Senior Director, Labour and Employee Relations

University of Ottawa • Lexington, MA

32d

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources, this role is accountable for the development, implementation and evaluation of organizational frameworks, policies, plans and programs related to labour and staff relations at the University of Ottawa. As a change agent in the Human Resources team, brings best practices in Labour Relations, as well as an innovative, collaborative and strategic approach to all labour relations initiatives. Acts as the chief negotiator on the University’s important labour relations files and as a strategic partner that provides advice and expertise to all faculties and services in order to ensure consistency and efficiency in the resolution of complex labour relations matters while ensuring adherence to collective agreements and all relevant legislation. Leads partnership-building and liaison initiatives among Employee and Staff Relations, Academic Affairs, the Human Rights Office, the Legal Counsel Office and the Privacy Office, with the objective of aligning strategic directions favouring a strong work climate, and ensuring that best practices are employed as it relates to compliance. Effectively leverages these partnerships for the purpose of resolving conflict at all levels. In collaboration with all sectors of Human Resources, develops innovative strategies and continuous improvement initiatives towards attaining key strategic objectives and global university priorities, and ensures their execution.

Requirements

• Master’s degree, preferably in Industrial Relations or an advanced degree in a related field or an acceptable equivalence of education and experience
• Ten (10) years of experience in a leadership capacity related to labour relations and employment law
• Extensive experience in engaging union leadership, collective agreement interpretation and advising along with grievance/arbitration process management experience.
• Knowledge of strategic and tactical problem-solving approaches and an ability to convert strategic objectives into tangible action plans and results.
• Experience in strategic planning and project management
• Experience in mediation and facilitation
• Exceptional ability to influence others
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong communication, relationship building and listening skills
• Ability to work under pressure and stress and adhere to strict deadlines
• Demonstrated proactive client service focus
• Awareness of and sensitivity to diversity
• Bilingualism (written and oral expression) essential

Nice To Haves

• Graduate of Bachelor of common or civil law is an asset
• Ten (10) years of experience as chief negotiator in collective bargaining (asset)
• Familiarity with and respect for collegial organizational culture is critical, as is the demonstrated ability to lead in an inclusive, collaborative and consensus-building style
• Experience working with complex costing methodologies such as pension and benefits issues at the negotiating table

Responsibilities

• As Chief Negotiator provides leadership and expertise in liaison and negotiations with all administrative groups governed by collective agreements, as well as in consultation with staff associations, while espousing a consistent guiding principle of early intervention.
• Plays an active role in academic collective bargaining.
• Plays a key role in establishing good communications and fostering a positive labour relations climate with administrative unions and employee associations.
• Acts as a strategic collaborator that provides services such as representation, support and advice for complex labour and employment related matters including the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, collective bargaining, grievance handling and resolution, mediation and arbitration, conflict investigation and resolution, discipline and performance management for all staff.
• Liaises with Legal Counsel on employment matters.
• Manages a team of labour relations experts whose mandate is to address files of strategic importance related to individual and collective disputes.
• Oversees ongoing special projects and analyses.
• Guides and coaches team members, and ensures the consistent application of set guiding principles across file resolution performed by all members of the Employee and Staff Relations team.
• Ensures that ongoing changes in legislation related to employer rights and obligations are incorporated into mission-critical decision-making which aligns with the strategic direction of labour relations.
• Leads the internal preparation cycle for collective agreement negotiation, with the objective of ensuring optimum positioning and favourable outcomes.
• Leads the governance of all HR policies and methods, ensures the update and maintenance as well as consultation with administrative union groups and staff association.

Benefits

• The University of Ottawa offers a generous pay and benefits package that includes a competitive salary, a defined benefit pension plan, group insurance coverage and an employee and family assistance program.
• Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees