Our client is a well-established, multi-site industrial organization with operations across Ontario and a growing national footprint. With a strong operational foundation and a commitment to workforce stability and engagement, the organization continues to invest in strengthening its labour and employee relations function to support evolving business needs.
The Manager, Labour & Employee Relations is a hands-on leader responsible for providing strategic oversight and operational support for all hourly employees across multiple Ontario facilities. This role balances collective agreement administration with the development of progressive employee relations practices in non-union environments. Acting as a key partner to operational leadership, the Manager ensures legislative compliance, facilitates effective dispute resolution, and strengthens engagement across the plant floor.
Leadership & Workforce Strategy
Partners with Leadership to define and implement a holistic labour strategy supporting retention and engagement of both union and non-union hourly staff. Designs and executes two-way communication initiatives, including Town Halls, to maintain visibility and monitor workforce sentiment. Coaches frontline Supervisors on fair treatment principles, effective documentation, and ESA compliance, while delivering structured supervisor “Bootcamps” focused on soft skills and legislative awareness. Standardizes hourly onboarding practices across Ontario locations and serves as liaison with the Ministry of Labour regarding matters under the Labour Relations Act and ESA.
Union Labour Relations
Leads grievance management and represents the organization in mediation and arbitration proceedings. Maintains awareness of industry labour trends to inform negotiation strategy and acts as spokesperson during collective bargaining. Oversees full lifecycle CBA administration, ensuring compliance with provisions related to seniority, overtime, and job postings. Advises managers on grievance handling, arbitration procedures, and performance or disciplinary matters.
Non-Union Employee Relations
Leads the development and annual review of employee handbooks for non-unionized facilities, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with industry standards. Establishes open-door and ADR frameworks to proactively resolve employee concerns. Develops standardized hourly performance management and progressive discipline processes to support defensible “Just Cause” decisions. Conducts thorough workplace investigations and provides clear corrective action recommendations.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of education, labour relations expertise, and hands-on HR experience within manufacturing or industrial environments. A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Labour Relations, or a related field is required, with a CHRL designation or specialized Labour/Industrial Relations certification preferred.
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of direct experience supporting unionized workplaces, along with demonstrated experience managing non-union hourly employee groups, including policy/handbook development, dispute resolution, and employee relations frameworks. Strong experience conducting complex workplace investigations and providing legally defensible recommendations is required.
The role also requires practical experience administering WSIB claims, including appeals, SIEF relief, modified work planning, and return-to-work coordination. A strong working knowledge of the Ontario Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and their application in workplace and WSIB matters is essential.
Pay: $110,000.00-$130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
