Manager, Labour Relations

Are we right for you...

What you'll be doing...

Lead BC Transit's labour relations function and provide both strategic and operational leadership in the administration of collective agreements, grievance and dispute resolution, collective bargaining, investigations, and labour relations governance. 

As BC Transit’s lead labour relations subject matter expert and a key representative of the organization in labour relations matters, you will be responsible for executing BC Transit’s labour relations strategy by promoting consistent labour relations practices, supporting organizational risk management, and fostering constructive relationships with union representatives and key stakeholders. 

A key focus of this role will be owning and continuously improving BC Transit’s labour relations practice. You will establish, maintain, and enhance labour relations policies, procedures, interpretation guides, training materials, and best practices that support consistent labour relations outcomes across the organization. You will identify emerging trends, legislative developments, arbitration decisions, and labour relations risks, and translate those insights into practical recommendations and improvements to labour relations practices. 

You will play a significant role in developing labour relations capability throughout BC Transit. This includes designing, facilitating, and continuously improving labour relations training programs for leaders, People & Culture team members, and other stakeholders. You will provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance that strengthens confidence, competence, and consistency in the management of labour relations matters across the organization. 

An important component of this role will involve collective bargaining. You will support bargaining strategy development, proposal development, costing, negotiations, implementation planning, and may act as bargaining committee chair or labour relations lead during negotiations. You will also support the implementation of ratified agreements and help ensure successful labour relations outcomes. 

You will provide expertise and support on escalated labour relations matters, including grievances, mediations, arbitrations, Labour Relations Board proceedings, Workers' Compensation Board appeals, and Human Rights matters. You will provide strategic advice and recommendations regarding dispute resolution, settlements, labour relations trends, organizational risk, and proactive risk mitigation. 

You will also be accountable for leading, mentoring, and supporting a direct report while helping strengthen labour relations capability throughout the People & Culture team and broader organization. 

In this role you will not be asked to... 

Operate solely as a high-level strategist. While this is a leadership role, it is also a hands-on labour relations role. You will be expected to actively support complex files, participate in bargaining, provide advice on grievance and dispute resolution, and contribute directly to labour relations outcomes. 

You will not be expected to resolve every labour relations matter personally. People and Culture Advisors will continue to lead day-to-day labour relations matters within their portfolios. Your role is to provide expertise, oversight, coaching, governance, and support on escalated, complex, precedent-setting, or high-risk matters. 

What you might love about this role... 

• Be BC Transit's labour relations expert: Serve as the organization's lead labour relations representative and trusted advisor on complex labour relations matters, collective agreements, investigations, bargaining, and execution of BC Transit’s labour relations strategy.  
• Shape labour relations practices across the organization: Develop policies, procedures, interpretation guides, training programs, and best practices that strengthen organizational capability and consistency.   
• Play a key role in collective bargaining: Play a key role in bargaining strategy, proposal development, negotiations, implementation planning, and relationship building with union partners.  
• Support meaningful organizational decisions: Provide advice on grievances, arbitrations and other escalated disputes, investigations, dispute resolution, and organizational risk management.  
• Develop others: Coach People and Culture Advisors and leaders, helping build labour relations knowledge, confidence, and capability throughout the organization.   
• Make a strategic impact: Help shape and execute BC Transit’s labour relations philosophy, identify emerging risks, and contribute to a positive and constructive labour relations environment. 

What might not resonate... 

• The work can be challenging and high-profile. You will routinely deal with grievances, investigations, collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and other complex labour relations matters. 
• You need to be comfortable navigating ambiguity and conflict. Success in this role requires confidence in managing competing interests, difficult conversations, and high-risk situations. 
• The details matter. Labour relations work often involves complex legislation, collective agreement interpretation, investigations, and precedent-setting decisions. This role requires a high degree of critical thinking, sound judgment, thorough analysis, and attention to detail, as small oversights can have significant legal, operational, or labour relations implications.

This role might not be for you if... 

• You prefer to focus exclusively on labour relations administration rather than strategic labour relations work. 
• You are not comfortable leading complex grievance matters, mediations, arbitrations or other labour relations proceedings.  
• You prefer to avoid difficult conversations, conflict resolution, or stakeholder negotiations. 
• You do not enjoy coaching leaders and HR professionals through challenging situations. 
• You are looking for a role with limited exposure to organizational risk, collective bargaining, or union-management relationships. 

What you'll bring to the table...

Some qualities and experience you possess to be successful in this role: 

• Deep labour relations expertise — significant experience interpreting collective agreements, resolving grievances, supporting investigations, advising leaders, and managing complex labour relations issues. 
• Collective bargaining experience — experience developing bargaining strategies, proposals, costing, implementation plans, and participating in collective bargaining negotiations.  
• Strategic and practical judgment — the ability to assess risk, evaluate options, and develop practical solutions to complex workplace issues.  
• Investigation and dispute resolution skills — experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations and resolving labour relations disputes.  
• Leadership and coaching capability — experience mentoring, developing, and supporting employees and leaders while fostering accountability and engagement.  
• Relationship management skills — proven ability to build productive working relationships with unions, leaders, employees, legal counsel, and other stakeholders.   
• Strong communication and negotiation skills — able to communicate effectively, influence outcomes, and navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and credibility.  
• Labour relations governance mindset — experience developing policies, procedures, training programs, best practices, and consistent organizational approaches. 

The successful candidate will typically bring a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Business, or a related field, along with at least five years of progressive labour relations experience, preferably within a unionized environment. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Strong knowledge of labour legislation, labour relations best practices, and collective agreement administration is required.  

To view the full accountabilities for this position, please review the Manager, Labour Relations job description. 

What we'll bring to the table...

We value and prioritize personal wellness and offer comprehensive benefits to support all the important phases and milestones of your journey:  

• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits to support you and your family, regardless of what life throws at you 
• Membership in BC’s Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP). Nationally recognized for its strong investment and governance practices, PSPP is a “defined benefit” plan  
• Access to fitness and lifestyle centers to help you take care of your physical fitness and health 
• Various programs that support employees such as an Employee Assistance Program and health and wellness initiatives and events aimed at fostering your mental health 
• A complimentary employee bus pass (plus taxable dependent passes) 
• A corporate learning and development program to help you in continuous career growth 
• An employee recognition program where we all recognize each other's successes (not just your Leaders!) 
• A social club that gives you access to events throughout Victoria

What next steps could look like...

Interviews will be conducted the week of August 10th, 2026. 

An eligibility list for future full time regular and temporary full time vacancies may be established 

The position requires the completion of a Criminal Record Check or Vulnerable Sector Search. 

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know how we can assist you by contacting careers@bctransit.com  

BC Transit is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If the organization identifies this position as a reasonable accommodation for an existing employee, all candidates will be notified as soon as reasonably possible