Position Summary:
Reporting to the Vice President, Labour and Employee Relations, the Director, is a key position that is accountable for ensuring that our stakeholders and clients are being supported in a manner that is consistent with best practices, as well as our policies and procedures.

This position is responsible for providing strategic leadership in developing employee and labour relations solutions to contribute to plant success. Additionally, this role will provide functional leadership and support for the Eastern facilities and at times other parts of Canada ensuring the legal compliance of HR Programs and services that will enable Sofina production facilities to achieve their goals and execute operational excellence.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide guidance and advice to plant leadership on disciplinary actions, terminations and Provincial employment laws and regulations across the country.
• Provide oversight, guidance, mentorship and leadership for the Human Resources team members.
• Conduct complex workplace investigations in response to complaints
• Act as a resource for all labour and employee relations matters (including CA interpretation and administration, and legislative compliance
• Ensures effective grievance management process
• Ensuring compliance to the terms and conditions of employment
• Coach and support HR Managers on all facets of employee and labour relations
• Act as chief spokesperson for the Company during Union negotiations
• Develop and execute labour negotiations strategies and tactics
• Manage labour and employee related litigation and arbitration.
• Ensure facilities are in legal compliance with all HR regulations and utilization of best practices.
• Deliver coaching and training programs on the Collective Agreements, employee relations issues such as respectful workplace, conflict management and investigation training.
• Provide leadership and expertise in the development of HR programs and strategies to enable Sofina production facilities to achieve their goals and execute operational excellence.
• Collaborate with the People and Culture, Total Rewards, and Communications Human Resource teams.
• Ensures best practices in human resource management are implemented by collaborating with peers and colleagues.
• Liaise with Plant Managers, Vice President, Operations and HR Managers/Generalists to understand and identify gaps and continuous improvement opportunities at the plants.
• In collaboration with the Vice President, Labour & Employee Relations, lead and identify training, career development and succession planning opportunities for Human Resources Team members.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in labour relations, human resources, or related field or equivalent is required.
• Five (5) years of experience in Labour Relations at a managerial level.
• A master’s degree or law degree is an asset.
• CPHR/CRHA designation is an asset.
• Practical hands-on experience with negotiating collective bargaining agreements.
• Working knowledge of collective agreement administration, labour relations and grievance practices and procedures, labour law and employment-related legislation.
• Experience working with labour unions.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office applications.
• Incumbent must have a vehicle and be willing to travel.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• A critical thinker with proven ability to advocate effectively and problem-solve creatively
• Ability to build constructive and effective relationships and gain credibility and trust with all stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills; ability to deal with executives, peers and production employees.
• Travelling and overnight travel is required

Sofina Foods Inc. is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements, for the purpose of accommodation under AODA, known to Human Resources when they are contacted for an interview.