The Senior Employee Relations Manager (the Manager) supports the Senior Director, Operations Human Resources to lead the Company’s labour relations function, including overseeing collective bargaining and the grievance process with the company’s various bargaining units. The Manager’s initial focus includes taking responsibility for all labour relations matters for the Marine Transportation segment of the Company. The Manager is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and fostering solid working relationships with union representatives, employees, and senior leaders to promote a cooperative and effective labour relations climate within the organization.
The incoming Manager is a lead negotiator in collective bargaining agreement negotiations and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to address labour challenges and opportunities. The Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating policies and programs consistent with corporate labour relations objectives to strengthen union relationships at Seaspan’s operations. Additionally, the Manager collaborates with the external council to facilitate the grievance and arbitration process.
Note : This position qualifies for an optional hybrid work schedule after 90 days of onsite work and onboarding. Employee will be subject to the terms of the Flexible Work Policy Agreement.
What you’ll do
- Working closely with the Senior Director, Operations Human Resources to lead the employee relations department of the entire organization, with primary responsibility for overseeing labour relations for the Marine Transportation segment of the company.
- Overseeing and managing the end-to-end grievance process including resolution and documentation of grievances and ensuring compliance with collective agreements, company policy, and legal requirements.
- Conducting meetings with union representatives to resolve grievances before proceeding to arbitration.
- Monitoring collective agreement expiration dates and ensuring timely preparation for the collective bargaining process including gathering relevant data, developing negotiation strategies, and coordinating with key stakeholders.
- Developing a bargaining strategy and acting as a spokesperson to successfully conclude negotiations by approved mandates.
- Serving as a partner to leaders by providing knowledge on how to handle labour relations issues and providing guidance on resolution strategies.
- Representing the company with all regulatory authorities related to labour / employee relations, human rights, and employment standards including grievance arbitration, labour board applications, human rights complaints, and employment-related lawsuits.
- Develop and maintain proactive relationships with employees at all levels, union representatives, and industry professionals in the field of labour and employee relations.
- Develop and implement proactive employee relations practices and training that support operational objectives and facilitate human resource planning.
- Leading the development and implementation of a strategic approach to collective bargaining across Seaspan’s operations in support of Company objectives.
- Working closely with external legal counsel on arbitration and other litigation.
- Interpreting clauses in collective agreements and applying them effectively to ensure informed decision-making.
Critical success factors within the first 12 months include :
Developing a deep understanding of the dynamics in the Company and the complex operating entities of Seaspan Marine Transportation and Seaspan Shipyards, their unique cultures, and labour relations challenges and opportunities.Building a trusting relationship and strategic partnership with the Senior Director, Operations Human Resources, and senior leaders across the business.Establishing positive and productive relationships with the labour relations team and employees throughout the Company and demonstrating a leadership and labour relations philosophy that supports collaboration and relationship building with all parties.Establishing credibility as an unbiased subject matter expert in employee and labour relations and continuing to assess opportunities for improving union relationships.Developing and improving the Company’s current record-keeping, processes, and procedures for the ongoing administration of collective agreements.What you’ll bring
Degree in industrial relations, employee relations, human resources, law, or another related discipline. Candidates with a combination of work experience and professional or technical certifications will be equally considered.Minimum ten years of progressively senior experience in employee and labour relations.Experience interpreting and applying collective agreements and relevant federal and provincial (BC) employment statutes.Experience in the transportation sector or a complex employee scheduling environment would be considered an asset.Experience managing the grievance process including preparation of materials for arbitration.Experience assessing and analyzing operational issues and making impactful recommendations.Strong conflict resolution skills with the ability to work with all parties in a dispute, manage emotions, help them communicate their needs to one another, and find mutually acceptable ways to resolve their difficulties.Ability to conduct well-reasoned, unbiased research, summarize results, and provide user-friendly information and data reports to support investigations, projects, and initiatives.Knowledge of employment and related legislation (., British Columbia Labour Relations Code, BC and Canadian Human Rights Statutes, Employment Standards Act, Canada Labour Code; familiarity with Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workers Compensation Act considered an asset), equity principles, and sound human resource / labour relations practices.A results-driven, proactive, and innovative thinker capable of navigating a complex business environment with multiple entities.Exceptional decision-making skills, demonstrating both a strategic and tactical approach to overcoming challenges and identifying opportunities.Strong business acumen – a lateral thinker who can relate to broader business issues and takes an active interest in the business.Exhibits strong leadership and a high degree of cross-functional cooperation, with the ability to influence without relying on the use of positional authority.A team builder who develops an environment where staff members are empowered, encouraged, and rewarded for their contributions and performance.A strong oral and written communicator; an ability to communicate complex concepts simply, including testifying / presenting evidence in arbitration or other hearings.Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage complex competing interests and concurrent investigations in a detail-oriented environment ensuring confidentiality.Why you’ll love working here
This is a full-time permanent position reporting directly to the Senior Director, Operations Human Resources.In addition to an annual bonus and pension plan, this role provides you with a very competitive salary in line with your strong proven years of experience.We also provide the best-in-class health and wellness benefits package for this position, including things such as extended health care (., paramedical services for massage therapy, speech therapy, mental health coverage, physiotherapy, and more), dental care, vision care, life insurance, medical leave coverage, parental leave coverage, childcare benefit partnership, a $500 personal spending account, free on-site gym and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).Parking is included and to assist those that are using transit, we operate a complimentary shuttle bus Monday through Friday with various pick up and drop off points around North Vancouver.And you’ll join an amazing Team, supporting each other’s success.The estimated salary for this position is $150,400 - $180,400. In determining the final salary, Seaspan considers many factors including the successful Candidate’s skills and experience as well as position location and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company’s sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.
LI-RF1 #LI-HYBRID
