Labour Relations Specialist (Contract)

Get to know Sleeman Breweries

At Sleeman Breweries, our people make us exceptional. We’re a company founded by entrepreneurs, and that spirit is alive and thriving today. If you want to make your mark, this is the place for you – and we want to work with you!

While we’re Canada’s third-largest brewer, we’re also a place where you can get to know everyone’s name and they’ll get to know yours. People here care about what they do and the people they work with.

Our commitment to our people and our values are clear. In 2023, we were named one of Canada’s Best Employers (Forbes Magazine) and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.

What you’ll get

To attract top-tier talent, we offer top-tier benefits:

• Compensation that’s a step ahead
• RRSP matching program to help you save for retirement
• A commitment to work-life balance and flexible work arrangements when appropriate for the role
• Benefits coverage for partners and kids
• Parental leave top-up for primary and secondary caregivers
• Employee beer credit
• Tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees
• Employee and family assistance program
• Discount program with access to perks from big brands and local favourites

What you’ll do – The opportunity

Position:

Location:

Level:

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Description:

Reporting to the Regional Human Resources Manager, Ontario, the Labour Relations Specialist will provide guidance, support, advice and training to management and supervisory employees in the consistent application and interpretation of the collective agreement in Ontario. They will play an integral role in creating and maintaining equitable and harmonious union/management relations.

This is a hybrid position (min 4 days in office) based out of Guelph, ON.  The contract terms will be from June 2025 through to August 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in executing the labor strategy as set forth by Corporate HR.
• Partner with local managers in order to build credibility with employees, maintain good morale, and gain trust of management
• Key contact for labor relations function – assist in day-to-day contract administration issues such as grievance processing, reporting, providing interpretative guidance to management/supervisors.
• Front-line point of contact for union representatives regarding all issues related to the collective agreement
• Interpret, advise, coach and train management on collective agreement, policies, legislation and best practices.
• Facilitate and ensure consistent application of collective agreements, policies and legislation etc.
• Provide expert advice to all levels of management on the proper handling of union/management issues including terminations, discipline, and grievances.
• Co-chair in the joint labor relations committees and work closely with management and union to proactively respond to labor issues, grievances, mediations, arbitrations, etc.
• Meet with union executives, joint steering committees, department steering committees as required to resolve issues and concerns raised by the employees, union and/or management
• Key resource in the collective bargaining process and a member of the bargaining team
• Assist in major investigations and fact finding on employee and labor relations issues within the hourly group
• Work independently to meet deadlines and be flexible in managing multiple and shifting priorities while maintaining sensitive and confidential issues responsibly and professionally
• Maintain highly confidential departmental and/or Company records and information
• Perform HR related tasks, as requested (HR administration, training, etc.)

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations or Human Resources
• Minimum 5 years experience in labor relations or HR working with unionized environment
• 3 years of involvement in the collective bargaining process
• Certified Human Resources Professional considered an asset
• Keen attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Bilingual (French & English) communication skills (verbal & written) considered an asset
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as a strong team player
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Proven time management skills; able to deal with the pressures of deadlines, interruptions and changing priorities
• Ability to multi-task, problem-solve and interact positively with internal and external customers
• Strong computer skills; Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Some travel may be required

Think you have what we need, but your credentials don’t perfectly line up? You should apply! We know that folks in some equity-deserving groups miss opportunities if they think their qualifications don’t fit. We would love to chat about your skills and experience and see how we might work together.

What matters here

We like you just the way you are. We believe in creating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone and our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee helps us live up to that commitment.

You’re welcome here no matter your sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion/creed, language, national or ethnic background, Indigenous identity, race, colour, neurodivergence, or disability status. We’re an equal-pay employer and believe in opportunity for everyone.  

Need an accommodation during the application process? Let us know!

What we make

Our consumers know we create some of the best beers in Canada from our breweries across the country: Sleeman, Okanagan Spring, Unibroue, and Wild Rose. And we’re growing into new and innovative spaces with our ready-to-drink SoCIAL LITE line.

Get an inside look at what it’s like working at Sleeman Breweries by following @lifeatsleeman on Instagram. We think you’ll like working here!

We thank all candidates for their interest however only those selected to proceed will be contacted.