Located next to North America’s busiest international border crossing, the University of Windsor is a renowned and long-standing public university with a rich history in the heart of Windsor, Ontario. With exceptional award-winning faculty, strong student-faculty relationships, and innovative staff, the University of Windsor embodies an atmosphere of excellence and encourages lifelong learning, teaching, research, and discovery.
As the University of Windsor enables the Foundational Commitments found in Aspire: Together for Tomorrow Strategic Plan, the University’s Human Resources Department have begun our work to support the advancement of the institutional mission. Through an HRIS system implementation, the adoption of Human Resource Business Partners, and a focus on HR Services, the University of Windsor’s HR Team is transforming to support the University. Through the leadership from the VP, People, Equity and Inclusion, we are collaborating to build and foster an inclusive and just workplace that supports employees to develop the tools to achieve their goals and aspirations. Our commitment to diversity and innovation drives us to attract, develop, and inspire a dynamic workforce. Be part of a team that values strategic leadership and delivers impactful solutions.
The Opportunity:
Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources, the Director, Employee and Labour Relations will serve as a strategic partner, championing a strong service orientation through the development and implementation of comprehensive labour strategies and expert advice on labour and employment matters. This role is instrumental in promoting and sustaining a positive and constructive employee and labour relations environment within a complex, multi-union organization.
As a senior leader within the Human Resources team, the Director, Employee and Labour Relations will collaborate closely with other senior leaders within Human Resources, as well as the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion. The Director, Employee and Labour Relations will provide expertise in dispute resolution strategies and relationship-building with Union Leadership and National Representatives. The Director, Employee and Labour Relations will align the bargaining strategy with principles that support a people-centric, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Additionally, the Director, Employee and Labour Relations will support effective communication and mutual understanding among stakeholders to ensure compliance with Collective Agreements and University policies.
What’s In It For You?
- Compensation Range of $127,341 - $159,175
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Pension Plan Enrolment Available
- Competitive Vacation Time
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Continuous Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement Options, and Access to Athletic Facilities
What You’ll Be Responsible For:
- Fostering an environment that supports a proactive and constructive relationship with labour partners by consistently and effectively administering relevant policies, past practices, arbitration decisions, legislation, and staff collective agreements.
- Identifying and implementing sustained communication and engagement plans to foster receptivity to change and alignment across the University as it pertains to employee relations.
- Supporting all aspects of grievance and arbitration cases including analyzing relevant data and information and preparing and delivering the University’s responses to labour relations matters.
- Developing and facilitating bargaining strategies and providing staff bargaining teams with frameworks for preparation, analysis, and strategic plans regarding current issues and recommended bargaining positions.
- Acting as a full member and Lead Negotiator in staff bargaining teams and contributing to strategy development, position formulation, and mediation during negotiations.
- Having active and continual involvement in the planning and strategy of ongoing relations, including the implementation of each new staff collective agreement and monitoring the implementation of the agreements between negotiations.
- Directing, monitoring, and evaluating the activities of direct reports, and offering guidance to enhance their skills in proactive issue resolution and project leadership.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Human Resources, Psychology, or other related field. Candidates may also have a combination of related education or experience.
- 8 – 10+ years of progressive experience in labour relations management within a large multi-site, unionized workplace.
- 5+ years of experience as a lead negotiator in collective bargaining, collective agreement interpretation, and advising through the grievance/arbitration process.
- Proven and demonstrated knowledge of applicable labour and employment legislation, including assessing and interpreting complex collective agreement language and providing effective guidance to stakeholders.
- Previous experience in effectively supervising and leading HR staff and facilitating the planning, development, and implementation of new or revised department programs/initiatives.
- Well-developed conflict resolution, mediation, and group problem-solving skills with the ability to work with staff at all organizational levels and resolve issues in a positive, ethical, and respectful manner.
- Strong planning, time-management, leadership, and organizational skills to manage a portfolio of services and support effective service delivery.
Complimentary Experience:
- A Master’s degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, or Business Administration would be considered a strong asset.
- A CHRP/CHRL (Certified Human Resources Professional/Leader) would be considered a strong asset.
- Previous experience utilizing HRIS systems and Microsoft Suite Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- The ability to always exercise tact and diplomacy while working within a diverse environment.
- The ability to work as part of a cross-functional senior team member.
The University of Windsor is committed to building a diverse team comprised of varied skills, strengths, and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed, and we welcome applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, and sexual orientations to apply. The University of Windsor welcomes all members of the community as reflected in our student body as well as in our recruitment of both staff and volunteers to ensure that we reflect the diversity of the Windsor, Ontario Community.