British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Manager, Labour Relations

Status: Regular, Full-time
Competition Number: 23M106
Position Title: Manager, Labour Relations
 
Who We Are:
At BCIT, putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount. This idea is the foundation of BCIT’s People Vision, which describes the Institute’s goals and priorities in respect to our people. In a complex and uncertain world, it’s vital our people feel valued, supported  and connected.  BCIT champions a culture of innovation and global progress through people’s imagination and creativity. With a competitive compensation package, great work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities, see why we’ve earned the title of one of BC’s Top Employers for over ten years running.

Position Summary:
BCIT’s Human Resources department is seeking a regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) Manager, Labour Relations. This position leads the labour relations function in the development and implementation of labour relations strategies, practices, standards and initiatives aimed at promoting a positive labour environment. Manages relationships with unions, development of bargaining strategies and proposals, conflict resolution processes and legal proceedings, administration of collective agreements, and expert consultation on the most sensitive labour relations matters. Manages a team of specialized practitioners, ensuring that all labour relations practice is carried out in compliance with policy, collective agreements, legislation and jurisprudence.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Supports the Director, contributing senior labour relations perspective to development of department strategies and plans, and leading strategic initiatives that support goals and objectives. Develops reports and presentations to keep the Director informed on labour relations achievements, status of key initiatives, and emerging issues.
• Leads the labour relations function, guiding a team of specialized practitioners in the development and implementation of effective labour relations strategies, practices, standards, and initiatives that promote a positive labour environment.
• Works collaboratively with the other senior HR practitioners and leaders to support a strategic, integrated, and broad approach to all program planning, development and delivery. Builds a collaborative and supportive team approach with all other HR functions.
• Leads the development of an effective labour environment, establishing and fostering productive, collaborative relationships between management, employees, unions, and other stakeholders. Represents the Institute’s legal and business interests while liaising with union executives.
• Leads provision of expert consultation on complex labour relations matters including disciplinary action, and on resolution of the most senstitive issues involving legal interpretations and preparation of legal opinions. Keeps Director informed of critical strategies and approaches being taken.
• Manages development of bargaining strategies, and carries out a pivotal role on the institute’s bargaining committees, also guiding and managing bargaining processes. Leads development of the Institute’s bargaining proposals and assessment of union proposals.
• Manages conflict resolution processes and legal proceedings, including those related to grievances, disputes, job action, mediation, arbitrations, and investigations, as well as board, tribunal, and provincial court matters. Leads negotiation of resolutions and settlements, and oversees formal documentation. Oversees implementation of legal decisions.
• Oversees administration of collective agreements, ensuring appropriate and consistent interpretation and application of all provisions as well as related legislation and jurisprudence pertaining to a diverse range of complex labour matters.
• Manages legal and other labour relations research, and determines appropriate application to day-to-day labour relations activities, bargaining and initiatives. Includes liaison with government and other employers and industry representatives, and participating on external committees.
• Manages development of labour relations policies and processes, and ensure necessary controls are in place to identify and mitigate risks and leverage opportunities as they emerge. Ensures all labour relations practice is in compliance with policy, collective agreements, legislation and jurisprudence.
• Manages reporting staff, including selection, coaching, mentoring, development, performance management and all other people-management practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation preferred
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in human resources, with strong emphasis on labour relations in a large, complex, multi-union environment
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage a team of reporting labour relations practitioners
• Expert knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and techniques of labour relations, with emphasis on conflict resolution and related legal proceedings, collective bargaining, and collective agreement interpretation
• Expert knowledge of the relevant employment, labour, and human rights legislation and related statutes and jurisprudence.
• Expert relationship management skills with ability to develop productive, collaborative relationships between management, employees, unions, and other internal/external stakeholders
• Expert communication, interpersonal, negotiation, investigation, and conflict resolution skills, with ability to guide and manage bargaining processes
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to apply sound judgment in problem solving, evaluating courses of action, and making decisions on complex labour relations matters

Benefits – Why you’d love working with us

• Competitive pay
• Minimum of twenty-five days of vacation
• Competitive employer-paid extended health and dental plan – take a look at our benefit plans!
• Defined benefit pension plan with employer contributions
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements available
• Professional Development funds and resources
• Access to most BCIT Flexible Learning courses free of charge
• Wellness and Employee Assistance programs
• Complimentary membership with free access to the Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, and more

BCIT values diverse experiences, ideas, cultures and perspectives and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. If you require accessibility accommodations during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact RecruitmentAssistant@bcit.ca so we can best support you. Please note that all applications must be submitted via the careers page portal, email applications will not be accepted.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

APPLY NOW