POSITION

MANAGER, EMPLOYEE & LABOUR RELATIONS

HUMAN RESOURCES

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Manager, Employee & Labour Relations strategically supports CAST's management and staff by implementing people strategies that drive organizational results in support of HR's and CAST's strategic plans. The Manager leads employee and labour relations initiatives including labour-management collaboration, collective bargaining, collective agreement administration, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, employee engagement, and performance management. The Manager ensures appropriate actions are taken regarding human rights complaints, workplace harassment investigations, grievance management, and the mediation of workplace conflict, while supporting Human Resources' vision of achieving harmonious employee-employer relationships and a positive, productive labour relations environment.

In collaboration with HR colleagues, the Human Resources Manager, Employee & Labour Relations provides strategic HR leadership by supporting committees, labour relations initiatives, policy development, employee relations programs, and organizational compliance with employment, labour, and human rights legislation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

- Supports the CHRO to plan, develop, lead, implement, and evaluate activities to meet long-term and short-term employee needs in support of the strategic direction of the organization.

Employee/Labour Relations

- In conjunction with the Chief Human Resources Officer, develops an overall employee and labour relations strategy and mandate
- Partners, supports and backs-up the CHRO/Chief Negotiator through the Bargaining process
- Assumes role of Chief negotiator/spokesperson as assigned by the CHRO
- Actively participates and supports the bargaining teams, contributing to the development of bargaining strategy.
- Develops the proposed bargaining mandate and parameters for Executive Team and Board approval
- Provides research and metrics analysis, presentations and recommendations or organizational and staff effectiveness with impacts on CAST from a Labour Relations perspective.
- Coordinates, facilitates and participates in regular Union Management Meetings.
- Interfaces and partners with the Union Executive to develop proactive and constructive labour relations
- Accountable for managing dispute resolution, grievances, mediation, arbitration, HRTO and litigation.
- Interfaces with internal and external legal counsel as required.
- Coordinates, advises and/or conducts workplace investigations as required.
- Supports management in the interpretation and administration of the collective agreements.

General

- Contributes to the formulation of the HR integrated agenda, priorities and objectives, and collaborates with HR colleagues to implement cross-functional initiatives by sharing knowledge and experience informally or through participation in project teams.
- Ensures Society’s Code of Ethics, Confidentiality, Anti-Oppression/ Anti-Racism, Harassment & Discrimination policies, etc. are incorporated into self and team.
- Creates, manages and leads teams that reflect diversity, support differences and encourages different perspectives.
- Identifies opportunities to develop and cultivate stakeholder engagement.
- Uses sound judgment in consideration of financial resources within branch/departmental budget.
- Ensures compliance with Society’s financial policies and procedures.
- Works, and ensures assigned staff works,



in a safe manner in accordance with the Society’s health and safety policies and procedures and all relevant legislation.
- Performs additional duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in human resources and/or labour relations, organizational behaviour, business, or equivalent in proven directly related professional experience
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, employee and labour relations, collective bargaining, training and/or industrial relations
- Demonstrated experience in people management, supervising, coaching, mentoring, problem-solving, and organizational processes
- Excellent consulting, communication and engagement skills, coupled with the ability to influence senior stakeholders in establishing/delivering HR actions and metrics to meet strategic objectives

Knowledge and Skills:

- Thorough knowledge of employment, labour, human rights, and occupational health and safety legislation, as well as emerging labour relations trends and best practices.
- Demonstrated expertise in employee and labour relations, including collective bargaining, collective agreement interpretation and administration, grievance management, labour-management relations, collective bargaining support, conflict resolution, and strategic labour relations planning.
- Practical experience conducting workplace investigations related to harassment, discrimination, workplace conduct, and policy violations, while ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
- Effective people management, supervisory, coaching and mentoring skills
- Strong understanding and application of performance management, attendance management, progressive discipline, workplace accommodation, conflict management, mediation, and return-to-work processes.
- Proven ability to provide strategic advice and coaching to leaders on complex employee and labour relations matters within a unionized environment.
- Consistently exercises sound judgment, critical thinking, and effective decision-making when managing sensitive and high-risk situations.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Exceptional client service orientation with the ability to build credibility, develop strong stakeholder relationships, and respond effectively to competing priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise diplomacy, and manage sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
- Highly motivated and results-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple demands, manage competing deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with union representatives, employees, leadership, and external partners.
- Proven ability to foster positive labour-management relationships and support a respectful, inclusive, and productive workplace culture.

ASSETS:

- Public sector experience




- Second language, French preferred
- CHRP or CHRL designation, or in progress

OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation at CAST

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at (phone hidden) x2030.

Human

Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

Equity Hiring Strategy and Application Process The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAS of Toronto) is committed to employing a workforce that is reflective of the population of Toronto as well as the diverse communities we serve. Our Equity Hiring Strategy is deemed to be a Special Program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

- All qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to apply to this job posting.

For management postings under our Equity Hiring Strategy, applicants will be considered as follows:
- Internal qualified applicants who self-identify as being part of one or more of the following under-represented groups: 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, racialized (visible minority) and/or women.

- All internal qualified applicants
- External qualified applicants who self-identify as being part of one or more of the following under-represented groups: 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, racialized (visible minority) and/or women

- All external qualified applicants

During the online application process, applicants will have the prospect to complete the Employment Equity questionnaire, to indicate if they self-identify as being part of one or more of the above under-represented groups. Answering the questionnaire is voluntary and all responses will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes outlined in this program. If the questionnaire is not completed by an applicant, they will not be considered as being from an equity seeking group. The information collected will help us identify qualified applicants from the listed under-represented groups as part of our Equity Hiring Strategy. In addition, information provided will be used to understand the diversity of candidates that apply to roles within CAS of Toronto. A summary of the responses to this questionnaire will be used to help assess application trends and inform the further development, accessibility and enrichment of our recruitment programs.

Qualified applicants who are interested in this opportunity can apply for position by submitting their application consisting of a cover letter and resume by clicking the Apply button below (at www.torontocas.ca/careers), by fax ((phone hidden)), or mail (30 Isabella Street, 5th Floor) to the attention of Human Resources.

Applications for this position must be received in the Human Resources Department, NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM on FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2026.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the posting period. Early submission is recommended. We thank all applicants for their interest; please note that only those who are under consideration will be contacted.

The Children's Aid Society uses AI in the evaluation of questionnaire answers only

📌 Manager, Employee & Labour Relations (Toronto)
🏢 Children's Aid Society of Toronto
📍 Toronto