Director, Labour Relations

at  Canadian National Railway

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary

The Director, Labour Relations is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of Labour Relations (LR) in the non-operating crafts in Canada. The role ensures compliance with federal laws and regulations, fosters positive relationships with unions, and contributes to the development and implementation of effective labour relations strategies.

• Main ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic leadership in the development and execution of LR strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Understand risks inherent to Labor Relations and ensure effective controls are in place
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure that LR initiatives support the overall business objectives
• Coach senior leaders on strategy development, execution planning and resolution of escalated issues
• Lead and participate in collective bargaining negotiations, working towards fair and mutually beneficial agreements
• Build and maintain positive relationships with union representatives
• Work to enhance communication and collaboration between the organization and unions
• Stay abreast of changes in federal labour laws and regulations
• Control the overall direction and workload of Non-Operation Labor Relation’s team
• Lead Managers in ensuring department objectives and priorities are in line with CN’s vision
• Optimize the team’s performance, efficiencies and morale through strong leadership and employee recognition
• Liaise with other functions to ensure collaboration on shared goals
• Identify top talent, empower team members to be accountable and encourage cross-training opportunities

Working Conditions
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress. The role requires occasional travel (up to 30%) across Canada.
Requirements
Experience

Labour Relations

• Minimum 10 years experience in Labour Relations, preferably in a leadership role within the federal sector

o Proven experience in collective bargaining and negotiations
o Experience working collaboratively in a diverse and dynamic organizational environment
o Experience developing plans, objectives, and initiatives to achieve and promote the behaviors, culture, and capabilities needed to achieve business strategies and organizational goals
o Experience as a strategic partner, building influential relationships with key stakeholders across a large organization

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field
• Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field*
• Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

• Sets direction and inspire others
• Communicates with impact
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Applies critical thinking
• Delegates and empowers others to create accountability
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
• Promotes diversity and equity
• Innovates
• Leads by example for the safety and security of all

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Knowledge of LR principles, including collective bargaining and grievance management
• Knowledge of employment legislation including Canada Labour Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act
• Knowledge of conflict resolution, negotiations, change management, and federal labour law regulations and best practices
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)*
• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset

About CN
CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don’t see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please reach out to our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.

• Main ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic leadership in the development and execution of LR strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Understand risks inherent to Labor Relations and ensure effective controls are in place
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure that LR initiatives support the overall business objectives
• Coach senior leaders on strategy development, execution planning and resolution of escalated issues
• Lead and participate in collective bargaining negotiations, working towards fair and mutually beneficial agreements
• Build and maintain positive relationships with union representatives
• Work to enhance communication and collaboration between the organization and unions
• Stay abreast of changes in federal labour laws and regulations
• Control the overall direction and workload of Non-Operation Labor Relation’s team
• Lead Managers in ensuring department objectives and priorities are in line with CN’s vision
• Optimize the team’s performance, efficiencies and morale through strong leadership and employee recognition
• Liaise with other functions to ensure collaboration on shared goals
• Identify top talent, empower team members to be accountable and encourage cross-training opportunitie