Labor Relations Consultant
About The Position
The Labour Relations Consultant (LRC) plays a key role in advancing this purpose by providing specialized labour and employee relations expertise that strengthens trust, fairness, and constructive dialogue across NorQuest College. Reporting to the Director, People & Talent Operations, the LRC provides expert, strategic labour relations advice, guidance, and support to the People & Talent Operations team, leaders, and employees across NorQuest College. As a trusted subject matter expert, the LRC ensures compliance with collective agreements, legislation (including the Alberta Employment Standards Code, PSERA, and Human Rights legislation), and internal policies, while fostering strong, effective, and respectful relationships with union and association partners. The LRC partners with HRBPs and leaders in the management of labour and employee relations matters, including grievances, complaints, and workplace concerns. The role provides consultation, risk assessment, and recommendations, and supports dispute resolution and investigation processes, particularly in complex or high-risk situations. This role works closely with external legal counsel to prepare for and attend hearings, including arbitrations, on behalf of NorQuest College. The LRC participates in labour management meetings with AUPE and the NCFA, contributing to collaborative problem solving and improved labour relations outcomes. The role is also a member of the collective bargaining team, responsible for preparing materials, analyzing issues, and supports NorQuest at the bargaining table. The LRC leads coordination with external legal counsel, ensuring seamless information flow, high‑quality documentation, and strategic alignment in preparation for hearings, arbitrations, and formal responses to complaints.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labour/Industrial Relations, Business, or Law; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- CPHR designation required.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive HR/LR experience in a unionized environment, including 3 years of direct experience with grievance administration, investigations, and collective bargaining support.
- Advanced knowledge of labour relations practices, collective agreements, grievance and arbitration processes.
- Experience conducting workplace investigations using fair, evidence-based methodologies.
- Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply employment legislation and labour jurisprudence.
- Experience working with unions and supporting labour‑management relationships.
- Ability to influence leaders and provide strategic LR advice.
Nice To Haves
- Functional/technical leadership by advising HRBPs, leaders, and internal partners on labour relations practices, collective agreement interpretation, investigations, and dispute resolution processes.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and risk‑assessment skills.
- Skilled at identifying systemic issues and recommending improvements.
- Strong written communication (grievances, investigation reports, briefing notes).
- Effective facilitation and presentation skills for LR training.
- High level of discretion, judgement, and confidentiality.
- Ability to manage multiple complex files and changing priorities.
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Experience with HRIS and/or LR tracking systems (e.g., grievance databases, investigation logs).
- Proficiency in MS 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).
Responsibilities
- Provide expert guidance to leaders, HRBPs, and People and Talent Operations colleagues on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, organizational policies, and employment legislation.
- Identify labour relations risks, assess organizational impact, and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
- Lead and support grievance management, including consultation on grievances, strategy development for escalated files, and accurate tracking of grievances, investigations, arbitrations, complaints, discipline, and LR issues.
- Coordinate with external legal counsel on mediations, arbitrations, and hearings, ensuring timely exchange of information, evidence, and strategic alignment.
- Prepare disclosure packages, witness materials, and hearing documentation to support legal and arbitration processes.
- Conduct research, costing, and data analysis to inform and support collective bargaining proposals.
- Review Respectful Workplace complaints, determine appropriate next steps, and provide guidance on resolution pathways.
- Advise on investigation methodology and conduct or support investigations in complex or high‑risk cases, providing risk‑based recommendations.
- Monitor labour relations trends, case law, and precedents, escalating complex or high‑risk matters to the Director and Legal Counsel as appropriate.
- Design and deliver LR training (collective agreement fundamentals, conflict management, documentation, discipline, investigations).
- Support leaders in applying equitable, inclusive, and culturally aligned approaches to employee and labour relations.
Benefits
- immediate access to comprehensive pension and benefits programs
- generous vacation entitlements
- a flexible benefits package
- a strong culture of continuous learning
- flexible work options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
