National Director, Employee and Labour Relations

LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical laboratory services provider in Toronto is seeking a National Director, Employee and Labour Relations. This role involves developing and implementing an employee relations strategy and leading collective bargaining efforts. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in employee relations, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to influence at the executive level. This position offers a comprehensive total rewards program.

Benefits

Comprehensive total rewards program

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in an Employee and Labour Relations role.
• Expert knowledge of employee and labour relations in Canada.
• Experience as Lead Negotiator.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead LifeLabs’ employee and labour relations strategy.
• Lead the collective bargaining process from mandate development to agreement implementation.
• Oversee investigations into employee complaints.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Data analysis

Employee relations

Coaching skills

Executive communication

Education

University degree in Industrial/Labour Relations

Job description

Overview

National Director, Employee and Labour Relations

Join to apply for the National Director, Employee and Labour Relations role at LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services. LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are committed to empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.

LifeLabs values caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. We prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and are dedicated to creating an environment where people can be their true selves. We are recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers.

The Opportunity

The National Director of Employee and Labour Relations leads the development and implementation of an employee and labour relations strategy for LifeLabs. This is a strategic, collaborative and results-focused leadership role to enable business results through ER/LR strategies and initiatives that mitigate risk, maintain positive employee and labour relations, and promote LifeLabs culture and people strategy. As a member of the HR leadership team and LifeLabs senior leadership, this position promotes LifeLabs culture, values and people strategy.

The ideal candidate is a relationship and team builder who brings leadership experience in ER/LR, strategic thinking, 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 to support business goals.
• Advise senior leaders on risks and provide strategic recommendations applying HR best practices to complex ER/LR issues.
• Monitor external market trends and integrate insights into ER/LR strategy.
• Develop 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.
• Collaborate with Communications to develop bargaining communications and provide updates to management and stakeholders.
• Provide executive guidance on negotiation directions and impacts.

• Lead and Develop Centralized Employee Relations Team
• Lead a centralized ER team that coaches managers on performance, 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.
• Establish processes for accurate documentation and case management of ER/LR matters.
• Develop and maintain ER/LR policies and procedures compliant with legislation.
• Develop programs to maintain engagement and positive ER/LR.

• Labour Relations
• Establish and maintain relations with key Union partners; ensure open communication and timely issue resolution.
• Stay current on labour management trends and national union initiatives.
• Lead teams of subject-matter experts in applying, interpreting, and bargaining collective agreements.
• Provide leadership for escalated grievance/legal matters arising from bargaining units.
• Approve strategy and tactics to address complex grievances and decide when external parties are involved.

• Data, Metrics and Reporting
• Identify ER/LR metrics and analytics; partner with HR Analytics to gather and report data for HR dashboards.
• Use data to inform decisions and support capability development within the team.

• People Leader
• Lead a specialized ER/LR team, build a high-performance environment, and implement a people strategy to attract, retain, develop and motivate the team.

Education, Skills And Experience

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

LifeLabs’ compensation programs are commensurate with role, skill, effort, responsibility and conditions, irrespective of personal characteristics. A comprehensive total rewards program is provided.

Accommodations are available upon request in accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy. Vaccinations are encouraged and may be required where regulated by authorities or employer policies. Please inquire if vaccination is required for this role.

Additional Information

Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!

Job function: Human Resources | Industries: Hospitals and Health Care