Human Resources Specialist

Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, Ontario



Celebrated as one of Canada's leading academic institutions, Lakehead University offers more than 85 academic programs that are grouped within 9 Faculties from a comprehensive selection of academic areas of study. Lakehead is an innovative comprehensive university that provides an education that is about how to think, not what to think. Closely tied to that enterprising spirit is a deep connection to the place. Lakehead is committed to making a difference in the communities it serves, developing a broader understanding of societal issues, and inspiring action for thoughtful, positive change. Lakehead University is also committed to the success of our Indigenous learners and to our relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity, and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around its two campuses. On behalf of Lakehead University, we are now seeking a Human Resources Specialist to play a key role on the Human Resources team.

Reporting to the Manager of Employee and Labour Relations, the Human Resources Specialist  plays a vital role within the Human Resources department by overseeing all aspects of employee and labour relations to ensure a positive and productive work environment. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies, policies, and programs to promote effective employee relations, manage union relationships, and ensure compliance with relevant labour laws and regulations. The position serves as a trusted advisor to university leadership, providing expert guidance on complex employee relations issues and fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and respect across the insti tution.  ​​​​This position is an existing opening on the Human Resources team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:



Labour and Employee Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for labour relations matters, including interpreting collective agreements, addressing grievances, and supporting the arbitration process.
• Collaborate with union representatives and bargaining teams to negotiate collective agreements, ensuring alignment with university goals and budgetary constraints.
• Stay updated on changes in labour legislation and industry trends to inform university policies and practices, minimizing legal risks and promoting compliance.
• Interpret and apply collective agreements, employment laws, and university policies to resolve labour disputes, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Lead collective bargaining activities, including preparing bargaining proposals, conducting research, and representing the university in negotiations with union representatives.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to labour relations activities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to managers and supervisors on employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct investigations into complaints of workplace harassment or other workplace misconduct, ensuring fair and impartial outcomes in accordance with university policies and procedures and compliance with legal requirements.
• Identify and assess risks related to employee and labour relations, developing and implementing strategies to mitigate risks and ensure legal compliance.
• Conduct audits and assessments to evaluate compliance with employment laws, collective agreements, and university policies, recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Provide advice and counsel to managers on strategies to minimize legal exposure and maintain positive labour relations.
• Partner with managers to provide strategic employment solutions in alignment with departmental and university objectives.
• Anticipate, develop strategies, and exercise due diligence to ensure the University avoids unnecessary legal challenges regarding employment issues.
• Develop, customize, and deliver HR-specific workshops and information sessions for managers and staff on labour and employee matters.
• Provide HR advice, guidance, and education to minimize risk and ensure compliance with current and evolving legislation related to, but not limited to, the Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, and relevant case law.
• Counsel managers and staff in employee/labour relations matters, including performance management, conflict resolution and workplace counselling, progressive discipline, terminations, and attendance management.
• Support managers through workforce planning initiatives and provide direction on the delivery and implementation of restructures.
• Implement University-wide strategic initiatives and make recommendations for ongoing improvement.
• Support the development and implementation of employee engagement initiatives.
• Assist client groups to develop and implement plans that support the mission, values, philosophy, and culture of the University.

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Participate in the development, review, and implementation of employee and labour relations policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with legal requirements, industry best practices, and university values.
• Communicate policy changes and updates to university stakeholders, providing training and support to ensure understanding and compliance.
• Monitor policy effectiveness and recommend revisions or enhancements as necessary to address emerging issues or improve organizational performance related to employee and labour relations.
• Collaborate with the Manager and legal counsel when required to develop and update policies and procedures related to employee and labour relations.
• Participate in special projects as required.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with union representatives, leadership, staff, and other stakeholders across the university community.
• Serve as a resource and advisor to employees seeking guidance or assistance on employee relations matters, promoting fairness and transparency.
• Represent the university in meetings, hearings, and negotiations with external agencies such as labour boards or regulatory authorities.

The Human Resources Specialist  requires a high degree of initiative, creativity, and original thought. While standard practices and precedents provide a framework for action, the Specialist must exercise considerable independent judgment in managing complex employee relations issues, including:

• Solving labour disputes, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Developing strategies to mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance.
• Making final decisions on interpretations of collective agreements and employment laws.

Support is available through guidelines, procedures, policies, and guidance from supervisors and peers. The most challenging situations typically involve negotiating collective agreements, resolving high-stakes grievances, and addressing workplace misconduct. These are resolved through thorough research, expert consultation, and adherence to legal and university policies. Frequent situations requiring guidance/approval:

• Significant changes to employee relations policies.
• Complex legal issues requiring external counsel.
• Strategic decisions impacting university-wide labour relations.

Top three tactical decisions made independently:

• Interpretation and application of collective agreements.
• Resolution of routine grievances and disciplinary actions.
• Implementation of training and development programs for staff on employee relations matters.

REQUIRED 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.
• Completion of CHRL designation is considered an asset.
• Exceptional knowledge of provincial employment laws and regulations, collective bargaining principles, and employment regulations applicable to the higher education sector.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and resolve conflicts.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Proficient influencer with excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Engage comfortably in challenging conversations, providing and receiving feedback to empower team members beyond their full potential.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated track record of driving HR process improvements and projects from inception to execution.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with diplomacy and integrity.
• Alignment with our values of respect, trust, results-focused decisiveness, and lifelong learning.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications such as HRIS systems, case management tools, and Microsoft Office suite

The anticipated salary range for this position is $87,000 to $103,000 annually.

For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at View email address on meridiarecruitment.ca . If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Mark know.



Meridia Recruitment and Lakehead University invite applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Lakehead University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.



The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.



Lakehead University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities