Senior HR Specialist, Full-time

Human Resources
People & Equity, Employee Relations
METRO HALL, 55 John St. Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent Vacancy
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Posting Period: 24-APR-2026 to 08-MAY-2026

Recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2026, the City of Toronto promotes professional development and is committed to providing opportunities to lead, learn and grow. We value integrity, reliability, and fairness, and we embrace the diversity of the people we work with and serve.

Toronto is now home to more than 3 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents, and businesses. In a workplace where growth is fostered and diversity is celebrated, a team of approximately 42,000 employees is the driving force behind the City of Toronto’s ability to provide programs and services to residents, businesses, and visitors to this community.

Join our team as a Senior HR Consultant (Labour Relations) to provide critical advice and support to various levels of management within a selected portfolio of client divisions. Your primary responsibilities as Senior HR Consultant (Labour Relations) will be varied and challenging. Provide senior-level consultation, interpretation and direct employee and labour relations services to a portfolio of divisions regarding collective agreements, investigations and disciplinary action, the Labour Relations Act and other related legislation.

• Conduct thorough, effective grievance investigations by conducting interviews to obtain documentary and other factual data, as well as managing and attending grievance hearings and arbitrations. Provide detailed research and analysis for collective agreement negotiations and participate directly in the collective bargaining process.
• Mentor and coach consultants, and support staff by providing leadership, developing recommendations, implementing solutions and ensuring quality in service delivery.
• Represent the Employee Relations team on task forces, corporate initiatives, committees, grievance arbitrations and other human resource issues.

Develop and implement recommendations regarding compliance with collective agreement interpretation and administration, employment law, technical training design requirements, etc.
Develop effective labour relations training manuals and deliver training to client groups.

• Provide quality control for work planning and develop work objectives based on Employee Relations goals and client needs.
• May be required to travel to various work locations

Post-secondary education in a related area, CHRP designation, Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) and/or JD/LLB, or a combination of education, training and extensive relevant experience in a similar role.

• Extensive experience and expertise with labour relations issues specific but not limited to grievances, collective bargaining, negotiations and dispute resolution, union relations, and policy guidance in a major, multi-union public or private sector organization. Highly developed supervisory and counselling management skills in relation to labour relations techniques, best practices and the resolution of workplace issues with the ability to effectively develop and cultivate productive working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization, including Legal and union officials.
• Progressive experience with private and/or public sector labour negotiations at the bargaining table, including costing and drafting collective agreement proposals and language.
• Demonstrated experience advising on and/or coordinating non-union involuntary terminations, including progressive discipline, investigation-informed outcomes, and preparation of clear, defensible documentation in collaboration with HR/Legal stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise judgement and discretion and apply a broad perspective requiring an integrated knowledge of human resource management, related disciplines and business processes.
• Excellent presentation and strategic communication skills and ability to effectively communicate to different level stakeholders and clients, both orally and in writing.
• Strong ability to identify business needs and opportunities for change/improvement as well as initiating, coordinating and managing the implementation of solutions and preventive measures to potential issues.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing interests in a fast-paced, customer service-oriented environment.
• Ontario Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workers Safety and Insurance Act, Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act), equity principles, contractual obligations and sound human resource practices.
• Ability to travel to various locations within the City of Toronto, as required.
• Experience with construction trades is an asset.

A strong benefits package which includes competitive salaries, vacation, and other unique offerings.

• We offer an excellent defined benefit pension plan bringing added value to our overall compensation package through OMERS.
• We support ongoing learning and development and offer educational opportunities with tuition subsidies.
• Opportunities to join and take an active role with City’s Communities of Inclusions comprised of employees who share a common identity, lived experience and/or set of interest and support each other’s professional development, sense of belonging and promote a culture of inclusion.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.
We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.