THE OPPORTUNITY
Operating under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Labour Relations Manager provides strategic counsel, expert advice, and hands-on administration for all labour relations matters affecting ECAO members. This includes playing a key role in the preparation and coordination of provincial multi-employer collective bargaining, managing grievance procedures, and maintaining high-trust relationships with union partners and industry stakeholders. The Labour Relations Manager is also responsible for managing ECAO’s Labour Relations Analyst.
The ideal candidate brings a sophisticated understanding of the unionized construction sector, a consultative approach to dispute resolution, and the ability to translate complex legislative and contractual language into actionable guidance for contractors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. LABOUR RELATIONS AND COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT ADMINSTRATION
· Grievance & Dispute Management: Review all grievances filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) to determine provincial or Electrical Trade Bargaining Agency (ETBA) impact. Coordinate with local Electrical Contractor Associations (ECAs) to ensure local awareness and alignment.
· Legal Prep & Research: Research case law, gather evidence, and prepare materials for mediations and arbitrations in conjunction with legal counsel. Maintain and leverage labour relations databases to track trends and ensure consistent agreement interpretation.
· Member Advisory Services: Act as a primary consultative resource for ECAO members and local ECAs, interpreting complex provincial collective agreement clauses and advising on workplace best practices.
· Bargaining Preparation: Support province-wide, multi-employer collective bargaining processes. Coordinate resources, research language, and analyze trends to assist the ETBA bargaining team in achieving unified employer outcomes.
· Member Education: Develop and deliver specialized labour relations training and updates (such as supervisor training, webinar modules, and "You Ought to Know" educational content) to inform contractors on collective agreement interpretation.
2. STAKEHOLDER AND INDUSTRY RELATIONS
· Partnership Management: Build and sustain highly collaborative relationships with external partners, including the IBEW Construction Council of Ontario (IBEW CCO), Local Business Managers, and the IBEW International Office.
· Industry Representation: Represent ECAO interests and maintain professional alliances across major industry bodies, including the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario (CECCO) and the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS).
· Executive & Board Support: Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and ETBA Chair to prepare speaking points, reference materials, and policy directions for internal Board and committee meetings (including the ECAO Board, Executive Committee, and ETJB). Assist with broader strategic planning and government relations initiatives.
3. EVENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
· Event Coordination: Assist in planning and executing ECAO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), annual Industry Conference, and specialized industry symposiums (e.g., Low Voltage and Systems Integration Forums).
· Operational Bench Strength: Assist the Executive Director with departmental administration and stand ready to act on their behalf or manage operations during brief absences.
DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Experience: Extensive progressive experience in a dedicated Labour Relations capacity within a highly unionized environment (experience within the Ontario ICI construction sector or broader construction trades is a significant asset).
· Education: A post-secondary degree in Labour Relations, Human Resources, Law, or a closely related field is preferred. Advanced training in dispute resolution/conflict management are highly desirable.
· Labour Relations Expertise: Proven exposure to contract negotiations, multi-employer collective bargaining preparation, grievance arbitration, and OLRB procedures.
· Relationship & Communication Skills: A polished, professional presence with exceptional social and consultative skills. Demonstrated ability to listen actively, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and communicate effectively with senior executives, local managers, and labour leaders.
· Research & Analytical Acumen: Strong legal research and case analysis skills. Highly proficient with digital tools (Microsoft Office Suite) and modern methods of database tracking and digital member communications.
· Organizational Rigor: Detail-oriented with a strong team philosophy; capable of managing multiple high-priority files simultaneously, adhering to strict statutory timelines, and shifting priorities under pressure.
WHY ECAO
ECAO offers a distinctive leadership opportunity at the intersection of labour relations, construction, industry policy, and association management. The successful candidate will work directly with senior contractor leaders, labour partners, legal counsel, government and industry organizations, and ECAO’s Board and committees.
This is a role for someone who wants to deepen their labour-relations expertise while developing a broader understanding of executive association leadership and the electrical construction industry.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a résumé and cover letter outlining your relevant labour-relations experience and interest in this position to [email protected] by September 18, 2026.
ECAO is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodation is available throughout the process upon request.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Use of artificial intelligence in recruitment: ECAO does not use artificial intelligence tools to screen, assess, or select applicants. Final hiring decisions are made by ECAO personnel.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $150,000.00-$200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Etobicoke, ON M9W 6L2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have direct experience managing labour relations in the unionized construction industry, including interpreting or administering collective agreements?
- Do you have experience working with province-wide or multi-employer collective agreements?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Etobicoke, ON M9W 6L2
