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City of Stratford

Policy & Employee Relations Consultant

(Internal and External Posting)

Job Posting#: 2026-05-B

Status: Permanent Full-Time

Position Type: New Position

Union/Non-union: Non-Union

Date Posted: May 4, 2026

Annual Salary: $82,610 - $96,660 *Under Review*

Closing Deadline: May 18, 2026

Department/Division: Human Resources

Location: On-Site (Stratford, ON) / Hybrid

Duties:

Reporting to the Manager of Human Resources, the Policy & Employee Relations Consultant is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Corporation’s HR policies and frameworks, while providing guidance on employee relations matters and workplace investigations.

This role provides expert, in-house leadership in establishing clear, consistent, and defensible policy direction across the organization. It strengthens decision-making by building internal capacity and ensuring the effective interpretation and application of policies, Collective Agreements, and legislation. The role ensures that HR policies and employee relations practices are fair, strategically aligned, and compliant with applicable legislation and Collective Agreements.

Work Performed:

- Lead the development, review, and continuous improvement of corporate HR policies, procedures, and frameworks, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with legislation, Collective Agreements, and organizational priorities.

- Establish and maintain a structured policy governance framework, including standardized templates, approval processes, and version control, to support consistent application across the organization.

- Interpret legislation and Collective Agreement provisions into clear, practical policies, guidelines, and decision-making tools for leaders and HR staff.

- Identify policy gaps, inconsistencies, and areas of organizational risk, and develop recommendations to strengthen governance and reduce exposure.

- Provide expert advice and guidance to management on the interpretation and application of HR policies, Collective Agreements, and legislation across a range of employee relations matters, including discipline, performance management, attendance, and conduct.

- Support consistent and defensible decision-making across departments through a policy and risk-based approach.

- Ensure the consistent application of policies, practices, and progressive discipline across the organization, reducing organizational risk and grievance exposure.





- Provide oversight and guidance on workplace investigations, including harassment, discrimination, and workplace misconduct, ensuring alignment with established policies, procedural fairness, and defensible outcomes.

- Develop and maintain standardized investigation frameworks, tools, and documentation to support internal capacity and consistency.

- Support the preparation and review of investigation reports, findings, and recommendations to ensure alignment with policy, legislation, and best practice.

- Support grievance management by providing policy interpretation, analysis, and recommendations, ensuring positions are aligned with Collective Agreement obligations and organizational approach.

- Act as a central resource for policy interpretation and employee relations guidance, reducing reliance on external consultants and legal counsel where appropriate.

- Develop and deliver training, tools, and resources to build internal capacity in policy application, employee relations practices, and legislative compliance.

- Monitor trends in employee relations and workplace issues and recommend proactive policy and program improvements to mitigate risk and strengthen organizational effectiveness.

- Ensure compliance with applicable employment and labour legislation, including but not limited to the Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), and other relevant federal and provincial legislation.

- Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with corporate standards and legislative requirements.

- Provide functional leadership and coordination across HR activities related to policy and employee relations, influencing stakeholders without direct supervisory authority.

- Operate with a high degree of independence and judgment in managing complex and sensitive matters.

- Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

- University degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration or equivalent.

- Minimum 3–5 years of progressive HR experience,



with demonstrated experience in policy development and employee relations within a unionized environment.

- Proven experience developing, reviewing, or implementing HR policies, procedures, or frameworks, including interpreting legislation and Collective Agreements.

- Strong working knowledge of applicable Ontario employment and labour legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and MFIPPA.

- Experience advising on employee relations matters, including discipline, performance management, and workplace investigations.

Specialized Skills, Abilities, Training, License, Memberships, or Certifications

- Advanced ability to develop clear, practical, and defensible HR policies in a unionized environment

- Ability to translate complex requirements into consistent, organization-wide approaches

- High level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive matters

- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, structured, and defensible documentation

Applications will be accepted until May 18, 2026 at 4:30 pm. This position is eligible for a Hybrid work arrangement under the City's Hybrid Work from home Arrangement (HRWA) policy.

The City of Stratford is not using Artificial Intelligence (AI) at any stage of the recruitment process.

The City of Stratford is committed to building a culture where difference is valued. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be on behalf of the community we serve. We are committed to continuously improving our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers, promote respect and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants with a diverse range of perspectives, skills and lived experiences to apply.

Accommodations are available for people with disabilities throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Applicants should make their needs known in advance.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information collected in response to this advertisement is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Stratford. Please direct inquiries to the Human Resources Department at (phone hidden) x 336.

Human Resources Department

City Hall, P.O. Box 818

Stratford, ON N5A 6W1

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📌 Policy & Employee Relations Consultant (Stratford)
🏢 City of Stratford
📍 Stratford