Senior Advisor - Employee & Labour Relations

Please Note: If you are a current Algonquin College employee, apply to this job via the Workday application.

Department:

Labour Relations

Position Type:

Fixed Term Administrative

Salary Range:

$53.24-$66.56-Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

36.25

Anticipated Start Date:

January 04, 2027

Length of Contract:

18-months

Posting Information

This job posting is now accepting applications from all qualified individuals.

Posting Closing Date:

November 23, 2026

Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment:

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description:

Bring your labour relations expertise to a complex, multi-union environment where your advice will help shape important workplace decisions across Algonquin College.

Reporting to the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations, the Senior Advisor acts as a trusted advisor to leaders across the College on complex and sensitive employee and labour relations matters. This is an opportunity for an experienced labour relations professional to manage a diverse portfolio, work directly with leaders, union representatives and legal counsel, and contribute to fair, practical and effective workplace solutions.

Your portfolio will include collective agreement and employment law interpretation, grievances, workplace investigations, performance management, progressive discipline and termination, layoff and recall, human rights matters, conflict resolution and other complex employee relations issues. You will also represent the College in labour and employment-related proceedings, coach and train leaders, and contribute to the implementation of College labour relations strategies.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will provide senior-level employee and labour relations advice and support across the College, with responsibilities including:

• Employee and Labour Relations Management: Provide strategic and operational advice on collective agreement interpretation, grievances, performance management, progressive discipline, termination, layoff and recall, and other complex employee relations matters.
• Workplace Investigations: Lead and support complex workplace investigations involving employee conduct, harassment, discrimination and other workplace concerns.
• Management Training and Coaching: Provide coaching and training to leaders to strengthen their ability to manage employee and labour relations matters effectively.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Support the resolution of employee complaints, workplace conflict, grievances and other labour relations disputes.
• Research, Reporting and Communications: Contribute to labour relations research, reporting and communications, and provide ELR expertise to cross-College committees and initiatives.

What You'll Bring

You will bring significant labour relations expertise, sound judgement and the ability to provide practical advice in complex and sensitive situations.

Required qualifications include:

• A minimum four (4) year university degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Psychology, Social Science or an equivalent field, along with formal training in Industrial Relations and/or Human Resources Management.
• A minimum of nine (9) years of experience in a unionized work environment providing labour relations counsel, coaching and guidance to all levels of management.
• Strong knowledge of collective agreements and collective bargaining processes, grievance and arbitration processes, case management, conflict resolution and mediation.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario employment and labour legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act, 1995, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Colleges Collective Bargaining Act.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex legislation, collective agreements, policies and other employment-related documents and translate them into practical advice.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, sensitive and competing employee and labour relations matters.
• Strong analytical, communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, maintain confidentiality and work independently within a complex unionized environment.

The following would be considered assets:

• CHRP and/or CHRL designation.
• Formal workplace investigation training.
• Experience working in a large, complex, multi-union environment.
• Experience with Workday or other Human Resources Information Management Systems.

Position Details

Employment Type: 18-month contract

Anticipated Start Date: January 4, 2027

Application Deadline: November 24, 2026

Apply Now

If you are an experienced labour relations professional who enjoys navigating complex issues, advising leaders and finding practical approaches to challenging workplace situations, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit your application through our Career Opportunities.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in conjunction with the College's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change). This position is not eligible for Fully remote work. 

Why Join Algonquin College?

• Compensation: Many roles offer a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans designed to support your well-being. Eligibility for benefits vary by position. Benefits | Careers

• Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, tuition assistance programs (Algonquin College Courses and Degree Completion), certifications, workshops, and professional courses that allow you to grow and advance in your career. About Us | Employee Learning and Development. Availability depends on role and employment status.

• Company Culture: Our values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect define how we interact with one another. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Algonquin College has been recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2025 and one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024

• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): We are proud to be the first Ontario college to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. Affinity Group Conversation Communities | Inclusion & Diversity & Truth and Reconciliation

• Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. Select positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College’s Flexible Work Arrangement Policy https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

How We Use AI in Hiring:  

Algonquin College uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening and assessing applicants and their applications, while ensuring that all processes respect and uphold the provisions of applicable collective agreements above all else.

Accessibility:

Algonquin College values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally respectful workplace. We offer an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and individuals from diverse communities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected]. While we thank all those who apply, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.