Employee and Labour Experience Advisor, Office of Human Resources

Job ID:                       #GEN-23-06

Job Title:                   Employee and Labour Experience Advisor

Department:           Office of Human Resources

Campus:                    Thunder Bay, ON

Status:                       Part-Time, 7-month contract

Job Category:           General

Date Posted:             June 1, 2023

Closing Date:            June 30, 2023

Why Lakehead University?

Thunder Bay is one of Canada’s top emerging cities. Here you will find a mix of modern city living and the best of nature – all on your doorstep. Thunder Bay provides small city affordability, big city opportunities and the bonus of a superior lifestyle. When it comes to location, nature and cost of living, Thunder Bay is one of the best places to live in Canada. For more on the vibrant city of Thunder Bay, visit thunderbay.ca.

At Lakehead University we challenge the conventional to provide a university experience that’s far from ordinary.  Your unique ideas will be respected and encouraged.  Join our thriving academic community where you can make a real difference through innovation and collaboration.

Lakehead is a comprehensive University with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. In 2022, for the third year in a row, Lakehead University was included in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Lakehead is the highest ranked university in the world with under 10,000 students. Maclean’s has once again included Lakehead University among Canada’s top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in the magazine’s 2023 University Rankings.

About this Job

Reporting to the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations the incumbent works collaboratively with the Human Resources team to assist with providing strategic advice, guidance, recommendations and support to the University’s management team and employees. This role will have a client centered approach by promoting and supporting positive labour and employee relations with matters related to collective agreement interpretation, grievance procedure, performance and attendance management, conduct in the workplace and conflict resolution. 

The incumbent handles confidential information in an appropriate manner and refers more complex queries as appropriate. These include responding to requests or questions from labour relations, providing information or redirecting to other contacts as appropriate; alerting the Manger of any issues that they should be aware of or that require their attention; providing administrative support when required; conducting research, gathering and compiling confidential information in support of special projects, grievances, and the University’s bargaining strategy.

Job Duties

• Provide guidance and support to management and employees on positive employee relations.
• Provide guidance to management on matters relating to workplace conflict and employee misconduct.
• Assist with collective bargaining by researching industry data, identifying trends, surveying appropriate groups, developing proposal recommendations, assessing and analyzing current collective agreements, and participating on the negotiation committee.
• Participate in the processing of grievances, including conducting research, preparing background documentation, briefing documents and summary reports.
• Coach management with performance improvement approaches and strategies related to their employees and provide advice on development
• Develop and deliver training programs for management and employees in areas of, employee and labour relations
• Assist with research and keep current on emerging issues such as legislation changes, case law to ensure compliant and minimizing risks.
• Develop processes to maintain and accurately track LR/ER metrics and prepare regular report, identify trends and emerging labour relations issues.
• Develop, review, and advise on policies as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary education in Human Resource Management and a minimum of 5 years progressive experience in labour and employee relations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A CHRP/CHRL designation would be an asset
• Experience and advanced knowledge on matters such as employee/labour relations, performance management, investigations/fact-finding, discipline, workplace complaints and grievances.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including but not limited to the Ontario Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act, Ontario Employment Standards Act.
• Experience working effectively in a highly confidential and multi-disciplinary environment and building positive relationships with stakeholders. Experience in a University environment would be a definite asset.
• Demonstrated success working in a highly collaborative and team-based environment.
• Strong customer service focus with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated analytical, research and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated proficiency with software applications (Microsoft Office and Google Workspace).
• Demonstrated initiative, tact, discretion and judgment. Possesses a high level of integrity and professionalism
• Ability to interpret and apply complex guidelines, manage multiple conflicting tasks concurrently, professionally, effectively and follow through on multiple work initiatives.

• Experience researching and compiling information in preparation for, and during, the collective bargaining process.
• Experience preparing investigation files, disciplinary letters, and other related correspondence.
• Experience working on an employer brand strategy would be an advantage.

Working Conditions

• Office environment
• Varying hours of work to accommodate meetings and events outside of regular working hours

What do We Offer?

Lakehead University has a commitment to supporting employees and providing opportunities for flexible and diverse work arrangements.  We are proud to share the Alternate Work Arrangement Guideline as a step to creating innovative schedules that work for our employees to promote a quality work-life balance.  Please inquire with the hiring manager if this position is eligible for an Alternate Work Arrangement.

How to Apply

Interested applicants may apply by clicking on this link to this Google Form and attaching your cover letter and resume in word or PDF format.

If you are experiencing any issues with the Google Form, please email careers@lakeheadu.ca for assistance.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.  Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.  This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements