Employee Relations Manager

**Position Job Title**:Employee Relations Manager

**Location**:University Canada West

**Reports To**:VP, People & Culture (Human Resources)

**About University Canada West**

University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented, dynamic, and growing institution that was founded in 2005. Based in Downtown Vancouver, the university is defined by its close connections to the business community and a commitment to outstanding student services.

Here, at UCW, we connect recognized, well-established specialists and ambitious young professionals, so they learn from each other and thrive in our diverse environment. Together, we strive to create and maintain working environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

We are privileged to do this work on the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honour their graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here, and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.

**Primary Purpose**

**Specific Responsibilities**

The Employees Relations Manager position is responsible for the following as well as other related duties as assigned to support the business objectives and purpose of the University:

- Develop employee relations strategies and policies affecting support staff at the University.
- Conduct research and prepare recommendations and position papers regarding employee relations policies and procedures
- Communicate new policies and/or changes to existing policies/programs and recommend new approaches to effect continual improvements
- Advise, counsel, and guide employees and managers on People & Culture policies, procedures, and best practices
- Responsible for ensuring the best interests of the University is protected and managed in accordance with the mission and values of the University.
- Maintain current knowledge and awareness of Employment Standard Act (ESA), Labour Relations Code, WorkSafeBC laws, human rights code, human resource best practices, labour relations standards and practices and legislative changes to ensure the University’s compliance.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations across the federal, provincial and local jurisdictions
- Researches and provides updates to provincial laws and changes to the Employment Standards Act (ESA)
- Facilitate the performance management program, providing coaching and guidance to managers, reviewing completed appraisals, and working with managers on creating and implementing performance improvement plans
- Develops and trains management on employee relations best practices, including the progressive discipline process
- Provide strategic guidance and training to managers/supervisors on best practices for addressing employee relations matters including handling disciplinary actions, terminations, progressive discipline and conflict resolution
- Advises leaders regarding corrective action issues and prepare corrective action documentation
- Effectively investigate and implement resolutions on workplace issues to minimize risk to the organization and mitigate and resolve disputes prior to formal hearings where possible
- Act as an employee advocate and address their various needs and concerns with empathy and humility
- Participate in mediation or grievance meetings, as required
- Maintain knowledge of progressive HR practices, trends and data points to drive enhancements
- Collects and maintains case tracking system for investigations and labour relations incidents
- Develops metrics to identify company employee relations trends and make recommendations
- Manage the employee engagement committee
- Performs other related duties as required

**Position Requirements**

To be successful in the Employees Relations Manager position, an individual must possess, and be committed to develop, maintain and demonstrate the following:
**Competencies**
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated analytical, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others
- Demonstrated ability to organize, plan and execute work within demanding work schedules
- The ability to communicate effectively, resolve problems strategically, and collaborate across a variety of teams, departments, and situations is essential
- High intrapersonal and organizational skills are considered assets in this position
- Ability to exhibit a high degree of diplomacy and discretion
- Demonstrates the principles of a respectful and inclusive environment
- Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

**Education and Experience**
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with a specialization in labour relations or Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
- Minimum