Manager, Employee Relations

The Halton Regional Police Service contributes to the safety and well-being of about 600,000 residents in the Towns of Milton, Halton Hills and Oakville, and the City of Burlington. With a workforce of more than 1,000 staff and an operating budget of more than $155 million, we work in partnership with the communities we serve and deliver quality, cost-effective public safety and crime prevention services. We are recognized as a leading police agency in the areas of diversity and community safety and well-being initiatives and are committed to ensuring our Region is safer tomorrow than today.

With a new strategic plan focused on key themes of Community Safety and Well-Being, Outreach and Collaboration, Capacity and Engagement, and Leadership and Excellence, the Human Resources team is looking for a new Manager, Employee Relations to play a pivotal role in our evolution and achieving our objectives.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference. 

The Manager, Employee Relations will assist the organization in the delivery of police services including but not limited to, labour relations, workforce planning, recruitment, job descriptions, job evaluations, performance management, workplace investigations and complaints, and employee relations.  They will Embrace Human Resources best practices and customize them to effectively position the HRPS to thrive in an evolving environment. 

Join us, and be part of a dedicated team which strives to make our region the best place to live, work and play.

Key activities include:

• Coach, develop and manage HR team including supervisory/professional level, providing guidance and feedback on staff performance and taking corrective action where necessary.

• Evaluate changes in legislation governing Human Resources services to determine their impact on HRPS; developing, revising and/or recommending changes to Policies and Procedures to ensure compliance.

• Participate and manage the approved Unit Strategic Plan in support of the HRPS Three Year Strategic Plan; including recommendations for staff and material resource requirements, budget requirements and key service delivery initiatives/objectives.

• Represent the HRPS within the community locally and regionally for events as directed and participate in external committees and projects to build awareness of and support for the HRPS and policing in general.

• Monitor organizational issues, needs and recommend solutions regarding bureau staff, workload, issues and concerns.

• Provide staff/labour relations advice to staff, district division commanders and managers on employee situations involving employee performance, absenteeism, labour issues, complaints, and discipline; providing interpretations on collective agreements and legislation and recommendations.

• Create and maintain an archive of all employee and labour relations documents, including Memos of Understanding, Letters of Understanding, current and previous collective agreements, employment-related documents, etc. to capture important documents supporting significant employment decisions.

• Support the bargaining process, as directed, by researching policy related issues and recommending course of action; research and support contract negotiation proposals.

• Process and administer employee grievances, arbitrations, investigations and drafting or reviewing management responses; represent management at grievances, conciliation and arbitration hearings as directed by the Director.

• Liaise with lawyers for the provision of guidance or to provide explanation and support for collective agreement interpretation, legislation and in preparation for grievance hearings, as directed.

Your Professional Qualifications:
 

• A University degree in Human Resources, Industrial relations, law or Business administration or equivalent. A graduate degree is preferred.

• Previous demonstrated experience leading a team and leading collective bargaining, contract negotiations and processes, and dispute resolution is required.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of labour relations legislation, Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, privacy laws governing government institutions, and any other applicable legislation is required.

• Incumbent must have demonstrated experience analyzing complex situations and negotiating settlement of disputes while effectively representing organizational interests; advanced conflict resolution/mediation skills are required;

• Superior communication skills required; must be able to clearly articulate recommendations and facilitate problem-solving.

• Strong political and organizational acuity required; with the ability to read, interpret and remain current on all relevant legislation, labour relations best practices, regulations, and/or police practices.

• Exceptional listening skills required; must be able to grasp and articulate complex situations and issues to synthesize information and develop appropriate actions/recommendations.

• Strong self-starter with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

• CHRL designation is required.

• Ability to meet police security clearance requirements and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to participate as an effective team member and to support and project values compatible with the organization.

• Ability to meet testing/portfolio requirements for the position.

​Location and Other Considerations:

This position is based in Oakville at the new Headquarters facility which is located at the QEW and North Service Road West.  We offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes but is not limited to healthcare benefits (i.e. dental, vision care), paid leave (i.e. annual vacation and designated holidays (13)) and pension plan – Ontario Municipal Employee Retirement System (O.M.E.R.S.)

How To Be Considered For This Exciting Opportunity:

Anyone interested in this opportunity must apply on-line with a resume and a detailed letter outlining their experience and skills. This information should be forwarded to Staffing Advisor, Human Resource Services, quoting Competition #33-C-21 on October 27 2021.

The Halton Regional Police Service is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. Should you require an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and /or the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) during any stage of the recruitment process, HR will work with you to remove any barriers. Please do not hesitate to let us know by contacting HR for assistance at civilianrecruiting@haltonpolice.ca.

Please note: All applications must be submitted to the Service’s on-line system to be considered for this vacancy.