Department: Labour, Skills and Immigration
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 18-Sep-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT US

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) is responsible to help grow the province’s population, develop our current and future workforce, and foster inclusive, safe and fair workplaces. We do this by working as a trusted partner across government, with employers and community, and with and on behalf of the citizens of Nova Scotia in an environment where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and valued. We don’t just accept difference – we are committed to a supportive culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging. We work together to create a future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
The Labour Services Branch administers the province’s labour and employment legislation and helps ensure Nova Scotia’s labour and employment laws are fair and balanced for both employers and employees. It carries out this work through four divisions: Labour Standards, Conciliation and Mediation Services, Workers’ Advisers Program, and the Labour Board.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As the Director of the Labour Standards Division, you will play a crucial role in ensuring fair and timely resolution of workplace disputes. You will oversee the process of receiving, investigating, and adjudicating complaints under the Labour Standards Code, including responsibilities under the Remembrance Day Act. Your leadership will extend to managing the Foreign Worker Program and ensuring compliance with related legislative and regulatory provisions.
You will also spearhead an effective enforcement program to ensure employees receive the wages they are owed, utilizing various tools and exploring prosecution as a compliance strategy. Your role will include managing inspection-based compliance activities, such as employer self-audits and site audits.
In addition, you will ensure the efficient operation of the divisional inquiry service, providing accurate and consistent information to stakeholders. You will lead a strategic program of awareness activities, including educational sessions, website development, and stakeholder communication.
Your strategic advisory skills will be vital as you provide recommendations on changes to the Labour Standards Code, respond to Private Members Bills, and coordinate periodic reviews of the legislation. You will support the Minimum Wage Review Committee and facilitate public and stakeholder consultations on proposed changes.
Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with colleagues, key stakeholders, and other government levels will be essential. You will influence senior staff to ensure departmental goals are met and conflicts are resolved effectively.
Finally, you will manage human and financial resources, overseeing hiring, training, and staff support while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. You will ensure adherence to corporate HR practices, foster teamwork, and maintain internal communications, all while managing budgets and expenditures in line with procurement guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

To excel as the Director of the Labour Standards Division, you should possess a bachelor’s degree in labour relations, employment law, or a related field. A deep understanding of the Labour Standards Code and its application is essential. You should have several years of experience in dispute resolution, enforcement, and compliance activities, ideally within a government or regulatory environment.
Leadership experience is crucial, as you will be guiding complex initiatives and providing strategic advice to senior executives. You should be adept at managing human and financial resources, promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Strong communication skills are necessary to effectively interact with stakeholders and lead awareness programs.
Additionally, experience in managing the Foreign Worker Program and related legislative provisions will be beneficial. Your ability to build and maintain formal partnerships and collaborative relationships across various sectors will be key to achieving departmental goals and resolving conflicts effectively.
A commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to adapt to changing legislative and regulatory landscapes will ensure your success in this role.

Please refer the Job description for details