Manager Labour Relations

Manager, Employee & Labour Relations

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, Ac

Position Number: S01175

Position Title:

Manager, Employee & Labour Relations

Location:

Kelowna (primary campus); remote work 1-2 days per week after successful completion of orientation and onboarding.

Schedule:

35 hours per week, Monday–Friday, regular business hours, with additional hours and flexibility required to meet responsibilities.

Appointment Type:
Exempt – Continuing Full‑time

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate: $92,139 – $135,137 (Typical hiring range $110,567–$122,852)

Desired

Start Date:

11/03/2025

Okanagan College has been embedded in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region for over a half‑century. The institution provides post‑secondary education and training to the Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen regions and has a strong reputation for excellence in learning and teaching through its wide range of academic, career, continuing education, developmental, trades and vocational programs.

Under the limited direction of the Associate Director, People Services, the Manager, Employee & Labour Relations oversees labour relations, recruitment & selection, job design & evaluation (BCGEU Support Staff), performance management & change management strategies and operations for Okanagan College. The position plays a critical role in maintaining positive labour‑management relations and leads a team of generalist People Services business partners and associates.

• Manage delivery of labour relations, basic recruitment & staffing functions, job design & evaluation (BCGEU Support Staff), performance management, and change management; develop and implement annual operational plans and service delivery models.
• Provide leadership and supervision for a team of generalist People Services business partners; supervise recruitment, orientation, training, staff development, performance management, and employee health, safety and wellbeing.
• Provide technical expertise and operational guidance to business partners and clients on labour relations matters.
• Cultivate a high‑performance team environment by empowering staff, driving engagement, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and service excellence.
• Conduct regular program reviews and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in design, delivery and employee experience.

• Support the Associate Director in preparation and execution of collective bargaining; compile data, draft proposals and identify strategic priorities.
• Participate in negotiations as required, acting as a subject‑matter expert and advisor.
• Support development and execution of college‑wide labour relations strategies and initiatives.
• Provide advice and guidance to leaders in support of management and resolution of complex labour relations cases.
• Provide timely direction on interpretation, application and administration of exempt terms, collective agreements, employment policies, and relevant legislation.
• Maintain records of collective agreements, negotiations, legal opinions and arbitration decisions.
• Review and audit labour relations and employee practices; identify discrepancies or departures from policy and recommend improvements.
• Ensure labour‑relations issues related to attendance, disability, accommodations and return‑to‑work processes are addressed consistently and proactively.

• Lead the grievance management process across the organization.
• Support business partners in investigating, responding to, and resolving grievances at Step 1 of the process.
• Provide expert guidance on Step 2 resolutions.
• Represent the…