manage and participate in major strategic projects and initiatives which support the department strategy and contributes to the board's strategic plan.
• Contributes to the development of People and Culture policies and procedures.
• Oversee labour relations operations including coordination, performance management and staff development.
• Collaborate with, and provide guidance and advice to, internal People and Culture teams on complex and escalated matters.

Capacity Building, Learning and Development:

• Develop and present training sessions and workshops on various topics related to labour relations and employee relations.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and guidance to Labour Relations Specialists
• Provide leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports, statistical analyses, and sector research related to grievances, settlements, and emerging labour relations issues.
• Serve on internal and external committees, providing labour relations guidance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• University degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, or related field or a combination or equivalent education and experience.
• Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) professional designation is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years progressive Labour Relations experience required including contract administration, grievance management, mediations and arbitrations.
• Extensive experience in leading the full cycle collective bargaining process Experience working in a large multi-union organization is preferred.
• Labour Relations experience in Ontario's Public Education Sector is considered an asset

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of labour relations, employment standards and other relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated, exceptional negotiation and mediation skills with the ability to maintain relationships throughout the process;
• Interpersonal skills including the ability to work and communicate effectively with key stakeholders through the board, colleagues and external parties.
• Demonstrated leadership skills related to training, coaching and motivating teams, and ensuring accountability of others.
• Sound judgement, analytical, problem solving skills, decision making, and organizational skills;
• Written communications for drafting reports, collective agreements, and other complex or sensitive documents;and effective presentation skills
• High degree of confidentiality required due to the nature of the position.

Additional Requirements

• Provide a current Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) screening upon hire.

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.

#DDSBISHIRING