National Director, Employee and Labour Relations

LifeLabs; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostic service provider in Toronto is seeking a National Director for Employee and Labour Relations. This role involves developing and implementing strategies for employee relations, overseeing collective bargaining, and leading a specialized team. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years in relevant leadership roles and expertise in Canadian labour relations. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and fosters a diverse, inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Employee Group Benefits

Retirement Savings Plan

Vacation and Wellness Days

Professional development reimbursement

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years progressive leadership experience in Employee and Labour Relations.
• Expert knowledge of employee and labour relations in Canada.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis and resolve complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead implementation of employee and labour relations strategy.
• Lead the collective bargaining process and serve as Chief Negotiator.
• Coach managers on performance management and conflict resolution.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Financial acumen

Education

University degree in Industrial/Labour Relations

Job description

Overview

LifeLabs has been Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems for over 50 years. We empower healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services. We are committed to innovation, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving results online. More than 112 million laboratory tests flow through LifeLabs’ laboratories annually, supported by a team of more than 6,000 professionals who work together to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust. We strive to create an environment where people can be their true selves and are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), teamwork, agility and a customer-centered approach. These values guide our actions and decisions and define our team culture.

These statements reflect our purpose and the environment we aim to create for our people and communities.

The Opportunity

The National Director Employee and Labour Relations leads the development and implementation of an employee and labour relations strategy for LifeLabs. This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic, collaborative and results-focused leader to enable business results through ER/LR strategies and initiatives that mitigate risk, maintain positive employee and labour relations across LifeLabs and promote LifeLabs culture, values and our people strategy. As a member of the HR leadership team and the senior leadership team, this position plays a critical role in promoting and enabling LifeLabs culture, values and people strategy. The ideal candidate is a relationship and team builder who brings leadership experience in ER/LR, a strategic mindset, business and financial acumen, and a proactive approach to ER/LR for LifeLabs.

Responsibilities

• Employee and Labour Relations Strategy: In consultation with business leaders and stakeholders, develop and lead the implementation of LifeLabs employee and labour relations strategy and plan that supports business goals. Advise senior leaders on risks and provide strategic recommendations applying HR best practices to address complex ER/LR issues. Monitor external market trends and integrate into ER/LR strategy. Develop the overall strategy and plan for Labour and Employee Councils.
• Collective Bargaining Strategy and Negotiations: Lead the collective bargaining process from mandate development to agreement implementation. Develop negotiation plans and serve as Chief Negotiator as required. Partner with Communications to develop bargaining communications and provide updates to management and stakeholders. Advise senior executives on the direction and impact of negotiations.
• Lead and Develop Centralized Employee Relations Team: Lead a centralized ER team that coaches managers on performance management, workplace behavior and conflict resolution. Oversee investigations into employee complaints (including harassment, discrimination and misconduct). Develop guidelines, tools, resources and training for managers and HR. Maintain accurate documentation and case management for ER/LR matters. Develop and maintain ER policies and procedures in compliance with legislation. Create programs to promote engagement and positive ER/LR.
• Labour Relations: Establish and strengthen relations with key Union partners; maintain open communication and address issues promptly. Stay current on labour issues and trends. Lead a team of experts in the application, interpretation, and bargaining of collective agreements. Provide leadership for escalated grievance and legal matters arising from bargaining units. Approve strategy and tactics for complex grievances and manage external relationships as needed.
• Data, Metrics and Reporting: Identify ER/LR metrics, KPIs and analytics; partner with HR Analytics to gather, report and integrate into dashboards. Use data to inform decisions and develop capability within the team.
• People Leader: Lead a specialized ER/LR team, build a high-performance environment and implement a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates staff; foster engagement, inclusivity, communicate vision/values/business strategy and manage succession and development planning.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years progressive leadership experience in an Employee and Labour Relations role within a medium to large-size employer
• University degree, with specialization in Industrial/Labour Relations preferred
• Expert knowledge of employee relations and labour relations in Canada
• Experienced Lead Negotiator
• Experience preparing bargaining strategies and developing bargaining mandates. Strong financial acumen to support costing and financial modeling with total rewards and finance partners
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis, interpret information, resolve complex issues and prepare recommendations that support business objectives
• Strong people leadership skills with experience coaching, developing and engaging a team
• Executive-level communication and influence skills

Benefits and Additional Information

LifeLabs’ compensation programs are commensurate with role, skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, age or any other personal characteristics. Pay programs are communicated regularly in an accessible and transparent manner. LifeLabs offers resources and a collaborative environment that enables team members to thrive, along with a comprehensive total rewards program specific to the job position. This may include:

• Employee Group Benefits: Competitive coverage for employees and their families (Extended Health Care, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Vacation and Wellness Days
• Employee Wellness and Giving Programs, including Employee & Family Assistance Program, financial planning tools and recognition initiatives
• Professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discounts (WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc.)

In accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy and applicable Accessibility Acts, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email [e-mail].

Vaccinations are highly encouraged. Vaccinations and/or immunization screening may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial/regional governments or employer policies. Please confirm whether this position requires vaccination or immunization screening.

Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!