Manager, Staff Relations

Department: Human Resouces​​​​​​​
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 

 SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The Manager, Staff Relations, is an experienced generalist in human resources with a speciality in labour relations. They are a key member to the Staff Relations team and an expert leader to the Human Resources Consultants (HRCs). The incumbent will work collaboratively with the entire Human Resources team as well as all employee group leaders across the university.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Staff Relations, the Manager, Staff Relations provides leadership, guidance, training, and strategic support to the HRC team and members of the university at all organizational levels on matters related to staff and labour relations. They are the subject matter expert in human resources practices as well as in the application, interpretation and implementation of collective agreements.

This practiced incumbent will have demonstrated ability to represent the university at all labour relations matters including negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, while proactively building toward a healthy staff relations environment. The incumbent plays a central role in negotiations of assigned employee groups, including serving as chief negotiator during contract negotiations; represents the University at mediations, hearings and arbitrations as required and on various labour/management committees. They are responsible for grievance administration and resolution, including researching, investigating, hearing and drafting responses.  They monitor change and provide advice on federal and provincial employment legislation and policy.  They will lead and/or participate in fact finding and complex investigations as required.  They will serve as a strategic member of the HR team, participating in key HR initiatives, programs and projects related to both unionized and non-unionized staff while providing input and coordination in the development and implementation of strategies, consults on policies, procedures and collaborates with departments related to staff relations and human resources issues.

The incumbent will lead a team of five (5) HRC’s and one (1) HRC Associate. They are required to work independently and as part of the Staff Relations and broader Human Resources team to support the vision, mission and goals of the Human Resources Department and the University of Guelph. The incumbent will serve as backup to the Director when required.

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree specializing in Human Resources, Business, law, Industrial Relations or equivalent directly related education and experience;
• Related post-graduate studies (MIR/MIRHR) is preferred; 
• Demonstrated progressive related experience with a strong background in labour relations and employment/labour law;
• Experience in people management, leadership and the ability to solve staffing challenges with high emotional intelligence and team centred approach;
• Experience in collective bargaining by leading negotiations, and acting as a representative before labour and employment related tribunals is required;
• Experience in a multi-union environment is required;
• Working knowledge of employment and employment-related statutes and principles of labour and employment law including but not limited to the Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, human resources practices, policies and procedures;
• The ability to prioritize, often under pressure and handle sensitive/confidential information;
• Excellent organizational, planning and creative problem solving abilities;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, negotiate, and facilitate solutions;
• Strong analytical, critical and systems thinking skills; tact, diplomacy and proven ability to exercise sound judgement;

This position is regularly performed on campus, however the University has a Flexible Work Policy and a hybrid model is an option.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10912291 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 08    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:   09/13/2024  
Closing Date:  09/27/2024