Senior Director, Employee and Labor Relations

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Employee Relations, Labour Relations, Occupational Health, Disability Management, and related workforce support programs across SE Health. The role is responsible for developing and executing workforce relations strategies and employee support practices that strengthen organizational effectiveness, mitigate workforce risk, enhance the employee and leader experience, and support operational excellence.

The Senior Director leads programs, processes, and practices related to employee and labour relations, workplace investigations, accommodations, attendance management, disability management, occupational health programs, and workforce policy interpretation. The role partners closely with operational leaders, legal counsel, HR Business Partners, HR Centres of Excellence, and HR Operations to ensure consistent, compliant, and proactive workforce practices aligned with organizational values, legislative requirements, and strategic priorities.

The role is also accountable for advancing service excellence and continuous improvement within workforce relations and employee support functions through process optimization, case management practices, reporting and analytics, workflow improvements, and the implementation of scalable solutions that enhance service delivery, operational effectiveness, and employee experience. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Employee Relations and Labour Relations functions, including investigations, grievances, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and workforce risk management.        
• Lead Occupational Health, Disability Management, attendance support, accommodation, and return-to-work programs to ensure effective employee support, legislative compliance, and operational continuity.        
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing evolution of the Union Prevention Strategy, including Staff Association strategy and program, partnering closely with operational leaders and key stakeholders to foster constructive employee engagement, strengthen workforce relations, and support organizational objectives.
• Develop and implement enterprise workforce policies, procedures, governance frameworks, and best practices aligned with employment legislation, collective agreements, and organizational objectives.          
• People Development - lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team by fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion. Establish clear expectations, support professional growth, and build organizational capability through effective talent management, succession planning, and employee development.

• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence - Drive continuous improvement of workforce relations, occupational health, and employee support programs through process optimization, data-informed decision-making, service delivery enhancements, and scalable solutions that improve employee and leader experience while mitigating risk.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Occupational Health, Law, or related field 

• Minimum 10+ years progressive leadership experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Labour Relations, Occupational Health, or related workforce functions, including senior leadership experience in complex, multi-site or distributed workforce environments.

• Thorough knowledge of employment and labour relations legislation; including Employment Standards, Labour Relations, Human Rights, and other applicable pieces of Ontario employment legislation

• Ability to lead complex employee and labour relations matters, including investigations, grievances, collective agreement interpretation, conflict resolution, workforce risk mitigation, and partnership with legal counsel.
• Ability to align workforce relations strategies, occupational health programs, and employee support practices with organizational priorities, operational needs, and business outcomes.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams, build leadership capability, foster accountability, and support succession planning and employee engagement.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior leaders, union representatives, legal counsel, and cross-functional interested parties on sensitive and complex workforce matters.
• Ability to lead organizational change, redesign processes, implement scalable solutions, leverage data and insights, and drive continuous improvement across workforce support functions.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel is a requirement.
  

Why Join SE Health?

• Competitive Total Rewards: So much more than a paycheque! Enjoy comprehensive benefits, pension, flexible pay options, car-loan support, housing solutions and exclusive staff perks.
• Flexibility & Belonging: Thrive with hybrid work, flexible scheduling and a supportive, inclusive culture that puts people first.
• Purpose & Impact: Join a national social enterprise where your voice matters. Every role helps advance health, spark innovation and strengthen communities across Canada.

• Growth That Meets Your Ambition: Access tuition support, training and meaningful career pathways across a growing, future-focused organization.

About SE Health

SE Health is a not-for-profit social enterprise advancing health with heart. With 115+ years of impact, we bring hope, happiness and exceptional care to people and communities across Canada. We lead with empathy, dignity and purpose while building a future where everyone can realize their full health and well-being potential. We’re also an inclusive, supportive workplace offering competitive compensation, strong benefits and real opportunities to grow. We’re All In Together.

Accessibility: If you require accommodations due to illness or disability, please contact Talent Acquisition at View email address on careers.sehc.com.

AI and compensation details: We use AI to take notes during our interview.  All applications and interviews are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team. This role is a new addition. The total target compensation for this position is $134,000 - $167,000. The compensation offered is determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and competencies, taking into consideration internal equity