Labour Relations Lead Advisor

Our culture lifts you up—there is no ego in the way. Our common purpose? We all want to win for our customers. We aim to always be evolving, dynamic, and ambitious. We believe in the power of genuine connections. Each employee is a part of what makes us unique on the market: agile and dedicated.

Time Type: Regular

Job Description:

Reporting to the Director, Human Resources Delivery and Operations, the incumbent will be mandated to carry out activities related to labour relations, including the development of a labour relations strategy as well as a plan of action designed to foster and maintain harmonious labour relations with the employer’s various partners and current unions. These are carried out primarily within the framework of the day-to-day management of labour relations files and the creation of a constructive labour relations culture supported by a change management plan fostering the adoption of this new culture by the company’s administration. It further includes management of the entire process related to the negotiation and renewal of collective agreements coming up in 2026.

In addition, the successful candidate will be required to coach and train managers in the management of employees, in compliance with collective agreements and prevailing applicable laws, taking preventive measures to ensure a healthy climate within the organization and maintaining sound relations with the different partners.

Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to assume the management of various strategic projects related relations with employees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the employer’s spokesperson on the negotiation of collective agreements.
• Coordinate and ensure the application of collective agreements and any resulting amendments (letters of agreement, grievance settlements, etc.).
• Take part in various committees such as outsourcing, LRC, grievances, wellness.
• Establish and maintain a bond of trust and harmonious working relations with union representatives in line with a constructive and collaborative vision based on communication and the quest for solutions.
• Devise a plan of action for developing relations with current unions.
• Develop new approaches fostering a change in the organizational culture.
• Act as an advisor and coach to managers in dealing with specific employee management situations.
• Analyze and propose innovative solutions to problems encountered, as part of an ongoing improvement process.
• Introduce preventive and intervention measures dealing with conflicts and conflict resolution.
• Serve as an in-house expert advising on some grievance files and support the preparation of certain arbitration files.
• Ensure the application and interpretation of collective agreements, laws and regulations governing the working condition of unionized personnel.
• Provide information and training on the company’s collective agreements, policies, orientations and strategies related to labour relations.
• Exercise functional support over the human resources business partners of support groups.
• Take an active part in various major strategic projects (i.e. employment equity).
• Assume all tasks and responsibilities inherent to the position or that may be entrusted to him.

REQUIREMENTS

ACADEMIC TRAINING

• Hold a university degree (bachelor’s) in industrial relations, law or other relevant field, for effectively working in labour relations.
• Membership in the CRIA (Order of Certified Human Resources Consultants) – an asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in a labour relations consulting role with operational client groups.
• Have worked in different unionized working environments.
• Have headed collective agreement negotiations.
• Any combination of training and experience deemed to be pertinent will be considered.

SPECIFIC SKILLS

• Skilled negotiator, mediator with the ability to listen and influence.
• Ability to work as part of a team and in conjunction with various collaborators and partners.
• Decision-making, dispute resolution and complex problem-solving skills.
• Deep analytical skills and judgement, along with conflict management and influencing abilities, the courage to act, result-centred, client/partner oriented, a planner and organizer, collaborator and communicator.
• In-depth knowledge of the Canada Labour Code and other related federal regulations, jurisprudence and dispute resolution processes, including arbitration and mediation.
• Ability to issue clear recommendations related to the organization’s strategy and objectives.
• Excellent mastery of both spoken and written French and English. The successful candidate will be working with stakeholders throughout North America.

Location: Montréal, QC

Company: Cogeco Communications Inc.

At Cogeco, we know that different backgrounds, perspectives, and beliefs can bring critical value to our business. The strength of this diversity enhances our ability to imagine, innovate, and grow as a company. So, we are committed to doing everything in our power to create a more diverse and inclusive world of belonging.

By creating a culture where all our colleagues can bring their best selves to work, we’re doing our part to build a more equitable workplace and world. From professional development to personal safety, Cogeco constantly strives to create an environment that welcomes and nurtures all. We make the health and well-being of our colleagues one of our highest priorities, for we know engaged and appreciated employees equate to a better overall experience for our customers.

If you need any accommodations to apply or as part of the recruitment process, please contact us confidentially at inclusion@cogeco.com