Manager, Employee & Labour Relations (Hybrid)
About the role
Who Are We?
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the largest school board in western Canada with over 144,000 students and 16,000 employees. Our mission: Each student, in keeping with their individual abilities and gifts, will complete high school with a foundation of learning necessary to thrive in life, work and continued learning. We pride ourselves in the values we hold. Students come first. Learning is our central purpose. Public education serves the common good. The CBE encourages an inclusive and equitable workplace, which supports our diverse student and employee community. We encourage all applicants to join our dynamic, diverse, and collaborative culture and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.
When you apply to the CBE, you can feel good about serving our future leaders and contributing to student success.
Competition Info
Competition Close Date:Thursday, October 2, 2025 @ 11:59pm
Calendar: 12 Month
Salary: Exempt Grade M2, $147,700- $180,100 Annually
FTE: 1.0, 35 Hours per Week
What does this role look like?
Purpose
The Manager, Employee & Labour Relations (LR) provides leadership on employee and labour relations issues across the Calgary Board of Education (CBE). This role manages complex investigations, grievances, and arbitrations, ensuring compliance with legislation, collective agreements, and organizational policies. As the escalation point for high-risk cases, the Manager strengthens HR’s capacity to address employee and labour relations issues consistently, fairly, and in a timely manner, while fostering respectful workplace practices and building constructive relationships with unions and association partners.
Accountability
- Reports to the Director, Labour Relations, HR Advisory Services, and Employee Health & Well-Being.
- Provides system-wide leadership and expertise on complex employee and labour relations matters.
- Manages investigations, grievance and arbitration processes, and collective agreement interpretation.
- Partners with the Manager, HR Advisory to ensure seamless, consistent HR service delivery that is aligned with organizational policies, education plan, and Alberta employment legislation including the Education Act.
- Builds positive, professional relationships with union and association partners.
- Mitigates legal, reputational, and organizational risks through sound advice and practices.
What will you do?
Major Responsibilities
Employee & Labour Relations Leadership
- Provides expert advice on collective agreement interpretation, employment legislation, and HR policies.
- Leads resolution of complex LR/ER issues, including discipline, accommodations, performance management, and workplace conflict.
- Manages the grievance process, including Step 1 and Step 2 hearings, arbitration preparation, and settlements.
- Contributes to development of the labour relations/collective bargaining strategy.
- Builds constructive and collaborative relationships with unions and associations.
- Leads and manages the collective bargaining process, including preparation, negotiations and implementation.
Investigations & Risk Management
- Leads and oversees workplace investigations into misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other workplace concerns.
- Provides advice, coaching, and frameworks for Advisors and system leaders conducting investigations.
- Ensures processes are timely, fair, compliant, and consistent across the system.
- Monitors grievance and investigation outcomes to identify risks and recommend proactive strategies.
Advisory & Partnership
- Serves as the escalation point for LR/ER issues raised by Senior HR Advisors and HR Advisors.
- Partners with the Manager, HR Advisory to provide seamless and consistent support to schools and service units.
- Coaches system and service unit leadership in effective employee and labour relations practices.
- Develops and delivers training sessions and resources on investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Team & System Contributions
- Provides direct supervision, coaching, and development for Labour Relations Advisor(s).
- Strengthens LR capability within the HR Advisory group through ongoing mentorship and shared case review.
- Supports development of HR service standards, escalation pathways, and service charters.
- Supports Legal with preparation for arbitration hearings, human rights hearings, and Boards of Reference.
- Ensures all LR practices align with equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) principles.
- Contributes to workforce planning, change management, risk analysis, and system-wide HR initiatives as a member of the HR leadership team.
- Supports the Legal service unit in HR/LR/ER policy review and development.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree or law degree preferred.
- A combination of related education and relevant experience may also be considered.
- CPHR designation is an asset.
- Minimum 10 years’ progressive HR experience, with significant focus on employee and labour relations in a public sector, unionized environment. Minimum 3 years leadership experience, including supervision, coaching, and development of HR or LR professionals.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex workplace investigations.
- Proven track record managing grievances, arbitrations, and collective agreement interpretation.
