Manager, Labour Relations

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.

Duties Responsibilities
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
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

Additional Information
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 including access to a Health Care Spending Account of up to $500 if eligible!
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
For more information on our generous benefits, click here!

BCIT is committed to the principles of equity, diversity inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring for systemically oppressed groups who have been excluded from full participation at BCIT and the larger community. This includes Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2S/LGBTQIA+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact RecruitmentAssistant@bcit.ca. 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).

Position Details
Posting Category
Management

Salary Range
$123,820 - $177,++2, with a control point of $154,775 per annum

Additional Salary Information
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and the maximum base salary for a position. The control point of the range represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred, or promoted between the minimum and the control point of the salary range for a job, taking internal equity into account. Salaries above the control point may be considered for extenuating circumstances and must be approved by an external governing body.

Department 2
HR Employee Relations

Campus Location
Burnaby campus

Bargaining Unit
Management

Job Status
Regular

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time

Number of Vacancies
1

Anticipated Start Date
07/14/2025

Anticipated End Date

Competition Information
Competition Number
25M200

Competition Open Date
05/10/2025

Competition Close Date

Open Until Filled?
Yes Read more