Senior Manager, Labour Relations

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!

The Senior Manager, Labour Relations (LR) is responsible for providing advice and guidance on the administration and interpretation of Collective Agreements. The role acts as a strategic Advisor on grievance management and alternative dispute resolution. The incumbent develops and maintains the relationship between the union and the management. The incumbent uses analytics to drive decision-making and research materials.  

·       Foster and set an effective LR strategic direction with the assigned client base

·       Lead, coach, and develop LR professionals to improve capability, encourage best practices, and demonstrate a passion for creating a culture defined by service excellence

·       Work collaboratively to establish process standards that drive efficiency and clear accountability

·       Act as a strategic Advisor on grievance management and alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation and arbitration

·       Provide advice and guidance on the administration and interpretation of various Collective Agreements

·       Develop and maintain the relationship between the union and the management by using an effective consultative approach

·       Use analytics to drive decision-making, research material, and participate, as well as lead in negotiating agreements

·       Communicate with legal experts to achieve positive results

·       Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on LR procedures, labour law, legislative change, dispute resolutions, and other pertinent union issues

·       Perform other related duties as required

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday at the head office and satellite offices. The incumbent must be available to work some nights and weekends when necessary. The role requires travel (20 to 25%) across Canada.

Labour Relations

·       Between 8 to 10 years of experience in labour relations

o    Experience in managing direct reports

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations or related Law or Human Resources or equivalent

·       Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation*

*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

·       Collaborates with others and shares information

·       Demonstrates active listening

·       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

·       Project and time management

·       Communicates with impact

·       Solves problems to create value

·       Applies critical and analytical thinking

·       Sets direction and inspires others

·       Demonstrated ability to develop strong partnerships and client relationships

·       Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French*)

·       Knowledge of LR principles, including collective bargaining and grievance management

·       Knowledge of employment legislation including Canada Labour Code and Canadian Human Rights Act

·       Knowledge of conflict resolution

·       Negotiation skills

·       Ability to exercise sound independent judgment

·       Change management

·       Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)

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.