- Strong knowledge of Alberta labour and employment law.
- Experience working in the education sector is considered an asset.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies
- Sound judgment and analytical decision-making.
- Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Ability to coach and influence senior leaders with confidence and credibility.
- Proven ability to develop staff and build team capability.
- High integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
- Commitment to timeliness, fairness, and respectful workplace practices.
Conditions of Employment
Police Information Clearance: Applicants new to the Calgary Board of Education WHO ARE OFFERED EMPLOYMENT must complete and pass a police information clearance before employment is confirmed.
Be Part of Our Success
A career with the CBE offers incredible opportunities, rewards and supports.
What happens next?
We thank all candidates for their interest in this position however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Land Acknowledgement
The Calgary Board of Education acknowledges the traditional territories and oral practices of the Treaty 7 Nations, including the Siksikaitsitapi Nations, Tsuut'ina Nation, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations. We acknowledge the Métis Nation within Alberta, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of southern Alberta. As a learning organization, we are committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action focused on Education for ReconciliACTION.
About Calgary Board of Education
Our vision:
The Calgary Board of Education is the dynamic learning community of choice.
We provide quality learning opportunities and options. Our learners take ownership by discovering and developing their potential, passions and gifts. They take their place as lifelong learners and make a significant contribution within a complex, changing world.
Our values:
Students come first.
We believe that everyone can learn. Each student is unique and worthwhile. We acknowledge, recognize and celebrate the diversity of our learners. Success for each and every student is the goal of our work.
Learning is our central purpose.
We believe that learning empowers students to achieve their potential. Attention to continuous improvement, high expectations, innovation and relationships will enable all students to reach their potential. Student learning is at the heart of everyone's work at the Calgary Board of Education.
Public education serves the common good.
Public education is essential for a vibrant democracy. The principles of democracy drive our accountability to the public and the public's participation in our work. Our school system is owned by and accountable to Calgarians and therefore, the Calgary Board of Education is accountable to Calgary taxpayers for using resources wisely to meet students' learning needs.
Manager, Employee & Labour Relations (Hybrid)
About the role
Who Are We?
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the largest school board in western Canada with over 144,000 students and 16,000 employees. Our mission: Each student, in keeping with their individual abilities and gifts, will complete high school with a foundation of learning necessary to thrive in life, work and continued learning. We pride ourselves in the values we hold. Students come first. Learning is our central purpose. Public education serves the common good. The CBE encourages an inclusive and equitable workplace, which supports our diverse student and employee community. We encourage all applicants to join our dynamic, diverse, and collaborative culture and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.
When you apply to the CBE, you can feel good about serving our future leaders and contributing to student success.
Competition Info
Competition Close Date:Thursday, October 2, 2025 @ 11:59pm
Calendar: 12 Month
Salary: Exempt Grade M2, $147,700- $180,100 Annually
FTE: 1.0, 35 Hours per Week
What does this role look like?
Purpose
The Manager, Employee & Labour Relations (LR) provides leadership on employee and labour relations issues across the Calgary Board of Education (CBE). This role manages complex investigations, grievances, and arbitrations, ensuring compliance with legislation, collective agreements, and organizational policies. As the escalation point for high-risk cases, the Manager strengthens HR’s capacity to address employee and labour relations issues consistently, fairly, and in a timely manner, while fostering respectful workplace practices and building constructive relationships with unions and association partners.
Accountability
- Reports to the Director, Labour Relations, HR Advisory Services, and Employee Health & Well-Being.
- Provides system-wide leadership and expertise on complex employee and labour relations matters.
- Manages investigations, grievance and arbitration processes, and collective agreement interpretation.
- Partners with the Manager, HR Advisory to ensure seamless, consistent HR service delivery that is aligned with organizational policies, education plan, and Alberta employment legislation including the Education Act.
- Builds positive, professional relationships with union and association partners.
- Mitigates legal, reputational, and organizational risks through sound advice and practices.
What will you do?
Major Responsibilities
Employee & Labour Relations Leadership
- Provides expert advice on collective agreement interpretation, employment legislation, and HR policies.
- Leads resolution of complex LR/ER issues, including discipline, accommodations, performance management, and workplace conflict.
- Manages the grievance process, including Step 1 and Step 2 hearings, arbitration preparation, and settlements.
- Contributes to development of the labour relations/collective bargaining strategy.
- Builds constructive and collaborative relationships with unions and associations.
- Leads and manages the collective bargaining process, including preparation, negotiations and implementation.
Investigations & Risk Management
- Leads and oversees workplace investigations into misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other workplace concerns.
- Provides advice, coaching, and frameworks for Advisors and system leaders conducting investigations.
- Ensures processes are timely, fair, compliant, and consistent across the system.
- Monitors grievance and investigation outcomes to identify risks and recommend proactive strategies.
Advisory & Partnership
- Serves as the escalation point for LR/ER issues raised by Senior HR Advisors and HR Advisors.
- Partners with the Manager, HR Advisory to provide seamless and consistent support to schools and service units.
- Coaches system and service unit leadership in effective employee and labour relations practices.
- Develops and delivers training sessions and resources on investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Team & System Contributions
- Provides direct supervision, coaching, and development for Labour Relations Advisor(s).
- Strengthens LR capability within the HR Advisory group through ongoing mentorship and shared case review.
- Supports development of HR service standards, escalation pathways, and service charters.
- Supports Legal with preparation for arbitration hearings, human rights hearings, and Boards of Reference.
- Ensures all LR practices align with equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) principles.
- Contributes to workforce planning, change management, risk analysis, and system-wide HR initiatives as a member of the HR leadership team.
- Supports the Legal service unit in HR/LR/ER policy review and development.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree or law degree preferred.
- A combination of related education and relevant experience may also be considered.
- CPHR designation is an asset.
- Minimum 10 years’ progressive HR experience, with significant focus on employee and labour relations in a public sector, unionized environment. Minimum 3 years leadership experience, including supervision, coaching, and development of HR or LR professionals.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex workplace investigations.
- Proven track record managing grievances, arbitrations, and collective agreement interpretation.
- Strong knowledge of Alberta labour and employment law.
- Experience working in the education sector is considered an asset.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies
- Sound judgment and analytical decision-making.
- Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Ability to coach and influence senior leaders with confidence and credibility.
- Proven ability to develop staff and build team capability.
- High integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
- Commitment to timeliness, fairness, and respectful workplace practices.
Conditions of Employment
Police Information Clearance: Applicants new to the Calgary Board of Education WHO ARE OFFERED EMPLOYMENT must complete and pass a police information clearance before employment is confirmed.
Be Part of Our Success
A career with the CBE offers incredible opportunities, rewards and supports.
What happens next?
We thank all candidates for their interest in this position however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Land Acknowledgement
The Calgary Board of Education acknowledges the traditional territories and oral practices of the Treaty 7 Nations, including the Siksikaitsitapi Nations, Tsuut'ina Nation, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations. We acknowledge the Métis Nation within Alberta, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of southern Alberta. As a learning organization, we are committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action focused on Education for ReconciliACTION.
About Calgary Board of Education
Our vision:
The Calgary Board of Education is the dynamic learning community of choice.
We provide quality learning opportunities and options. Our learners take ownership by discovering and developing their potential, passions and gifts. They take their place as lifelong learners and make a significant contribution within a complex, changing world.
Our values:
Students come first.
We believe that everyone can learn. Each student is unique and worthwhile. We acknowledge, recognize and celebrate the diversity of our learners. Success for each and every student is the goal of our work.
Learning is our central purpose.
We believe that learning empowers students to achieve their potential. Attention to continuous improvement, high expectations, innovation and relationships will enable all students to reach their potential. Student learning is at the heart of everyone's work at the Calgary Board of Education.
Public education serves the common good.
Public education is essential for a vibrant democracy. The principles of democracy drive our accountability to the public and the public's participation in our work. Our school system is owned by and accountable to Calgarians and therefore, the Calgary Board of Education is accountable to Calgary taxpayers for using resources wisely to meet students' learning needs.