Manager, Employee and Labour Relations

• Reporting to the Executive Director, Human Resources and Health & Safety, the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations oversees union-management and employee relations. This includes coordinating and acting as a participant in the collective bargaining process, advising management and unions on the interpretation and application of the collective agreements and legislation and managing the grievance process. This position is also responsible for the supervision of recruitment.
• In the absence of the Executive Director, Human Resources and Health & Safety, the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations may perform the role of Executive Director.

• Considerable knowledge of workplace legislation (Labour Relations Code, Human Rights Act, Employment Standards Act, Post-Secondary Learning Act, Public Service Employee Relations Act), and leading labour law and human rights decisions.
• Considerable knowledge of the procedures, practices and techniques used in collective bargaining and labour management negotiations.
• Knowledge of grievance and arbitration processes and other dispute resolution mechanisms. The ability to assist management in preparing documents as it relates to employee issues and the collective agreement.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to take a broad College wide view when making decisions and solving problems. Anticipate future needs and identify potential opportunities and challenges.
• Ability to investigate facts, analyze and interpret collective agreements, legislation and develop labour relations strategies.
• Ability to present ideas effectively and persuasively, in both written and oral form, including preparation and presentation of reports.
• Ability to update and develop labour relations policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism and integrity.

• Planning and coordinating processes relating to contract negotiations to ensure the College is prepared to commence collective bargaining within contractual and legislated time frames. Assist the Executive Director in establishing the bargaining committee, and preparing reports and recommendations for bargaining proposals and mandates for the Executive Director.
• Acts in a Supervisory role for recruitment in the Human Resources Department.  Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the performance of assigned Human Resources staff; provides coaching for performance improvement and staff development. Oversees and implements effective recruitment and staffing strategies to attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates. This position may be required to participate in the recruitment process including drafting offer letters and reviewing /creating job descriptions.
• Act as an integral member of the bargaining committee, including researching and costing proposals and preparing and/or reviewing drafts of collective agreement language. Ensures that negotiations are properly documented.
• Responsible for preparation and compilation of collective agreements and letters of understanding. Educate management on negotiated contract changes and assist with implementation where required.
• Provide advice and information to managers on the interpretation and application of the collective agreement and on working legislation and policies. Provide guidance to management personnel on accommodation issues and on the appropriateness of disciplinary and non-disciplinary actions. Monitor discipline to ensure consistency.
• Develop labour relations skills for managers by developing, implementing and facilitating training.
• Co-ordinate and support the grievance handling process, ensuring compliance with contractual timelines. Assist the Executive Director in working with union and management to resolve grievances at an early stage. Assist the Executive Director in conducting grievance investigations and monitor grievance activity to identify underlying issues and work to resolve those issues.
• Participate in committees as appropriate.
• Responsible for conducting workplace investigations that align with policies, procedures, regulations and collective agreements.
• Conducts classification reviews and presents recommendations to the Executive Director on classification changes as required.
• Analyze data, conduct research, and prepare reports on a variety of labour relations and compensation issues. Participate in compensation data surveys.
• Responsible for the administration of the Employee Assistance Program.
• Perform related Human Resources work as required.
• Development of Human Resources policies, procedures and regulations.

• Degree in Human Resources/Labour Relations, Management or other relevant discipline.
• At least five (5) years related experience in Human Resources, with knowledge in labour relations.
• Experience working in a unionized environment, post-secondary experience would be an asset.
• Experience with a Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Microsoft Suite.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

For complete details on this employment opportunity, visit us online at:

www.northernlakescollege.ca click on Careers at NLC

Please submit a resume quoting the reference number NLC-2078 to:  Northern Lakes College, Human Resources, 1201 Main Street SE, Slave Lake, AB  T0G 2A3

or alternatively Fax: 780 849-5881

Closing Date: September 29, 2023

Note: Northern Lakes College thanks all applicants for their interest in employment; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.