Manager, Employee And Labour Relations

Position: Manager, Employee and Labour Relations

Work Type: Full Time

It's the St. Mary’s way: compassionate care for our patients and each other, together.

We grow our people and we’re growing the future of healthcare today and tomorrow. Our patients are the heart of why we care, and our staff are the heart of how we care.

This is a pivotal and exciting time as we build for the future. Whether you are starting your career or looking for new experiences, don’t let our size fool you. We are leaders in our field recognized globally for world-class, innovative healthcare.

Our vision of “Inspiring Excellence. Healthier Together” is not just about our approach to patient-centred care, it’s also about our commitment to our staff.

Join us, learn with us, grow the future of healthcare…together.

The St. Mary’s Way:

Inclusive: You are valued for your whole, authentic self.

Training & Development: We’ll invest in you as we grow our team of today and the future.

Wellbeing Supports: Wraparound supports professionally and personally.

Leaders in Healthcare: Join a winning team voted Top 100 Forbes Canada's Best Employers 2022 & 2023, and best hospital in Waterloo Region in the Record's Reader Choice Awards!

Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB screening, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at St. Mary’s General Hospital. Staff will require clearance from Employee Health and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within SMGH.

Position Summary:

• Reporting to the Chief, the Manager, Employee & Labour Relations is the trusted expert and integral contributor to the hospital’s people strategy and resource planning initiatives. As a key member of the leadership team, the manager serves as a credible advisor to employees and leaders, coaching, advising, and empowering them to navigate their people and process issues while ensuring a safe, positive, and inclusive workplace culture.
• This role employs theoretical concepts and practices in HR management, case law knowledge and analysis, best practices and trends, risk management and organizational change principles, to successfully support and guide employees, leaders, and the people services team.
• Leading a group of labour professionals, who have dedicated client group oversight for their operational areas, this leader shares insights, guidance and mentoring on service area supports and team relations issues. The Manager builds and maintains strong and positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance organizational performance through an authentic, collaborative, problem-solving approach. In addition, the role will ensure successful Employee and Labour Relations including the management of legal risk, legislative requirements, development, and updating key policies, as well as managing complex and day to day employee issues that arise.

Position Requirements:

• University degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial / Labour Relations
• Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) designation is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive human resources generalist experience within a multi-union environment with extensive knowledge of legal principles and framework associated with all aspects of Labour Relations (including collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, discipline and discharge, performance management, attendance management, etc.)
• Five (5) years experience leading, coaching, and successfully developing a high-performing team of HR professionals.
• In-depth understanding and involvement with Human Resources policies and procedures, and employment-related legislation (Labour Relations Act, Pay Equity Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Employment Standards Act, Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act, etc.)
• Recognized experience in providing advice, support, and facilitation regarding Employee and Labour Relations matters, including investigations, grievance and arbitration, discipline, performance, attendance management and other conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis, interpret information, resolve complex issues and present recommendations and proposals that support corporate objectives.
• Advanced aptitude to mobilize and engage others with highly developed leadership, coaching, strategic advisory and consultative expertise coupled with highly analytical and strong conceptual thinking skills to translate data into creative inclusive solutions.
• Proven collaborator with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiations skills with an ability to clearly communicate complex information verbally and written, influence across all levels, and obtain buy-in when diverse needs and competing priorities exist.
• Strong ability to function independently and as a member of a team dealing with multiple priorities in a complex environment utilizing tact, confidentiality, judgment, analytical and reasoning skills.
• Successfully able to perform their role in accordance with prescribed standards that focus on the priority of People Safety and the delivery of the highest standard of Quality Care.
• Demonstrate the physical and mental capabilities necessary for proper and efficient performance of the essential duties of the position.

Preferred Requirements: 

• Previous experience working in Human Resources within a hospital or healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

Working Conditions:

Prolonged sitting – highly administrative

Light physical activity including walking, stair climbing, keyboarding, etc.

Moderate to extensive mental effort

Minimal to no exposure to hazardous and uncomfortable conditions

What we offer:

Health and Dental benefits for Full-Time Employees

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Tuition Assistance Program

A great team

Life in Waterloo Region:

Multicultural

Innovation Hub

Public Transportation

Leading Schools

Thriving Economy

Vibrant Cultural & Community Activities

Application Instructions:

As per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. SMGH is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact recruiting@smgh.ca.

We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.