Senior Manager

Description:

Reporting to the Director, Employee & Labour Relations, the Senior Manager, Employee & Labour Relations is responsible for the leadership, management, and administration of the two collective agreements with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1587 and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 235. The Senior Manager acts as a lead participant in negotiations and all workplace conflict resolution matters, including strategic grievance and arbitration processes.

The role leads, coaches, and develops a team of Employee & Labour Relations and Alternative Dispute Resolution Managers, offering guidance, direction, and consultation to staff reporting into the Senior Manager, Employee & Labour Relations. The Senior Manager is accountable for the delivery and continuous improvement of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, ensuring timely, fair, and effective resolution of workplace conflicts through mediation, facilitated dialogue, and other restorative approaches.

The Senior Manager manages all Metrolinx grievance and mediation processes and leads efforts to achieve satisfactory resolutions. They represent Metrolinx at the Grievance Settlement Board, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. The role also leads the team in preparing case files, providing direction to internal and external legal counsel, and supporting coordination of evidence.

What will I be doing?

Lead Employee and Labour Relations (ELR) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) teams, providing strategic direction, mentoring, coaching, and career development.
Serve as an escalation point for executive leaders on employment issues including policy interpretation, collective agreement interpretation, dispute resolution, and workplace investigations.
Oversee grievance management, mediation, arbitration, and tribunal representation.
Provide strategic leadership and analysis to issue management to support the implementation of broader organizational objectives.
Manage and provide leadership in collective bargaining preparation, support strategy development, negotiations, and implementation of agreements.
Develop and embed the ELR Operating Model across the Human Resource (HR) Division and business units.
Ensure compliance with labour legislation, Human Rights Code, and Public Service of Ontario Act.
Maintain and integrate ELR policies and procedures; lead internal education programs on agreements and workplace policies.
Conduct data analytics and reporting to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Adapt client centric approaches to ELR Operating Model and identify opportunities to create efficiencies in processes and procedures.
Build trusted relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders to support strategic outcomes and resolve conflicts.
Lead internal and external consultations to advance Metrolinx’s brand and regional planning initiatives.
Develop and present strategic communications to internal and external audiences.
Identify and implement process improvements and best practices in ELR operations.
Lead a high-performing team of senior subject matter experts, building leadership capability in complex and sensitive workplace matters.
Provide strategic expertise to drive innovation, consistency, and risk mitigation while strengthening organizational outcomes.
Apply strategic judgment to day-to-day operations, anticipating broader business, legislative, and operational impacts.
Inform strategic planning through strong industry awareness and continuous improvement initiatives.
Oversee budgets, staffing, procurement, and cost-optimization initiatives aligned with corporate objectives.
Ensure effective delivery of projects by managing timelines, budgets, risks, and outcomes.
Identify and communicate ELR-related cost and risk implications, recommending efficiencies and cost-saving measures.
Foster a values-driven, client-focused, high-performance culture aligned with Metrolinx’s employer brand.
Lead internal teams and external consultants, providing clear direction, performance oversight, and accountability.

What Skills and Qualifications Do I Need?

Completion of a degree in business administration, human resources management, law, or related field – or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in labour and employee relations, including grievance and arbitration management, collective agreement negotiation, interpretation and advice, management of hearings and collective agreement negotiations, and demonstrated experience in leading a functional team in human resources and/or labour and employee relations.
Transformational Leadership & Change Management: Proven ability to lead organizational change, assess and manage risk, and apply lessons learned to solve complex challenges and drive continuous improvement.
People Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams and cross-functional groups, setting clear expectations and delivering results.
Labour & Employment Law Expertise: In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation including the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Human Rights Code, and collective bargaining frameworks.
Project & Program Management: Extensive experience managing large, interdependent, high-impact projects using structured methodologies. Skilled in resource planning, progress tracking, and performance monitoring to ensure alignment with corporate standards.
Communication & Influence: Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively engage and influence senior leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.
Strategic Planning & Policy Development: Experience leading strategic initiatives, problem solving, business planning, and policy development with a focus on risk mitigation, compliance, and operational excellence.
Customer & Facilities Management: Adept at resolving service issues, managing facilities operations, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction through diplomacy and negotiation.