The Manager, Employee Relations is responsible for providing knowledgeable, practical and proactive guidance on a wide range of employee issues. Reporting to the VP, Human Resources, this role ensures the effective delivery of employee relations, people processes and manager support across the employee life cycle at the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA).

With a strong generalist foundation, the Manager, Employee Relations works closely with leaders to proactively address employee relations issues, such as discipline, performance management, workplace issues, investigations, and disability management while also contributing to broader people processes such as workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development and policies/regulations. The manager participates in labour management processes, including grievance/labour relations management and collective bargaining, delivering effective employee and labour relations strategies.    

The Manager, Employee Relations ensures HR and LR practices are applied consistently, fairly and in alignment with legislation, collective agreements and with TPA’s values and strategic priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Employee Relations 

• Provides day-to-day guidance to managers and employees on a wide range of employee relations matters, including performance management, application of the collective agreement, corrective action/discipline, attendance management, workplace conflict, human rights, and employment standards, escalating complex or high-risk matters as appropriate. 
• Coaches and supports leaders to address employee issues in a timely, respectful and compliant manner.
• Conducts, leads or oversees employee and workplace investigations; prepares clear, findings and recommendations with consistent policy and legislation. 
• Facilitates grievance management, including documentation, participation in meetings and tracking and analyzing grievance trends to support continuous improvement in people practices. 
• Leads and manages labour relations processes, including participation and support of labour management committees and collective bargaining as required.
• Facilitates timely resolution of all employee and labour relations issues while maintaining an appropriate balance between parties to the issue(s).
• Monitors trends and reviews and makes recommendations for HR/LR and people strategies, policies, procedures, and program implementation changes; executes these changes as appropriate, including writing policies and procedures. 
• Oversees and/or develops and maintains databases and files of internal employee information, including employee relations files, investigations, grievances letters of understanding, memoranda of settlement, collective agreement interpretations, legal counsel and other relevant matters for use by the department.
• Works closely with Director Human Resources and VP Human Resources in handling employee legal actions against the organization.

Disability Management & Workplace Accommodations

• Oversees disability management, accommodations and return-to-work processes, in collaboration with Health & Safety, Payroll/Benefits and external partners.  
• Manages complex accommodation cases and provides guidance to managers on obligations and best practices.
• Identifies trends and recommends improvements to accommodation and disability management processes. 

Recruitment and Selection

• Provides guidance to managers on effective job design, workforce needs and staffing strategies.
• Supports fair, consistent, and defensible recruitment and hiring practices, including participating in interview process as required, advising on selection outcomes and offer recommendations. 
• Supports onboarding, early employee relations and workforce planning. 

HR Operations Support

• Reviews, develops and implements HR policies, procedures, standards and systems to ensure continuous improvement, consistency and compliance. 
• Oversees employee relations record-keeping, documentation and information management processes. 
• Develops and delivers training and resources related to employee relations, investigations, accommodations and people management.

Other

• Participates in department or cross-functional projects, committees, or organizational initiatives as required. 
• Promotes a collaborative work environment, supporting colleagues to ensure optimal team functioning.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or degree in human resources, industrial relations or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Human Resources Professional/Leader (CHRP/CHRL) an asset.
• Minimum 5 years’ progressive HR experience, including employee relations in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment-related legislation, including human rights, employment standards, occupational health and safety and accessibility requirements (OHS Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, ESA, Ontario Labour Relations Act).
• Experience conducting workplace investigations, advising on performance management, and resolution of workplace issues.
• Working knowledge of collective agreements and grievance processes.
• Proficiency with HRIS and standard business software.
• Strong professional judgement and ability to operate independently in complex situations
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive, confidential and high-risk matters with discretion and sound judgement.
• Strong conflict resolution, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach balanced with compliance and risk management.
• Ability to influence and coach others.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Internal candidates: Employees must have at least one (1) year of continuous service in their current role to be eligible for application.

JOB INFORMATION
Vacancies: One (1) permanent vacancy
Salary Range: $94,824 - $111,558

AI may be used as a support tool in our hiring process. All final decisions are made by trained staff.
 

About the Toronto Parking Authority

Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) is the largest municipal parking operator in North America, third largest bike share operator and largest operator of municipally owned EV charging in Canada. At the Toronto Parking Authority, we aspire to create a seamless customer experience that delivers on choice, ease, and speed through the City. We are proud to be a major strategic asset for the City in supporting Toronto’s Mobility goals. Our advancements, such as enhancements to the Green P app, the expansion of Bike Share Toronto and establishment of a new systems operating centre reflect our commitment to innovation and service excellence.