Senior Manager of Labour Relations

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Manager of Labour Relations provides leadership and expert direction in labour relations within a complex, unionized work environment. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources & Labour Relations, this excluded position is accountable for the interpretation, application, and administration of collective agreements; oversight and resolution of grievances; leadership in labour negotiations; and the maintenance of effective union–management relations. In consultation with the Director, this role exercises independent judgment and decision-making when managing labour relations matters and provides strategic advice on issues with operational and organizational impact. The Senior Manager of Labour Relations oversees and directs a team of Human Resources/Labour Relations professionals and ensures the labour relations strategies and practices support organizational objectives, while remaining compliant to applicable employment legislation, and three Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC) collective agreements. This position also ensures adherence to relevant regulatory frameworks, including the Human Rights Code and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). This role is central to fostering a respectful, compliant, and high-performing workplace and is entrusted with matters of a highly sensitive and confidential nature. The Senior Manager of Labour Relations is expected to exercise a high degree of discretion, professionalism, and accountability in managing complex employee and labour relations issues on behalf of the organization. SOCIETY PHILOSOPHY PHS Community Services Society provides housing, harm reduction, health promotion and health care to vulnerable communities. Our supportive housing and low barrier programs provide refuge, services and advocacy for those who are homeless or poorly served elsewhere due to their physical health, mental health, behaviour, substance use, or involvement with the criminal justice system. Our work is grounded in honouring self-determination and providing as much choice of therapeutic treatments as possible within a trauma-informed continuum of care. We foster an environment which accepts and looks to the good in each member. PHS is a renowned innovator and a leader in harm reduction and health care for marginalized communities. PHS Housing actively seeks to find an alternative to eviction in every situation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The job includes, but is not limited to, the following: - Leads the interpretation, application, and administration of collective agreements and labour policies, in consultation with the Director. - Provides expert labour relations guidance and support to HR Advisors and management on grievance handling, investigations, discipline, termination, performance management, and collective agreement interpretation. - In consultation with the Director, oversees all stages of the grievance process, including investigations, responses, settlements, mediations, hearings and arbitrations. - Serves as the primary liaison with union representatives to promote constructive labour relations and collaborative problem-solving. - In collaboration with other team members, leads and facilitates Labour-Management Committee meetings, including preparing new business agenda items, ensuring accurate documentation, and tracking follow-up actions. - Analyzes and monitors labour relations trends and legislative changes and recommends policy or practice improvements. - Builds constructive relationships with union representatives to promote dialogue, trust and workplace stability. - Advises leadership on workforce risk, labour exposure, and contract compliance and ensures the Director is consistently informed of grievance activities, employee relations and disciplinary trends, organizational risks and labour relations issues. Team Management: - Leads and coaches a team of HR and LR professionals, providing mentorship, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities. - Provides guidance, support, and oversight for team members who handle complex labour relations cases, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and grievance proceedings, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of collective agreements and employment legislation. - Ensures consistent, high-quality services aligned with best practices, employment standards, and collective agreements. - Develops and delivers training for managers on collective agreement interpretation, investigations practices, employee relations, and labour relations practices. - Ensures compliance with applicable legislation including employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, and PIPA. - Ensures employee records and personal information are handled and protected in compliance with PIPA and organizational privacy standards. - Other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE - Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. CHRP designation is an asset. - Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 4-5 years in a senior labour relations capacity within a unionized environment. - Expert knowledge of employment and labour law, grievance/arbitration procedures, collective agreement administration, and union relations. - Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, diplomacy, confidentiality and discretion. - Demonstrated experience managing and developing a team of HR professionals. - Current knowledge of HR industry trends, relevant legislation (Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Code, Employment Standards Acts, WorkSafe BC etc.) and compliance requirements. - Experience working in the non-profit sector and in a health, community development or social services organization is a strong asset. - Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. - Proven ability to lead change, influence stakeholders, and build strong working relationships across all organizational levels. - Proficiency in HRIS platforms - Ability to prioritize, work under pressure and manage tight deadlines with a varied and demanding workload. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT - Standard in-office environment with occasional off-site meetings and hearings - Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm