Senior Labour Relations Consultant - Strategic Leader & Labour Relations

Job Category: Professional

Hospital Location: Newmarket ON

Job Type: Permanent, Full time

Number of Positions: 1

Minimum - Maximum Hourly Rate: $57.51 - $68.36

Why Join Our Team?

• A people-first workplace environment that prioritizes belonging, wellness, and psychological safety.

• Hybrid, virtual, and in-person working environment (where applicable).

• Progressive health and dental benefit plans.

• HOOPP pension plan with employer and employee premium sharing.

• Enhanced wellness initiatives, including virtual fitness classes and on-site gym memberships.

If you are ready to embrace this exciting challenge and contribute to the success of Southlake Health, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dedicated team, making a difference in the lives of our employees and the community we serve!

About the role:


Reporting to the Manager, Employee & Labour Relations, the Senior Labour Relations Consultant is a dynamic strategic leader who drives proactive, high impact labour and employee relations across the organization. You will shape labour-management partnerships, lead complex conflict resolution, and deliver bargaining and grievance strategies that protect the organization’s interests while strengthening a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

What you’ll lead

• Own end-to-end grievance and arbitration management for ONA, OPSEU, and SEIU bargaining units — from Step 2 escalation to mediation, arbitration and negotiated settlements.  
• Lead investigations, prepare robust case positions, and represent the organization in mediations and arbitrations (in collaboration with external counsel) within delegated authority.  
• Partner with HRBPs, operational leaders and Occupational Health to resolve workplace, attendance, accommodation and return-to-work issues before they escalate.  
• Co-create and co-chair collective bargaining strategies and Labour‑Management Committee forums that advance sustainable agreements and constructive union relationships.  
• Advise senior leaders on collective agreement interpretation, organizational policy, and employment legislation; translate risk into clear, executable mitigation strategies.  
• Monitor labour relations trends and sector negotiations, turning intelligence into proactive recommendations that align with organizational strategy.  
• Build and sustain collaborative, high‑trust relationships with union representatives, managers, legal counsel and other stakeholders to ensure consistent, principled application of labour relations practices.

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s in HR, Labour/Industrial Relations, Business Administration or equivalent (Master’s in Industrial Relations an asset).  
• 5–7+ years progressive labour relations experience—healthcare or public sector experience strongly preferred.  
• Proven track record managing grievances, mediations, arbitrations and collective bargaining with strong case-research and legal/jurisprudence acumen.  
• Deep knowledge of labour and employment statutes (Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards, Human Rights Code, OHSA) and collective agreement administration.  
• Exceptional negotiation, mediation and conflict-resolution skills with demonstrated ability to influence at all organizational levels.  
• Strong coaching, facilitation, planning and analytical capabilities; comfortable managing competing priorities.  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

Why this role matters

You will be the trusted labour relations strategist who balances operational imperatives, legal compliance and collaborative union partnerships — directly influencing workplace culture, protecting organizational interests, and enabling sustained operational excellence. If you’re energized by high‑stakes problem solving, strategic leadership and building constructive labour-management outcomes, we want you on our team.

Southlake Health is fully committed to a culture of belonging and an inclusive environment that encourages every team member to lead within their role, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission and goal to create a healthy workplace where our community can thrive.

Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position.

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants who may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify the Human Resources Department when contacted for an interview. The People, Culture and Experience team will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process, which will enable you to be assessed fairly and equitably.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We prioritize a people-first workplace culture which emphasizes equity and inclusion throughout our hiring process. To ensure fairness and transparency, all applications are reviewed and assessed by our dedicated team of recruiters and hiring managers, not by artificial intelligence (AI). We value the unique perspective each candidate brings to our organization.

Health & Safety Workplace Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all Southlake Health employees to work safely and promote health and safety in the workplace. Employees must adhere to the duties of workers, as stipulated in Section 28 of the OH&S Act, as well as all Southlake OH&S policies and procedures. Must be able to perform all necessary bona fide duties for the position, as outlined in the position guide. Must review and be capable of performing duties as outlined in the Job Demands Analysis for the position as a condition of offer. Proven ability to attend work regularly as per the Attendance Support Policy.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Southlake Health is fully dedicated to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices. We welcome candidates who identify with equity-seeking groups, including women, racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Any information provided will be kept confidential and used appropriately in our recruitment process.

Anti-Oppression/Anti-Racism at Southlake Health

Southlake Health is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of York Region and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and from those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your submission. We appreciate your interest in joining Southlake Health!