Senior Employee & Labour Relations Advisor

We are currently seeking a Senior Employee (& Labour) Relations Advisor to join our team.

The Senior Employee (& Labour) Relations Advisor will provide consultative employee and labour relations support to assigned lines of business and individual employees on: problem solving diverse employee and labour relations issues; providing effective resolution to concerns and ensuring alignment with provincial and federal employment and labour law. This role will also conduct internal investigations, interpret policy and collective agreements and apply expert knowledge of various human resources functions, applicable laws and internal policies. This role provides primary consultative services and support to performance leaders who manage within FW unionized areas.

Here's what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Performance Management: Supports leaders through the performance improvement process, providing advice on methods to improve performance in a targeted timeframe, in order to achieve and sustain desired improvements; gains an understanding of the issues with the leader/employee and provides advice on short term performance improvement methods for employees to achieve the required standards; advises on the preparation of a performance success plan and reviews processes including how to conduct the employee meeting.
2. Legal & Regulatory Requirements: Ensures any employment actions taken are in compliance with applicable provincial or federal laws, internal policies and regulations; provides advice/guidance on policy and collective agreement interpretations as related to individuals, leaders and organizational objectives. Provides assistance and support in legal research and litigation activities and prepares routine and non-routine documents for employment related legal issues. Provides support and assistance for any grievances and participates and/or supports the collective bargaining process.
3. Internal Investigations: Reviews cases of serious violations of company rules governing employee conduct and recommends actions appropriate for resolution up to and including disciplinary action and termination of employment. Provides support and guidance to performance leaders through the formal warning process, from commencement to completion.
4. HR Audits: Ensures employment law compliance and risk control through auditing of HR functions including, but not limited to, recruitment, employee relations, disability management, and HR Services. Adheres strictly to compliance and operational risk controls in accordance with FW and regulatory standards, policies and procedures, reports control weaknesses, compliance breaches and operational loss events.
5. Leadership: Serves as an advocate and confidential resource for both leaders and employees while maintaining a strict standard of confidentiality in handling FW information, reports and correspondence. Provides advice and counsel in difficult, high risk, or sensitive employee relation issues. Establishes effective and influential relationships across FW demonstrating trusted and sound judgement; fosters open communication, seeks accountability and demonstrates confidence in own experience and decisions. Participates in specialized initiatives and procedural training of people services employees, performance leaders, and employees, as required or related to managing employee relations and risk.

This position may be required to support labour relations on a more consistent basis.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• College diploma in a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• CPHR designation an asset
• 5 years' experience in an employee relations role with 2 years labour relations experience
• Previous experience participating in the Collective Bargaining process an asset
• Ability to analyze sensitive data and information from variety of sources and make sound recommendations
• Ability to manage changing priorities and execute quick responses and decisions in scenarios where there is limited information and facts and balance the risk reward trade off with good judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Proficient with computer software programs e.g. MS Office and HRIS systems
• Demonstrated employment and labour law expertise
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.

Pay Transparency

Salary Range: $73,920 - $94,700

Please note, the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate's skills and experience. First West is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive rewards package that reflects the value an individual brings to our organization.