Job Description

For over 50 years, LifeLabs has been Canada's leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are passionate about empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.



We are committed innovators, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. More than 112 million laboratory tests come through LifeLabs' laboratories annually, and our team of more than 6,000 passionate, caring, and diverse professionals works together as one to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust.



We know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. At LifeLabs, you can make a meaningful impact on Canadians' lives every day.



Our teams are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Best Employers, reflecting our deep commitment to our core values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. As part of this commitment, LifeLabs prioritizes the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to better serve the needs of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We continue to take steps to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.



These values are not just words on a page, they guide our actions and decisions every day and have come to define our team culture.



The Opportunity

The National Director Employee and Labour Relations leads the development and implementation of an employee and labour relations strategy for LifeLabs. This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic, collaborative and results-focused leader to enable business results through the development of ER/LR strategies and initiatives that mitigate risk, maintain positive employee and labour relations across LifeLabs and promote LifeLabs culture, values and our people strategy. As a member of the HR leadership team and a member of the senior leadership team of LifeLabs, this position plays a critical role in promoting and enabling LifeLabs culture, values and people strategy.

The ideal candidate is a relationship and team builder who brings their leadership experience in ER/LR, strategic mind, business and financial acumen and pro-active manner to build a progressive approach to ER/LR for LifeLabs.



Employee and Labour Relations Strategy

In consultation with business leaders and stakeholders, develop and lead the implementation of LifeLabs employee and labour relations strategy and plan ensuring that it supports the achievement of business goals. Advise senior leaders on risks and provide strategic recommendations that apply business objectives and human resources best practices to address the complex employee and labour relations issues facing the organization. Monitor external market trends, build comparisons to competitors, and integrate into ER/LR strategy, as required. Develop overall strategy and plan for Labour and Employee Councils.

Collective Bargaining Strategy and Negotiations

Lead the collective bargaining process for LifeLabs from mandate development to agreement implementation. Develop negotiation plans and serve as Chief Negotiator, as required. Partner with Communication team to develop a bargaining communication strategy and provide updates from negotiation process to management and other stakeholders. Provide advice and guidance to senior executives on the direction and impact of negotiations.

Lead and Develop Centralized Employee Relations Team

Lead a centralized employee relations team for LifeLabs that provides coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, workplace behavior, and conflict resolution. Provide leadership and oversee investigations into employee complaints, including harassment, discrimination, and misconduct. Lead the development of guidelines, tools, resources and training for managers and HR. Lead the development of a process to maintain accurate documentation and case management for all ER/LR matters. Develop, implement, and maintain employee relations policies and procedures in compliance with all legislation. Lead the development of programs and initiatives that maintain and promote engagement and positive ER/LR.

Labour Relations

Establish, maintain and strengthen relations with our key Union partners; ensuring proper relations are established, communication channels are open and that issues are addressed in a timely and adequate manner. Stay up-to-date on issues and labour management trends. Knowledgeable of national union initiatives, communication and direction. Lead team who are subject matter experts to leaders in the application, interpretation, and bargaining of collective agreements. Provide leadership for escalated grievance/legal matters arising out of the bargaining units. Approve strategy and tactics to address complex grievances. Determine when to involve external parties and manage relationships with external parties.

Data, Metrics and Reporting

Identify ER/LR metrics, KPIs and analytics and partner with our HR Analytics team to determine how to gather, report and integrate into existing HR dashboards. Leverage data in decision making and support the development of this capability within team.

People Leader

Lead a specialized team of ER/LR professionals and build a high-performance environment and implement a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates a team fostering engagement, an inclusive work environment, communicating vison/values/business strategy and managing succession and development planning for the team.

Education, Skills and Experience

Minimum 10 years progressive leadership experience in an Employee and Labour Relations position within a medium to large-size employer University degree, with specialization in Industrial/Labour Relations preferred Expert knowledge of employee relations and labour relations in Canada Experienced Lead Negotiator Experience preparing bargaining strategies and developing bargaining mandates. High level of financial acumen to support costing and financial modeling to work with total rewards and finance partners. Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis (cost/benefit), interpret information, resolve complex issues and prepare recommendations and proposals that support business objectives Strong people leadership skills with experience coaching, developing and engaging a team Executive-level communication and influence skills

LifeLabs' compensation programs are commensurate based on the role, skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, age or any other personal characteristics. Pay programs are communicated regularly in an accessible and transparent manner.



LifeLabs is also proud to offer resources, opportunities, as well as a collaborative and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive.



In addition to a competitive compensation package, LifeLabs provides a comprehensive total rewards program, specific to the job position. Your package may include:



Employee Group Benefits: Competitive coverage for employees and their families to support their overall health and wellness needs, including Extended Health Care, Dental Care, and Life Insurance. Retirement Savings Plan Vacation and Wellness Days Employee Wellness and Giving Programs: Our award winning mental, physical and financial wellness programs aim to address the comprehensive well-being of our team members, including resources like the Employee & Family Assistance Program, financial planning tools, and employee recognition initiatives. Professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs, including WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc., and optional health-related benefits.

In accordance with LifeLabs' Accessibility Policy, and the applicable Accessibility Acts within the provinces we operate in, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email careers@lifelabs.com.



Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs'. Vaccinations and/or immunization screening may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be vaccinated or undergo immunization screening.



Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!