One-Year Internal Secondment Opportunity

Are you interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Human Resources and experiencing first-hand how employee and labour relations supports the University and its people? This one-year internal secondment chance offers an employee the chance to work within HR, broaden their professional experience, and gain meaningful insight into the complexities of employee and labour relations.

This opportunity is particularly suited to someone who is genuinely interested in understanding the workings of HR, brings sound judgment and professionalism, and recognizes the importance of discretion and maintaining strict confidentiality when entrusted with sensitive employee and workplace information. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to learn, contribute, and develop a broader organizational perspective while working alongside experienced HR professionals.

At the conclusion of the one-year secondment, the successful candidate will return to their original position, subject to approval from their home department.

The Senior Employee & Labour Relations Specialist plays a key role within the Human Resources department by supporting all aspects of employee and labour relations to ensure a positive and productive work environment. Reporting to the Senior Manager - Human Resources, this position assists in developing and implementing strategies, policies, and programs that promote effective employee relations, manage union relationships, and ensure compliance with relevant labour laws and regulations. The Specialist provides guidance to University Leadership on employee relations matters, fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and respect across the institution.

Additionally, the incumbent supports investigations into employee conduct, harassment, or other allegations. This role is integral to maintaining positive employee and labour relations,



contributing to University goals, and ensuring a compliant and supportive work environment for all employees

Responsibilities

- Serve as the primary contact for all labour relations matters, including interpreting collective agreements, addressing grievances, and supporting the arbitration process.
- Develop and implement proactive labour relations strategies to prevent disputes and foster a collaborative work environment.
- Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
- Conduct investigations into workplace harassment or misconduct, ensuring fair and impartial outcomes in compliance with university policies and legal requirements.
- Stay updated on labour legislation and industry trends to inform policies and practices, minimizing legal risks and promoting compliance.
- Develop and maintain a labour relations database to track grievance trends, arbitration outcomes, and other key metrics.
- Foster positive relationships with union representatives, leadership, employees, and other stakeholders, serving as a resource and advisor on employee relations matters.
- Develop and oversee diversity and inclusion initiatives to promote a fair and equitable workplace

Qualifications

- Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in employee and labour relations with demonstrated expertise in collective bargaining,



grievance resolution, investigations, and policy development.Other combinations of experience and education will also be considered.
- Exceptional knowledge of provincial employment laws and regulations, collective bargaining principles, and employment regulations applicable to the higher education sector.
- Comprehensive understanding of collective bargaining principles and labour relations practices.
- Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and principles.
- Familiarity with occupational health and safety regulations.
- Knowledge of conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques.
- Understanding of project management principles and practices.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.

📌 Senior Employee and Labour Relations Specialist (Northeastern Ontario)
🏢 Lakehead University
📍 Northeastern Ontario