Manager, Employee Relations

As a recognized leader in emergency communications, E-Comm is an organization that provides first responders and the public with critical life‑safety services in communities across B.C. Our people are passionate about their work and public safety. We operate two emergency communications centres – one located in Vancouver and one in Saanich. E-Comm also provides integrated police, fire call taking, dispatch services to more than 70 police and fire departments, and owns/operates the largest multi‑jurisdictional, tri‑service wide‑area radio network in B.C. We are proud to serve communities across this beautiful province through our four operational and administrative locations in Vancouver, Burnaby and Saanich. Learn more at www.ecomm911.ca At E-Comm 9-1-1, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the many communities that we proudly serve. OUR VALUES RESPECT | ACCOUNTABILITY | INTEGRITY | SERVICE | COLLABORATION E-Comm 911 is seeking an experienced and influential Manager, Employee Relations with a strong track record of building constructive union‑management relationships and navigating complex labour relations environments. Reporting to the Vice President, People & Culture, the Manager, Employee Relations provides strategic leadership and expert guidance across all aspects of employee and labour relations at E-Comm. This role is accountable for the design, implementation, and ongoing oversight of the organization’s labour and employee relations framework in our unique unionised, 24/7 emergency communications environment. A key focus of this role is serving as the primary management liaison with our Union, with an emphasis on rebuilding, strengthening, and sustaining a constructive, trust‑based labour‑management relationship. In this role, you will lead collective bargaining preparation and execution, oversee grievance and dispute resolution, and ensure consistent, compliant, and principled application of collective agreements and employment legislation. As a people leader, you will also be accountable for developing internal labour relations capability, coaching and mentoring team members, and providing strategic insight to senior leaders on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities that impact E‑Comm’s workforce and service delivery. Key Accountabilities Labour Relations Strategy & Union Partnership Provide strategic leadership for E‑Comm’s labour relations programmes, practices, and priorities within a complex unionised environment Serve as the primary management liaison with union leadership and stewards, fostering transparent, respectful, and solutions‑focused relationships Lead and co‑chair labour‑management committees, grievance review meetings, and joint problem‑solving forums, promoting early resolution and “no‑surprises” engagement Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve labour relations matters, exercising sound judgement, discretion, and political acuity Collective Agreement Administration & Compliance Oversee the interpretation, administration, and consistent application of our collective agreement across operational and support functions Provide expert advice on discipline, investigations, attendance management, performance management, and other employee relations matters Ensure labour relations practices, documentation, and decisions align with organisational standards, operational requirements, and applicable legislation Employee Relations Operations & Case Management Design, implement, and maintain standardised labour relations processes Oversee LR case tracking, reporting, and trend analysis to inform leadership decision‑making, risk mitigation, and bargaining preparation Prepare and present management’s position in mediations, arbitrations, and other third‑party proceedings, working closely with legal counsel as required In partnership with the Vice President, People & Culture, lead preparation for collective bargaining, including research, costing, mandate development, stakeholder engagement, and risk analysis Act as a key member of the bargaining team, advancing proposals that balance employee well‑being, service continuity, and organisational sustainability Lead the implementation of new collective agreements, ensuring clear communication, education, and support for leaders and employees Strategic Advice & Organisational Capability Provide proactive, strategic employee and labour relations advice to the Executive, senior leaders, and managers, with sensitivity to the demands of emergency communications operations Coach and support leaders on contract interpretation, respectful workplace practices, and effective people management to build confidence and internal capability Lead the development and progression of employee relations professionals and HR team members through coaching, case exposure, and structured learning Research emerging trends, best practices, technologies, and tools to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of employee and labour relations programmes Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Employee/Industrial Relations, Business, Law, Public Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience 7–10 years of progressive HR/LR experience, including at least 5 years in a dedicated labour relations role within a unionised Canadian environment Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience Demonstrated success managing complex grievances, arbitrations, and collective bargaining processes Experience in public safety, emergency services, dispatch, or other 24/7 operational environments is an asset CPHR designation is considered an asset Strong knowledge of BC employment legislation and collective agreement administration Proven ability to build and sustain constructive union‑management relationships in complex, high‑pressure environments Experience leading or co‑leading collective bargaining, including mandate development, costing, research, and table participation Trusted advisor mindset with the ability to navigate sensitive, high‑risk labour relations issues with discretion and sound judgement Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, with experience preparing reports, trend analyses, and briefing materials Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills High level of political acuity, resilience, and professionalism in a public‑facing organization Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and work effectively with emotionally charged and complex situations Proficiency with HRIS systems and standard office applications SECURITY REQUIREMENTS As a condition of employment at E-Comm, the required Police Security Clearance applicable to the position must be acquired and maintained. This is a process carried out by our law enforcement partner agencies, facilitated by E-Comm. The minimum residency in Canada to qualify for this position, as established by our law enforcement partner agencies, is 3 years. To qualify for this process, a candidate may be either a Canadian Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen. We regret any candidates under Student, Visitor, or Work Visas are not eligible for consideration. Vaccination Policy E-Comm 911 has a vaccination policy that is currently suspended. However, should the policy be reinstated, it will be a requirement for all current and future employees. WHAT WE OFFER Meaningful work – work with a sense of purpose, supporting the public and first‑responders Competitive salary – with the opportunity for increases Eligibility to participate in our Personal Time‑Off Program 100% paid extended health and dental benefits JOB DETAILS Number of positions: 1 Job status: Regular Full‑Time Hours of work: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week Wage/Salary: $120,000 to $140,000 (2025 rates) depending on experience Employee Group: Management Department: People & Culture CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday January 23, 2026 @ 11.59pm We are committed to accommodating persons with disabilities during the recruitment process and we will provide reasonable accommodations as requested. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please email talent@ecomm911.ca #J-18808-Ljbffr