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Manager, Employee & Labour Relations

Remote
Toronto, ON
CA$99,788 - CA$117,398/annual
Senior Level
Full-Time

Top Benefits

100% premium-free health, dental, vision benefits; health spending account; flexible work; EAP
Employer-matched pension plan with lifetime income and survivor benefits
Parental leave top-up 95% salary for 17 weeks

About the role

WHO WE ARE
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED
This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping labour relations practices within one of Canada’s leading cultural institutions.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Manager, Employee & Labour Relations to join our Human Resources team. This role is ideal for a seasoned HR professional with deep expertise in labour relations, workplace investigations, and complex employee relations within a unionized environment.

As a senior subject matter expert, you will serve as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization, providing thoughtful guidance on sensitive and high-impact workplace matters while supporting collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and labour strategy. You bring sound judgment, credibility, and the ability to balance organizational priorities, employee experience, and risk considerations.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and pragmatic professional who builds trusted relationships, communicates with clarity and empathy, and is comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about fostering respectful, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

  • Serve as a senior advisor to leaders across the organization, providing strategic guidance on complex labour and employee relations matters with a focus on risk mitigation, defensibility, and alignment with organizational priorities.

  • Lead grievance and dispute resolution processes, including case strategy, preparation, and coordination to support effective and timely outcomes.

  • Contribute to labour strategy and support collective bargaining preparation through research, analysis, costing considerations, and collaboration with internal stakeholders and union partners.

  • Build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with union representatives and participate in labour-management discussions to support positive working relationships.

  • Lead and oversee complex workplace investigations, ensuring procedural fairness, consistency, and defensible decision-making.

  • Interpret collective agreements, employment legislation, and organizational policies to provide clear, balanced, and practical guidance on sensitive workplace matters.

  • Identify and mitigate organizational risk through proactive case management and thoughtful advisory support to leaders.

  • Coach and support leaders to strengthen labour relations capability, navigate complex employee situations, and foster respectful workplace practices.

  • Lead or contribute to the development, review, and implementation of Employee Relations/Labour Relations (ER/LR) policies, programs, and initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.

  • Analyze trends and emerging issues to provide insights that inform decision-making and support continuous improvement of ER/LR practices.

  • Develop and deliver training and education to leaders and teams on labour relations, employee relations, and workplace policies.

  • Apply strong project and change management discipline to support ER/LR initiatives and organizational priorities.

WHAT YOU BRING

  • A post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field, along with a CHRP or CHRL designation (or progress toward completion).

  • 7–10+ years of progressive HR experience with a significant focus on employee and labour relations within a unionized environment, ideally in a complex or multi-stakeholder organization.

  • Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations matters, including conducting or overseeing workplace investigations, supporting grievance processes, and providing guidance on performance, conduct, conflict resolution, and accommodation.

  • Experience supporting collective bargaining preparation and labour relations strategy through research, analysis, costing considerations, and collaboration with internal stakeholders.

  • Strong experience interpreting collective agreements and applying employment legislation, human rights requirements, and organizational policies to real workplace situations.

  • Experience working in complex or multi-union environments is considered an asset.

  • Proven ability to provide strategic, balanced advice to leaders on sensitive and high-risk workplace matters, with a focus on defensibility, fairness, and practical outcomes.

  • Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with union representatives and supporting constructive labour-management collaboration.

  • Strong judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, navigate ambiguity, and recommend thoughtful solutions.

  • Demonstrated ability to influence and coach leaders to strengthen people management capability and support effective case management.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear documentation, reports, and briefing materials and communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

  • Experience contributing to the development, review, or implementation of HR or labour relations policies, programs, or initiatives.

  • Experience analyzing trends, metrics, or case data to identify risks, inform decision-making, and support continuous improvement.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

  • Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with care and sound judgment.

  • Experience developing or delivering training related to employee relations, labour relations, or workplace policies is considered an asset.

  • Experience mentoring or supporting the development of HR colleagues is considered an asset.

  • Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities, demonstrating strong adaptability, sound judgment, and comfort navigating ambiguity.

  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and continuous learning, with the ability to apply inclusive practices and a growth mindset to evolving workplace challenges.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy 100 percent premium-free benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, flexible working options (varies by position), and an Employee Assistance Program.

  • Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.

  • Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.

  • Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.

  • And more!

VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
Join us to learn more about the Manager, Employee & Labour Relations role, the Human Resources team, and what it’s like to work at ROM. This session is a great opportunity to hear more about the position, ask questions, and gain insights into the impact this role will have across the organization.

You’ll hear directly from members of the HR team about the role’s scope, current priorities, and the impact this position will have across the organization.

Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

To register, please sign up here: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot. Attendance is optional and not required to apply.

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • START DATE: April 2026

  • OPEN DATE: February 27, 2026

  • CLOSE DATE: March 15, 2026

  • STATUS: Full-time Permanent

  • EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union

  • EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $99,788–$117,398

  • SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly

  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months

  • LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

  • Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
  • First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
  • Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
  • Third Interview: A final interview with key stakeholders.

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.

**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

  • Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
  • Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
  • Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
  • Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
  • Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at careers@rom.on.ca for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
  • ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
  • This posting is for an existing vacancy.

APPLY NOW

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and other checks depending on the role.

#LI-Onsite

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About Royal Ontario Museum

Entertainment Providers
201-500

Opened in 1914, ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the world and across time. Today, ROM houses more than 13 million objects, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary sculpture, from meteorites to dinosaurs. ROM is the most visited museum in Canada and one of the top ten museums in North America. It is also the country's preeminent field research institute, with a diverse range of experts who help us understand the past, make sense of the present, and shape a shared future. Just as impressive is ROM's facility—a striking combination of heritage architecture and the cutting-edge Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, which marks the Museum as an iconic landmark and global cultural destination.

We live on in what we leave behind.