Senior Advisor, Labour Relations

Just HR has been engaged to recruit a Senior Advisor, Labour Relations for a major enterprise client based in Toronto. Reporting to the Director, Labour Relations, this role serves as a subject matter expert in collective agreement administration, providing strategic guidance to Human Resources and Operations teams on proper interpretation and application.

The Senior Advisor will oversee all labour relations functions, including collective bargaining participation, grievance resolution, and direct communication with union representatives. This role is essential in fostering a collaborative and productive relationship between the organization and the union, ensuring a fair and transparent approach to labour relations matters.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the Senior Advisor must exercise sound judgment and discretion, delivering timely, practical, and strategic advice that aligns with operational needs. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver and strategic thinker who can analyze labour relations challenges from both a detailed and high-level perspective, driving effective solutions that support business and workforce objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Foster a Collaborative Labour Relations Environment - Cultivate a positive, transparent, and cooperative labour relations climate at assigned unionized locations.
• Guide HR and Leadership on Labour Relations Matters - Support Human Resources team members and managers in identifying and addressing potential labour relations concerns, ensuring grievances are resolved promptly and effectively.
• Strengthen Relationships Between the Company, Union, and Employees - Actively promote productive engagement and cooperation between the Company, the Union, and its workforce.
• Ensure Legislative Compliance - Provide expert advice to worksites to ensure adherence to all applicable labour laws and regulations.
• Lead Collective Bargaining Preparation - Play a pivotal role in collective bargaining by shaping negotiation strategies, assisting in mandate development, researching industry agreements and trends, and drafting bargaining agendas, proposed contract language, and memoranda of understanding.
• Analyze Case Law and Labour Precedents - Gather, assess, and interpret legal precedents, arbitral rulings, and relevant case law to guide the organization in addressing contract interpretation disputes.
• Represent the Company in Dispute Resolution Processes - Prepare for and, when necessary, represent the Company—alongside legal counsel—at arbitration hearings and mediation proceedings.
• Develop and Deliver Labour Relations Training - Assist the labour relations team in designing and facilitating training programs, including site-specific education on collective agreement updates.
• Support HR in Drafting Labour Relations Communications - Aid in composing grievance resolutions, settlement agreements, and official memorandums related to labour relations matters.
• Provide Guidance on Organizational Change Management - Offer strategic consultation on managing change initiatives that impact unionized employees.
• Oversee Labour Relations Data Management - Maintain and enhance the database tracking all labour relations activities, ensuring worksite teams are equipped to use it effectively.

 Requirements:

• At least three years of experience in labour relations or a related management role.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, or a relevant field, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Deep knowledge of labour relations practices, including union engagement, collective bargaining, and effective relationship management.
• Strong familiarity with employment and labour laws, as well as key human rights rulings and legal precedents.
• Hands-on experience in conducting disciplinary investigations and handling grievance resolutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with HRIS systems is considered an asset.
• Background in developing and improving processes to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Remuneration:

• $100K - $110K base salary, competitive benefits programs,
• Hybrid 2 days week Toronto office

  **Only candidates eligible to work in Canada will be considered**

Just HR is a specialized Human Resources recruitment and search firm with seven practice areas: General HR, Compensation & Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Organizational Development, Labour & Employee Relations, HRIS, Health & Safety.