Labour Relations Consultant

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

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Job

Requisition  Type:

Full time Employee Group:

Staff Job Category:

Human Resources Advisory

Employment Type:

Permanent Department:

Human Resources - Labour Relations Hiring Range:$80,248.28 - $Posting Information:

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, October 1 2026, at 11:59PM.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose Provides senior-level labour relations expertise to support the University’s operational and strategic objectives. The position advises leaders on complex employee and labour relations matters, promotes consistent collective agreement and policy administration, supports grievance resolution and collective bargaining, strengthens constructive labour-management relationships, and identifies and mitigates institutional risk. Through sound professional judgment, research, analysis, and collaboration, the role delivers practical and defensible solutions aligned with institutional needs.

Key Accountabilities Labour Relations Advisory Provides specialized advice and guidance to leaders on labour relations, collective agreement interpretation, and employee relations matters.

Advises on the labour relations implications of organizational change, restructuring, workforce planning, and strategic initiatives.

Grievance, Dispute Resolution, and Case Management Facilitates the resolution of complex labour and employment matters, including grievances, complaints, workplace disputes, and investigations, in collaboration with employees, leaders, and union or employee association representatives.

Supports the University in grievance meetings, mediations, and other dispute resolution processes by preparing and presenting information, recommendations, and supporting documentation.

Oversees labour relations case files and ensures records are accurate, complete, confidential, and maintained in accordance with legislative, regulatory, collective agreement, and institutional requirements.

Collective Agreement Administration Promotes consistent interpretation, application, and administration of collective agreements, policies, and employment practices while supporting compliance and mitigating institutional risk.

Collective Bargaining Support Provides strategic bargaining support through sector scans, benchmarking, and analysis of labour relations trends, emerging issues, and institutional priorities.

Supports the development and evaluation of bargaining proposals, strategies, and collective agreement language through research, analysis, and recommendations aligned with institutional goals.

Prepares reports, settlement agreements, bargaining documentation, and related labour relations materials.

Labour Relations Risk Management Identifies, assesses, and mitigates labour relations risks through proactive consultation, analysis, and recommendations that support compliant and effective employment practices.

Labour-Management Relations Develops and maintains effective working relationships with unions and their representatives, faculty and staff associations, and leaders to support constructive labour-management relations.

Participates in labour relations and other institutional committees as required, providing labour relations expertise and recommendations.

Program, Policy, and Process Improvement Contributes to…