Labour Relations Specialist

At Verve Senior Living, we’re driven by a shared commitment to creating meaningful experiences for the older adults we serve. Our teams bring passion, creativity, and heart to everything they do, and it shows in our culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. We’re proud to have received Canada's Best Managed Award in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and to have been recognized with the Best Managed Gold Standard designation in 2026, reflecting our continued excellence and long-standing dedication to service, leadership, and care. What truly sets us apart are the people who choose to build their careers here. Whether you're supporting our residences or contributing within our corporate community, your work plays an important role in helping seniors live longer, better and you’ll be supported by a team that believes in growing together, celebrating success, and having fun along the way. If you’re looking for a place where your work has real impact, and where you can thrive personally and professionally, we’d love to meet you!

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE

As part of the People team, the role of Labour Relations Specialist supports a positive employee relations climate and advances the organization’s culture, values, and service standards.

Reporting to the Senior Labour Relations Manager, the incumbent works within the People team to provide labour and employee relations expert guidance to colleagues, properties and operations teams, in areas such as collective agreement administration, bargaining support, and complex employee relations matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a subject matter expert to property teams and People Partners on labour relations matters.
• Provide consistent interpretation of collective agreements, policies, procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Manage final-step grievances and support rights arbitration matters as required.
• Participate in collective bargaining including proposal preparation, negotiations support, and implementation of renewed agreements.
• When delegated, lead negotiations and support interest arbitration processes in Ontario and Western Canada.
• Negotiate collective agreements within mandate and a long-term view for investors and related stakeholders.
• Conduct complex workplace investigations, prepare clear defensible reports, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Support cross-functional projects managed by the People team.
• Analyze trends and partner with the People team to develop proactive strategies, policies and supports for the organization.
• Provide the People’s team with sector updates and best practices arising from case law, arbitration awards, tribunal decisions, and regulatory matters.
• Build effective working relationships with union representatives to support a constructive labour relations environment.
• Support disability management and accommodation processes in partnership with People Partners.
• Deliver education and guidance to management on labour relations issues, trends, and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree and education/courses in the area of labour relations required or the equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years experience in labour relations and managing relationships with multiple unions and multiple provinces.
• Experience supporting and leading labour negotiations with a preference for those with a demonstrated ability to successfully negotiate normative agreements, within the senior living sector.
• Solid understanding of employment and labour laws in Ontario and Western Canada.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills with demonstrated capacity to influence, earn respect and trust.
• Ability to apply sound judgment to a variety of situations demonstrating tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information is essential.
• Demonstrates a high degree of integrity, initiative and problem solving with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Highly motivated with strong organizational capabilities to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Able to work independently and collaborate within a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle; travel required.

GENERAL

• Participate in the Verve Quality Improvement (VQI) Program
• Comply with all corporate policies, health and safety legislation, and mandatory training requirements
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Labour Relations Manager

This role offers a base salary range of $95,000-$125,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

All offers of employment are subject to a Criminal Background Check. We thank all those who apply; however only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Verve Senior Living is an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the residents and communities in which we live and serve. If you require accommodation for any portion of the recruitment and hiring process, please let us know.