Manager, Labour Relations

Are you an experienced Manager of Labor Relations with a talent for navigating complex employee relations and fostering a fair, respectful workplace? Do you excel at managing union relationships, interpreting collective agreements, and providing strategic guidance that supports both employees and organizational goals? Are you passionate about creating peace of mind for your client groups by proactively addressing labor issues and promoting positive, collaborative environments? If you thrive in dynamic settings and want to be part of a growing team and company, we want to hear from you!

The Universal Group, recognized as one of Canada's best-managed companies in 2023, has an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Labor Relations to join our Human Resources team. Reporting to the Director, Labour Relations and Human Resources Operations, the Manager serves as a trusted and expert resource for managers and employees, offering guidance on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, workplace policies, and labour laws, over multiple provincial jurisdictions including BC, ON, and QC. This position is responsible for overseeing and handling workplace investigations, employee grievances, participating in collective bargaining processes, and promoting best practices in labour and employee relations to ensure compliance, consistency, and fairness across the organization. The Manager works to resolve conflicts, enhance communication between stakeholders, and contribute to a collaborative and respectful workplace culture.

What you will be responsible for:

Labour Relations

• Interpret and provide advice on the application of collective agreements to ensure compliance and consistency in labour relations practices across the organization.
• Lead investigations of routine and complex workplace investigations including allegations of bullying and harassment, personality conflicts, behavioural and performance incidents.
• Respond to employee and union grievances, working collaboratively with managers, union representatives, and employees to resolve issues promptly and effectively.
• Participate in collective bargaining preparation, negotiations, preparing research, data, and documentation to support the Director of Labour Relations and the bargaining team.
• Develop and deliver training to managers on labour relations principles, performance management practices, effective communication with unionized employees, and the interpretation of labour laws and collective agreements.
• Responsible for drafting new or revising current Company policies that contribute to the promotion of the intended workplace culture and demonstration of its values.
• Act as a facilitator in labour disputes, providing a neutral perspective to foster constructive dialogue and reach amicable or interest-based solutions.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to grievances, collective bargaining, and labour relations issues for compliance and analysis.
• Collaborate with the HR team to address complex employee relations matters, offering expertise on strategies and legal considerations when responding to people matters.
• Stay informed of labour relations trends, legislative changes, and best practices to provide timely and proactive advice to the Director of Labour Relations.

Employee Relations

• Enhance compliance to workplace policies, labour laws, and collective agreements by providing counsel to managers and employees on compliance-related matters.
• Lead and support the Human Resources program life-cycle.
• Drive leadership development to enhance management capability, agility, and value for the organization.
• Assist the HR Department with special projects, such as policy reviews, employee surveys, and other initiatives aimed at improving labour relations.
• Provide support in any other areas incidental to the Labour Relations and Human Resources functions.

What you get from us:

• Extended healthcare benefits available after probation.
• Opportunity to work for a large, growing company with room for promotion.
• An RRSP matching plan.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Competitive compensation package.
  
• Hybrid office: regular work-from-home days.

What we need from you:

• Must be bi-lingual in French and English.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labour Law, or a related field.
• Masters degree in Industrial Relations, Strategic Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or similar would be considered an asset.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in labour relations and employee relations in complex unionized environments.
• 2-3 years experience in delivering full-suite HR functions will be considered a preferred asset.
• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying collective agreements, labour laws, and workplace policies.
• Expert conflict and relationship management skills.
• Highly organized with natural analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proven track record for problem solving in complex business environments with diverse actors.
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.

Why Universal Group?

The Universal Group is driven by our purpose to provide Peace of Mind to both our clients and team members. Our people embrace our core values of being 'Passionate, Authentic, and Driven' in everything we do and in every decision we make every day. They are the fabric of who we are and, without question, the reason for our success and continued growth.

The safety of our team members and the public is what drives us every day.

The Universal Group is an industry leader in traffic control services, traffic management planning, traffic equipment supply, landscaping, temporary labour and occupational health and safety training. We are a one-stop shop, as our full suite of services ensures that we can manage projects from conception to completion.

For more information about the company, please visit our Indeed Profile!

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Universal Group is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.

Apply today; we can't wait to hear from you. Come grow with us!

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