Program Manager, Employee & Labour Relations

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Labour & Employee Relations, this position is accountable for the execution of a positive labour and employee relations approach, aligned with the Army’s strategic organizational plans, which includes constructive union-management relationships and collective bargaining processes. The Labour and Employee Manager is a subject matter expert that has extensive experience in both union and non-union environments and has expert proficiency in labour negotiations, grievance and arbitration resolution and has the ability to facilitate training as needed. Further, this role acts as chief negotiator on several of The Salvation Army’s union agreements and provides advice and expertise to leaders to ensure consistency and efficiency in the resolution of complex union relation matters while ensuring adherence to collective agreements and all relevant legislation.

Key Accountabilities

• Follows strategic plans to standardize collective agreements, deliver service excellence and increase capability in cost effective, high impact union and employee relations.
• Collaborates with stakeholders in the development, recommendation and implementation of labour and employee relations strategies.
• Installs and promotes new ways of working; involves framing and collaborating to communicate and align territorial, divisional and ministry unit approaches that support positive employee and union relations.
• Follows guidelines for collective agreement negotiations, interpretation, and administration to ensure consistency across the organization in accordance with the employee and union relations strategy.
• Works to continuously improve centrally managed expert services in labour and employee relations including pre-negotiations planning/strategizing with MU leaders to deliver planned outcomes during collective agreement negotiations.
• Acts as the chief negotiator as assigned for The Salvation Army.
• Play a key role in establishing good communication and fostering a positive union relations climate with all key stakeholders.
• Influence and mitigate risks by ensuring delivery of effective and timely solutions/services.
• Represents TSA at arbitration/board hearings as assigned.
• Facilitate labour and employee relations training as required.
• Maintains a network of internal and external contacts to regularly benchmark and remain current on future trends and developments related to labour and employee relations programs, policies and strategies.

Education And Experience Qualifications

• Completion of Master university degree in industrial relations, law, human resources or business administration, related field considered an asset.
• Post graduate education/certification in specialty areas (e.g. Labour and Industrial Relations) considered as an asset.
• Minimum of 7 years of prior related experience as a labour/employee relations manager in a large, multi-union environment leading labour and employee relations professionals.
• Knowledge of strategic and tactical problem-solving approaches and an ability to convert strategic objectives into tangible action plans and results.
• Experience as chief negotiator in collective bargaining, plus extensive collective agreement interpretation and advising along with grievance/arbitration process
• Provides services such as representation, support and advice for union and employment related matters.
• Excellent knowledge of human resources practices in a unionized environment.
• Fluent understanding and experience applying multiple acts and statutes, including the Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Human Rights Code, and Pay Equity Act.
• Build trust within the organization as a coach and advisor; demonstrate strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills, while navigating both confrontational and subtle situations.
• Deep understanding of The Salvation Army’s mission and values, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, healthy organizational culture and supporting ministry development and strategic priorities.
• Encourage staff growth, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate teamwork across diverse groups, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering open, honest communication.
• Effectively navigate conflict, make decisions aligned with mission and values, and engage stakeholders in implementing and evaluating outcomes for continuous improvement.
• Embrace change, drive innovation, and apply critical thinking to identify root issues and develop effective solutions, ensuring sustainable impact and learning.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $100,390.71 to $125,488.38 with a maximum of $150,586.06.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.