Regional Manager, Industrial Relations

Job Title Regional Manager, Industrial Relations

About Us Welcome to Lactalis Canada! We’re proud to be Canada’s #1 branded dairy company and to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s top employers by Forbes. Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians by offering the best of dairy from Canada’s favourite dairy brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia. In fact, our products can be found in over 90% of Canadian refrigerators in any given time. As part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, we remain focused on innovation and quality and are seeking like-minded individuals to join us as we continue our growth journey.

Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!

About the opportunity This role collaborates closely with the business to spearhead, innovate, and execute human resources strategies, policies, and initiatives, driving tangible contributions towards the attainment of overarching industrial business objectives. The incumbent manages only complex labour relations activities, acting as a liaison between HR, management, and union representatives. This position is leading negotiations, handles complex grievances, ensuring compliance with labour laws, and promoting a positive labour environment in accordance with the labour strategy.

The attributes we are looking for

Provides leadership and consulting to HRM, Plant Leader, VPs Manufacturing on site on a wide range of labor and employee issues. Providing also support in areas of change management, teambuilding, conflict resolution, performance management, progressive discipline, talent management, talent acquisition, compensation, employee development, investigation and case law to support a culture of highly functioning teams. All this in sync with the labor relations strategy.

Collective Bargaining Assistance: Support the Director with the preparation and execution of collective bargaining negotiations, including research, drafting proposals, and attending negotiations to facilitate a successful process, leading to agreements that are favourable to the organization and satisfactory to union members. Act as a spokesperson when designated by the Director.

Assist in the interpretation and administration of collective agreements, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Grievance and Conflict Resolution: In conjunction with site HR resolve grievances effectively and fairly to reduce the potential for escalation and to maintain positive labour-management relations.

Investigate complaints, conduct fact‑finding, and recommend resolutions to minimize organizational and financial costs. Where required act as a mediator in disputes between management and union representatives, to resolve conflicts in a fair and timely manner.

Centrally owns all employee investigations and presents findings to the Business Partnership team for deployment of solution. Where required contribute to the preparation of arbitration files.

Training & Development: Enhance the labour relations knowledge and skills of HR staff and management, leading to more effective and consistent handling of labour issues.

This can be done through training initiatives and promotion of best practices in labour relations across the organization, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

KPI Monitoring & Reporting: Provide actionable insights and data‑driven recommendations that support continuous improvement in labour relations practices.

Work with the team to accurately monitor and report information to contribute to informed decision‑making and strategic planning. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and assist in the development of strategies to improve outcomes. Prepare reports and presentations on labour relations activities and outcomes for senior leadership.

Develop strategies to monitor and correct inefficiencies using the HR dashboards analytics.

Union Relationship Management: Strengthen relationships with union representatives, leading to increased trust and collaboration between management and the workforce. Positive union relations contribute to a more harmonious work environment and reduce the likelihood of disputes.

What you will bring

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Labour Relations, or a related field

Certificate in mediation or conflict resolution an asset

Minimum of 10 years of experience in labour relations in a unionized environment

Experience of collective agreement bargaining is an asset

Strong knowledge of labour laws across Canada and collective bargaining processes

Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Strong organizational skills and an eye for details are essential

Bilingual in English and French an asset and great to have

What Lactalis will offer Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

Company Vehicle or Car Allowance

A Performance‑Based Bonus System

4 Weeks of Vacation

A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%

Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year

A Volunteer Day to give back to your community

Learning and Development opportunities

A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility

Our ESG commitment Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

Our commitment to DEI We thrive on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all. We apply an equal access to employment program and invite women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and people with disabilities to apply. Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we’ll contact you after signing a Job Offer.

Compensation As part of our commitment to fairness, trust, and transparency and our ambition to be an Employer of Choice, the base salary range for this position is

$111,400 – $139,200+ .

Along with a comprehensive Total Rewards package, your actual base salary will be fair, competitive, and be based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.

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