Senior Advisor, Employee & Labour Relations(18-months)

The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Algonquin College in Ottawa seeks a Senior Advisor, Labour Relations to lead a complex, multi-union environment. Reporting to the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations, you will provide senior-level advice on collective agreements, investigations, performance management and discipline, and represent the College in related proceedings.

The role requires a 4-year university degree in HR, IR, psychology or related field and at least 9 years of unionized labor relations experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum four-year university degree in HRM/IR/psychology/social sciences or equivalent, with formal IR/HRM training.
• Minimum 9 years of experience in a unionized environment providing labour relations counsel to management.
• Strong knowledge of collective agreements, bargaining, grievances, arbitration, and case management.
• Solid understanding of Ontario employment and labour legislation (ESA 2000, Human Rights Code, LRA 1995, OHSA, Colleges Collective Bargaining Act).
• Ability to translate complex legislation and agreements into practical advice.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive, complex employee relations matters with sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level advice on collective agreement interpretation, grievances, performance management, discipline, layoffs and recalls.
• Lead and support workplace investigations involving conduct, harassment, discrimination, and other concerns.
• Coach and train leaders to strengthen collective labour relations capabilities.
• Assist in mediation and conflict resolution of labour disputes.
• Contribute to research, reporting, and communications; support cross-College committees and initiatives.

Skills

Labour relations expertise

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Relationship management

Education

Four-year university degree in HR/IR/psychology/related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

Department: Labour Relations

Position Type: Fixed Term Administrative

Salary Range: $53.24-$66.56-Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Anticipated Start Date: January 04, 2027

Length of Contract: 18-months

Posting Information

This job posting is now accepting applications from all qualified individuals.

Posting Closing Date: November 23, 2026

Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment:

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description:

Bring your labour relations expertise to a complex, multi-union environment where your advice will help shape important workplace decisions across Algonquin College.

Reporting to the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations, the Senior Advisor acts as a trusted advisor to leaders across the College on complex and sensitive employee and labour relations matters. This is an opportunity for an experienced labour relations professional to manage a diverse portfolio, work directly with leaders, union representatives and legal counsel, and contribute to fair, practical and effective workplace solutions.

Your portfolio will include collective agreement and employment law interpretation, grievances, workplace investigations, performance management, progressive discipline and termination, layoff and recall, human rights matters, conflict resolution and other complex employee relations issues. You will also represent the College in labour and employment-related proceedings, coach and train leaders, and contribute to the implementation of College labour relations strategies.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will provide senior-level employee and labour relations advice and support across the College, with responsibilities including:

• Employee and Labour Relations Management: Provide strategic and operational advice on collective agreement interpretation, grievances, performance management, progressive discipline, termination, layoff and recall, and other complex employee relations matters.
• Workplace Investigations: Lead and support complex workplace investigations involving employee conduct, harassment, discrimination and other workplace concerns.
• Management Training and Coaching: Provide coaching and training to leaders to strengthen their ability to manage employee and labour relations matters effectively.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Support the resolution of employee complaints, workplace conflict, grievances and other labour relations disputes.
• Research, Reporting and Communications: Contribute to labour relations research, reporting and communications, and provide ELR expertise to cross-College committees and initiatives.

What You'll Bring

You will bring significant labour relations expertise, sound judgement and the ability to provide practical advice in complex and sensitive situations.

Required qualifications include:

• A minimum four (4) year university degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Psychology, Social Science or an equivalent field, along with formal training in Industrial Relations and/or Human Resources Management.
• A minimum of nine (9) years of experience in a unionized work environment providing labour relations counsel, coaching and guidance to all levels of management.
• Strong knowledge of collective agreements and collective bargaining processes, grievance and arbitration processes, case management, conflict resolution and mediation.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario employment and labour legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 , Human Rights Code , Labour Relations Act, 1995 , Occupational Health and Safety Act and Colleges Collective Bargaining Act .
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex legislation, collective agreements, policies and other employment-related documents and translate them into practical advice.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, sensitive and competing employee and labour relations matters.
• Strong analytical, communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, maintain confidentiality and work independently within a complex unionized environment.

The following would be considered assets:

• CHRP and/or CHRL designation.
• Formal workplace investigation training.
• Experience working in a large, complex, multi-union environment.
• Experience with Workday or other Human Resources Information Management Systems.

Position Details

Employment Type: 18-month contract

Anticipated Start Date: January 4, 2027

Application Deadline: November 24, 2026