People Partner (Labour Relations)

Kawartha Lakes; Lindsay; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Ontario is seeking a People Partner (Labour Relations) to enhance employee experience and engagement. The ideal candidate will leverage their HR expertise in collaborative labour relations and coaching. Key qualifications include a post-secondary degree in HR and extensive understanding of relevant legislation. Comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth are offered.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

OMERS pension

Employer-paid benefits package

Education reimbursement

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of related progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of related acts and legislation.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide just-in-time leadership coaching.
• Support the renewal of collective agreements.
• Guide leadership partners through training processes.

Skills

Human Rights Code

Employment Standards Act

Labour Relations Act

Strong organizational skills

Excellent oral communication

Interpersonal and negotiating skills

Customer service skills

Time-management skills

Discretion and tact

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Post-secondary degree in Human Resources Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Brief

This position is responsible to support the execution of programs aimed to achieve a consistently high-quality employee experience, increased retention of strong performing people and high levels of employee engagement.

The City of Kawartha Lakes invites applications to join our team as a People Partner (Labour Relations).

When you come to work for the City of Kawartha Lakes, you are joining a community of municipal workers who take pride in knowing that every day you are having a positive impact in the community. Our mission is to deliver the highest standards of municipal services while creating a healthy and sustainable future for all Kawartha Lakes’ residents and businesses. We work to our values of Accountability, Respect and Teamwork and we want you to Jump In with us!!

We are an equal opportunity employer which values equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We foster a safe and creative work environment, where training and skill development are prioritized, with opportunities and support for career advancement. As a team member at the City of Kawartha Lakes, you may be entitled to the following: flexible work hours, OMERS pension (defined benefit), employer paid benefits package including short and long term disability income replacement, education reimbursement and other programs that foster innovation, leadership, and career advancement.

Title: People Partner

Direct Supervisor: Supervisor, People Partnerships

Salary: $84,494 - $98,846 (2025)

Location: Lindsay, ON

Position Summary

This position is responsible to support the execution of programs aimed to achieve a consistently high-quality employee experience, increased retention of strong performing people and high levels of employee engagement. Areas of focus include collaborative labour relations management, the application of the workplace investigation processes, effective leader coaching, as well as support to achieve positive employee and union relations. Working with other People Services team members, the role will also support areas such as learning and development, wellness, attendance/disability management, and employee communication.

Essential Duties

• Provide just-in-time leadership coaching and development that supports leader’s abilities to address people and team culture challenges and opportunities, including performance management and fact-finding activities
• Support the supervisor to lead the renewal of collective agreements, letters of understanding, and the administration of grievances and employer union committees
• Provide advice and interpretation of the corporate policies and Collective Agreements verbally and in writing
• Guide leadership partners through people complaint and investigation processes, providing oversight of the directive and support of the various processes
• Support leader partners to achieve corporate culture, mission, values, competencies, defined service outcomes and people programs
• Participate with other People Services team members in the delivery of leadership development and support programs
• Partner with other People Services team members on matters which may include employee wellness programs, disability management, retirement, attendance, return to work and health and safety, as needed, to support assigned client

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Human Resources Management or a related field
• Minimum three (3) years of related progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Pay Equity Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and grievance/arbitration processes
• Strong organizational skills and a high level of accuracy and timeliness in the preparation of written communication, reports and completion of work; requires well-developed research and report-writing skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in order to build consensus, work effectively and communicate diplomatically and tactfully with a diverse population, and have excellent presentation skills
• Well-developed interpersonal and negotiating skills to facilitate conflict resolution
• Demonstrated customer service skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization
• Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and local policies and procedures
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet and any other related software
• Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence or the ability to frequently attend work related activities at various sites within the municipalities or at other sites within Ontario
• Possess and maintain the absence of a Criminal Record. Upon a conditional offer of employment, an acceptable Criminal Record Check will be required

The City of Kawartha Lakes is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are dedicated to providing barrier‑free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please let us know of any accommodations you may require. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met throughout the recruitment and selection process.