Labour Relations Specialist

Job Posting

ABOUT WONDERBRANDS

Wonderbrands is a leading Canadian bakery with over 140 years of expertise in crafting high-quality packaged breads. We proudly produce iconic brands such as Wonder Bread, Country Harvest, D’Italiano, Gadoua, Casa Mendosa, Farm House and Mie et Cie. Our network spans 14 state-of-the-art bakery manufacturing facilities across Canada. 

Now part of the FGF Brands Group of Companies, Wonderbrands is unlocking tremendous growth opportunities by driving production innovation, advancing leading-edge supply chain practices, and investing in the communities where we bake. We embrace an entrepreneurial spirit and foster a dynamic, collaborative start-up culture that thrives on cross-functional teamwork. 

This role requires approximately 50% travel across Canada. 

ABOUT THE JOB

We’re hiring a Labour Relations Specialist to join our Human Resources and Talent & Development team to support our employees at a dozen Wonderbrands sites across the country. Reporting to the Labour Relations Director, the Labour Relations Specialist, provides functional assistance and support in the development and implementation of Labour Relations strategies. Will assist and support the Labour Relations Director in supporting Labour negotiations, providing coaching, guidance and mentoring to bakery-based T&D team on Labour Relations matters including building effective labour relations, investigations, performance matters, grievances, labour relations related legislation and other matters.  

WHAT WE OFFER

• Tuition reimbursement
• Bonus eligibility/entitlement
• Health and dental benefits 
• GRRSP with company matching contribution 
• Discount programs that cover almost everything under the sun (restaurants, gyms, shopping, entertainment etc.)

 ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise and provide support to the business and HR Partners on employee relations matters as they pertain to labour relations, the interpretation of the Collective Agreement and applicable employment legislation.
• Provides recommendations and handles cases involving performance management, corrective actions including progressive discipline, terminations, and accommodations.
• May conduct investigations relative to complaints and disciplines; assist with conflict management, and dispute resolution or other employee relations matters
• Support with the preparation and review of their arbitration files and make appropriate recommendations to HR partners and management.
• Support the Labour Relations team with accurate analysis and summary of data while working in conjunction with the Finance and Operations team
• Ensure effective communication of existing/new policies and standards.
• Establish and maintain constructive communication and effective working relationships with HR, Management and designated union representatives.
• Coordinate and conduct meetings involving HR, union & Bakery management.
• Conduct training seminars as required.
• Interpret relevant legislation (Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, etc.) and provide advice and counseling.
• Provide analysis and necessary preparation for the collective bargaining process
• Assist LR Director by responding to applicable grievances issued on behalf of management
• All other duties as required

 WHAT YOU BRING

• 1-3 years of Labour Relations experience achieved through the support of a unionized business or through education or a combination of both.
• Graduate of a post-secondary program in Labour Relations, Labour Law, Industrial Relations, Human Resources or Business.
• Strong computer skills required in MS Office, specifically Excel
• Manufacturing experience considered an asset
• Strong Organizational and Interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Bilingual French/English considered an asset
• Must be available to travel up to 50% of the time across Canada.

 FGF GROUP COMPETENCIES

Adaptive Intelligence - Team Members respond effectively to challenges by evolving their skills, mindset, and approach.

• Flexibility, Agility, Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments by embracing continuous change. Quickly adjusts to new priorities and actively seeks innovative solutions. Uses setbacks as opportunities for growth
• and applies a relentless focus on improving outcomes. Approaches challenges with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset and openness to feedback.
• Calculated Risk-Taking: Makes strategic decisions by evaluating options and creating contingency plans.

Collaborative Intelligence - Collaborative intelligence empowers teams to unlock collective strengths and achieve results through synergy and mutual trust.

• Team First and Collaboration: Engages with Team Members and colleagues, builds relationships, and fosters an inclusive, innovative environment.

Entrepreneurial Intelligence - Equips Team Members to identify opportunities, overcome setbacks, and move ideas to execution effectively.

• Continuous Improvement: Drives innovation and optimizes processes to enhance quality and productivity.
• Customer and Product Focus: Addresses need proactively with accountability and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Fierce Execution: Achieves results with a strategic and hands-on approach, learning from mistakes and building trust.

Leadership Competencies

Inspire & Energize Team Members

• Continually inspires and develops Team Members​ and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Supports, shared knowledge and experience with your Team through authentic conversations and development planning
• Communicates clear expectations​
• Uses insight and knowledge to influence others​
• Understands and acknowledge differences and modifies style to support unleashing potential
• Demonstrates patience and empathy, while listening​

Create Winning Relationships​

• Inspire enthusiasm & commitment by communicating a clear path to success​
• Empowers others by delegating and providing support and opportunities for growth​
• Identifies, raises and resolves conflict​
• Builds trust and models the “Coach Approach”​

Entrepreneurial Leadership​

• Encourages informed risk-taking and supports learning from outcomes.
• Creates an environment where your team enjoys working hard while having fun​
• Provides feedback to reinforce results​

Disclaimer: the above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills.  Please keep in mind that other duties may be added, or this description may be amended at any time. In compliance with Ontario’s Bill 190, we confirm that this posting represents a current existing vacancy within our organization. We affirm that our hiring process, including candidate screening, evaluation, and selection, does not involve the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or automated decision-making tools. All assessments and decisions are conducted by qualified human professionals to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with Bill 149.

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