Senior Labour Relations Specialist (Various locations, ON, CA)

Senior Labour Relations Specialist

Take a central role

The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment. 

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.  

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers:  Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process. 

About the position
As the Senior Labour Relations Specialist, you will provide strategic and practical labour relations advice to leaders working in a unionized environment. You will help strengthen constructive union-management relationships, support the consistent application of collective agreements and workplace policies, and resolve issues early wherever possible.

You will bring strong knowledge of the Canada Labour Code, sound judgment and the ability to operate with discretion in a complex, federally regulated workplace.

Note: This role can be based in Ottawa or Montreal, with regular travel required between the two locations.

What you will do

In this role, you will:

• provide strategic and operational labour relations advice to leaders of unionized employees, including interpretation of collective agreements, policies and legislative requirements, and consultation with Legal to identify practical, risk informed and innovative solutions.
• design, implement and monitor a cohesive and consistent approach for managers to address workplace issues consistently and constructively, including performance, discipline, operational change and difficult conversations.
• coach leaders and collaborate with HR Business Partners to proactively identify and address workplace issues early, ensuring alignment with labour relations best practices and broader people strategies.
• manage grievances and disputes from intake to resolution, using early intervention and informal resolution approaches where appropriate.
• support collective bargaining preparation, including proposal development, costing, mandate development and implementation of negotiated changes.
• build and maintain credible working relationships with union representatives and participate in labour-management meetings and joint consultation processes.
• identify trends in grievances, discipline, arbitration outcomes and jurisprudence, and translate insights into practical recommendations for leaders.
• design and deliver training, tools and guidance that build leader capability in a unionized environment.
• provide labour relations support to operational areas with shift workers and complex scheduling environments.

What you need to succeed
You are an experienced labour relations professional who combines strategic thinking with practical support. You build trust with leaders and union representatives, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and communicate discreetly on sensitive matters.

You bring experience in collective bargaining, strong knowledge of the Canada Labour Code, human rights and employment legislation, and the ability to coach managers, influence without authority, resolve conflict and support healthy, respectful workplaces.

Nice-to-have

• CHRL, CHRE or another relevant professional designation.
• Experience designing and delivering workshops, training or other leader support interventions.
• Experience in a federally regulated workplace is considered a strong asset.

Your education and experience
You have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in industrial relations, human resources, law or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with seven to ten years of progressive labour relations experience in a unionized environment. 

You also have demonstrated experience managing grievances and disputes, including preparing or supporting matters that proceed to arbitration.

Innovative Mindset

We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things. 

Language requirement
The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French.  The position language requirement is Level 5 (Fully Functional).  If a qualified candidate who meets the language requirement of the position is not found, a qualified candidate who does not meet the language requirement may be considered. Training may be provided to help reach the required level.  Both bilingual and unilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

What you need to know

• • Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
  • Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Reliability 
  • Relocation assistance may be provided, if required
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available. 

Hybrid Work Model

The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a portion of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.  

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider. 

• • Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $126,765 to $149,135 (job grade 18)
  • The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
  • Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health and dental coverage that meets your needs
  • Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
  • Option to join the indexed, defined-benefit pension plan after 24 consecutive months of service

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.