Employee Relations Specialist - Term Position
Job ID: 9071
Working Business Language: This role is considered a head-office role and will be required to communicate with internal stakeholders across Canada where the primary business language utilized is English.
Salary: At Wawanesa, salary is only one component of a holistic, comprehensive and competitive offering that we provide to our employees. In addition to salary, full-time and part-time permanent employees are eligible for an annual bonus plan, leave of absence top-up programs and provided with generous vacation time, personal days, premium free benefits and pension plan.
The salary offered for this role is determined with consideration to various factors, including but not limited to: your work location, local labour market conditions, external market salary data, internal pay equity and the knowledge, skills, experience and anticipated proficiency in the role. The salary offered is estimated to be within the following range: $78, 000 - $97, 000. Candidates with salary expectations outside of the range are still encouraged to apply.
About Us
At Wawanesa, we're proud to offer a hybrid work environment that offers flexibility to our employees in balancing in-office (2 days per week OR 15 hours per week in a Wawanesa office) and remote work. You may work from any of the following locations: Winnipeg, MB; Wawanesa, MB; Vancouver, BC; Calgary, AB; Edmonton, AB; Lethbridge, AB; Toronto, ON; Kitchener, ON; Thunder Bay, ON; Ottawa, ON; Montreal, QC; Moncton, NB; Dartmouth; NS
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company ("Wawanesa Mutual"), founded in 1896, is one of Canada's largest mutual insurers, with over $3.5 billion in annual revenue and assets of $10 billion (CAD). Wawanesa Mutual, with its National Headquarters in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Canada. Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.7 million members in Canada, and we are home to more than 3,600 employees distributed across the Canadian regions and communities where we operate. We give back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, including over $2 million annually in support of people on the front lines of climate change. To learn more visit wawanesa.com.
We are currently looking for dedicated, driven, and enthusiastic individuals who thrive in an environment that welcomes change and are looking for an opportunity for diverse experience and advancement on a growing team.
Job Overview
The Specialist, Employee Relations supports Wawanesa's success by ensuring a fair and consistent approach to organizational policies, procedures, and employment practices. Working with the People & Culture team, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders, this role will manage employee relations issues, promote a positive work environment, and ensure compliance with employment law.
This role involves handling conflict resolution, helping leaders manage performance issues, and assisting with employee investigations while fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. The ideal candidate possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills and has experience in dealing with employee relations issues, knowledge of employment laws, conflict management, and risk management.
This role is a term position, with a minimum duration of 12 months.
Job Responsibilities
- Employee Relations Strategy: Collaborate with the ER team to develop and implement an employee relations strategy that supports the organization's goals and promotes a positive, inclusive work environment. Provide strategic guidance and support to managers and leaders on employee relations issues.
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation: Work with employees and managers to resolve workplace disputes in a constructive and timely manner. Assist with mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes.
- Risk Management & Legal Compliance: Work with leaders to identify potential employee relations risks and provide guidance on mitigation strategies. Collaborate with the ER team and legal counsel to manage complex employee relations issues and minimize legal exposure. Ensure proper documentation of employee relations cases.
- Employee Investigations: Partner with Compliance to complete internal investigations regarding allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other workplace concerns. Review investigation reports, make recommendations, and work with People & Culture and legal teams to determine appropriate actions.
- Policy Development & Compliance: Engage in regular reviews of company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Canadian employment laws. Review and update documentation to reflect changes in legislation and best practices.
- Performance Management & Disciplinary Action: Provide support to managers on performance management practices. Ensure leaders are familiar with the progressive discipline process.
- Collaboration with Leadership and Employees: Work with leaders and employees on employee relations topics. Ensure leaders are well-equipped to handle employee relations issues effectively. Collaborate with business leaders, People and Culture, Legal, Compliance, and employees to align employee relations strategies with business objectives.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): Support the integration of inclusive strategies into employee relations efforts.
- Change Management: Assist with organizational restructuring, mergers, or growth initiatives by providing employee relations insights and recommendations.
- Data & Reporting: Track and analyze employee relations metrics to identify trends and recommend improvements. Assist with reporting on employee relations issues.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Human Resources Certification (e.g., CPHR) is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of HR experience, with a focus on employee relations, conflict resolution, and employment law.
- Experience in conducting investigations and resolving workplace conflicts.
- Experience working in a medium-sized organization, with an understanding of Canadian employment laws and regulations.
Skills:
- Strong understanding of Canadian employment law, labour standards, and Human Resources best practices.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with HRIS systems and case management tools.
#LI-REMOTE #LI-AT1
Wawanesa is proud to be one of Manitoba's Top Employers, a Kincentric Best Employer in Canada and a Forbes Best Employer in Canada recognizing an exceptional place to work!
Diversity Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Wawanesa is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that is equitable and inclusive for all. Wawanesa provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual's protected status: race/ethnicity, colour, religion, creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected status. Disability or medical-related accommodations are available upon request throughout all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations may contact, in confidence, jobs@wawanesa.com.
If you are interested in this exciting, challenging position with Wawanesa, apply today with your Resume.
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