Labour Relations Specialist

Venor is proud to partner with J.D. Irving, Limited in their search for a new Labour Relations Specialist to join their Human Resources team.

J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a premier North American forestry and operations leader. What began in 1882 as a regional, family-owned enterprise has grown into a dynamic, coast-to-coast group of operating divisions with over 140 years of success. Recognized for building a highly efficient, vertically integrated supply chain, J.D. Irving, Limited delivers high-quality lumber, pulp and paper products, and sustainable forest management across Eastern Canada and the United States. At Grand Lake Timber Sawmill, Chipman, NB, JDI is proud of their strong legacy in sustainable forestry and high-quality wood products.

Reporting to the HR Manager, the Labour Relations Specialist will play a key role in supporting positive union-management relations, ensuring compliance with collective agreements, and promoting a culture of fairness and accountability. They will support the business by interpreting and administering the collective agreement, maintaining a productive relationship with the Union, managing the grievance process, providing training and development to supervisors on company policies and labour relations best practices, assisting with progressive discipline practices, resolving complex labour relations issues and conducting workplace investigations in conjunction with Industrial Security Ltd. The ideal candidate has a strong background in labour relations or employment law, with the ability to build strong relationships with the management team, employees at all levels of the company, the union and its representatives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide day-to day support, guidance and advice to managers and supervisors with respect to employee issues, performance management, progressive discipline, and attendance management.
• Monitor and analyze key business trends related to attendance, overtime, workplace conflict, grievances and prepare recommendations to support effective business operations.
• Maintain records related to discipline and grievances to ensure fair and consistent approach within the workplace.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with the Union and the workforce.
• Assist managers and supervisors with the interpretation and administration of the collective agreement
• Assist managers and supervisors in understanding the Company’s responsibilities under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, Industrial Relations Act, Employment Standards Act and other company policies and procedures as required.
• Manage the formal grievance process to ensure the timely and effective resolution of all matters.
• Investigate and respond to employee complaints and concerns, ensuring compliance with collective agreements and legislation.
• Provide ongoing coaching to managers on supervisor effectiveness including the delivery of training sessions as required.

What We Are Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or a related field; or a Juris Doctor/Bachelor of Law degree with a focus on employment or labour law.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in labour relations, grievance management, conducting workplace investigations and administering collective agreements.
• Be an exceptional communicator with the ability to influence change.
• Proven problem-solving abilities accompanied by sound judgement with demonstrated effective decision-making ability.
• Experience in an industrial environment considered an asset.
• Member in good standing with a provincial law society (or eligibility for membership) is considered a strong asset, as is a CPHR designation.

Venor and JDI are committed to Employment Equity and building a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. Applications are encouraged from Indigenous Peoples, visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, and women in occupations and positions where they are underrepresented. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Steph MacIntosh at steph@venor.ca.