Senior Manager, Labour & Employee Relations

Ontario Northland; North Bay; On-site; CAD 136,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial transportation agency in North Bay is seeking a Senior Manager Labour & Employee Relations. You'll lead negotiations, guide workplace practices, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in labor relations and relevant qualifications. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Defined benefit pension plan

Paid vacation and personal leave

Discounted transportation services

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in union negotiation and contract administration.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop HR professionals.
• In-depth understanding of federal employment legislation in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead negotiator for union contract negotiations.
• Analyze HR metrics and recommend proactive solutions.
• Guide workplace investigations and ensure compliance.

Skills

Employee Relations

Mediation Experience

Conflict Management

Human Resources Management

HRIS

Performance Management

Employment & Labor Law

Qualitative Analysis

Alternative dispute resolution

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources / Labour Relations

CPHR or CHRP designation

Job description

Overview

POSITION : Senior Manager Labour & Employee Relations

REPORTS TO : Director Human Resources

DEPARTMENT : Human Resources

LOCATION : North Bay

REFERENCE :

SALARY : $136786 - $160914

WHO WE ARE :

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is an Agency of the Province of Ontario that provides efficient and vital transportation services. We are a modern forward-thinking organization focused on providing safe and reliable transportation services. ONTC has a rich history of over 120 years and strong connections to the communities we serve. With over 1000 skilled professionals we work together to enhance transportation services and ensure that they are sustainable for future generations. We offer a dynamic workplace culture along with a competitive salary excellent benefit package a defined benefit pension plan paid vacation paid personal leave days and discounted transportation on our bus and passenger rail services.

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT :

The Senior Manager Employee & Labour Relations provides expert guidance on all aspects of collective bargaining grievance and arbitration management and labour legislation in a multi-agreement environment. This role operates at the intersection of operational leadership and strategic planning - directing a team of Human Resources Business Partners embedded in front-line divisions and advising senior leadership on workforce risk compliance and legislative matters.

Major duties / responsibilities

• Serve as lead negotiator for union contract negotiations across multiple bargaining units.
• Develop bargaining strategies that balance operational goals, fiscal stewardship and legal compliance.
• Build strong solution-oriented relationships with union leaders.
• Interpret collective agreements and legislation advising executive and operational leaders.
• Lead or support grievance and arbitration proceedings.
• Guide post-negotiation implementation including change management and impact mitigation.
• Direct and coach a team of HR Business Partners embedded in divisions.
• Oversee employee relations practices ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.
• Guide workplace investigations, discipline and performance management.
• Ensure fairness, consistency and legal compliance in employee relations activities.
• Analyze HR metrics and trends to recommend proactive solutions.
• Lead policy development and compliance strategies under federal legislation.
• Provide expert interpretation of statutes and case law.
• Oversee training and communication on employment obligations.
• Act as primary ER / LR advisor for large-scale capital projects.
• Mitigate workforce risks through early intervention and planning.
• Participate in Labour-Management Committees and sector networks.
• Report to senior leadership on risks trends and metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Business, Human Resources / Labour Relations or a related discipline.
• Chartered Professional in HR (CPHR) or Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or equivalent senior-level labour law credentials is mandatory.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in:

Specific experience:

• Union negotiation and contract administration
• Conflict management and mediation
• Grievance and arbitration
• Workplace investigations
• Labour relations strategy and analytics

• 5 years leading complex employee / labour relations portfolios in a unionized federally regulated environment is preferred.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional multi-stakeholder projects and change management initiatives.
• Additional training or certification in Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Workplace Investigations or Collective Bargaining is considered an asset.
• In-depth understanding of federal employment legislation including the Canada Labour Code and Pay Equity Act.
• Strong communicator with the ability to clearly interpret and explain complex legislation, legal frameworks and collective agreement language.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop HR professionals and cross-functional teams.
• Skilled in building collaborative trust-based relationships with unions and internal stakeholders.
• Exceptional negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Travel to work sites, union offices or hearings as required.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION : The successful candidate will need to pass the following clearances: criminal record check, employment references and education verification.

Closing date

CLOSING DATE : August 4 2025 no later than 11:59 p.m. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Qualified individuals are invited to apply in writing with a current covering letter and resume (provided in one document) stating reference name and number. Visit our career website to apply: Ontario Northland. We are committed to employment equity. We value the unique skills and experiences each person brings to Ontario Northland and invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQIA.

Ontario Northland will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation please contact Human Resources.

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Required Experience : Senior IC

Key Skills

• Employee Relations
• FMLA
• Human Resources Management
• Mediation Experience
• Conflict Management
• HRIS
• Performance Management
• Employment & Labor Law
• Qualitative Analysis
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Mentoring

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Yearly Salary : 136786 - 160914