Director, Advocacy and Bargaining in Burnaby

The Director of Advocacy and Bargaining is a leadership role responsible for directing the organization’s collective bargaining strategies and workplace advocacy functions. Reporting to the President, the Director will lead and provide expert advice to a multidisciplinary team of approximately 35 bargaining unit workers responsible for collective bargaining, grievances, arbitrations/mediations, investigations, workplace advocacy, job evaluation, health and safety, compensation appeals and administration support while ensuring the highest standards of service to our members.

The Director will work collaboratively with elected leadership, the management team and staff to develop and advance long-term strategies that will strengthen the union’s bargaining power, advance members’ workplace rights and support the union’s strategic priorities. The Director will be accountable for operational excellence, financial stewardship, leadership development, and continuous improvement while fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and accountability, along with other duties, as assigned by the President or their delegate(s).

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/CRITICAL TASKS:

• Work collaboratively with the elected leadership team to develop and implement the union’s advocacy and bargaining strategies to be in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Lead departmental planning, budgeting, goal setting, and performance measurements.
• Provide expert advice to elected officers on complex member labour relations issues.
• Analyze grievance trends and bargaining outcomes.
• Recommend operational improvements that will help grow the local and ensure continued excellent care of our members.
• Lead change initiatives within the department.
• Anticipate emerging labour relations trends, legislative developments, economic conditions, and political issues affecting members.
• Foster collaborative relationships across all operational departments.
• Generate regular reports for the President or their delegates(s), as needed.

Collective Bargaining, Advocacy and Member Labour Relations

• Provide operational strategic guidance, oversight, and ensure compliance in grievance handling from initial filing through to arbitrations/mediations.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of all collective agreements.
• Direct the planning, preparation, and execution of collective bargaining strategies, and ensure that bargaining priorities reflect member needs and organizational objectives.
• Evaluate bargaining outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure members receive timely, effective, and professional representation.
• Develop service standards for advocacy and representation.
• Monitor member satisfaction and identify opportunities to improve service delivery.
• Review legal risks surrounding complex grievance issues, arbitrations/mediations, and significant workplace disputes ensuring advocacy positions are legally sound and strategically appropriate.

Legal and Legislative Compliance and Policy Development

• Ensure compliance with applicable provincial and federal legislation.
• Develop and maintain member labour relations policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Recommend changes to internal policies based on legislative developments and arbitration decisions.
• Ensure consistency in advocacy practices across the organization.
• Monitor developments in labour law and provide recommendations regarding organizational impacts.

Staff Leadership

• Coach, mentor, and supervise a high performing team of work leaders, union representatives, specialists, and administrative staff.
• Provide support to work leaders and their staff in navigating and resolving complex workplace issues, member concerns, high pressure files/deadlines, and day-to-day operational issues.
• Conduct or support performance reviews and support employee development.
• Promote leadership development, training, and succession planning.
• Manage departmental workloads and resource allocation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Assist with staff labour relations and recruitment initiatives, as needed.
• Work in collaboration with excluded staff and the elected leadership team to support the day-to-day functions of the office.

Financial Management

• Monitor arbitration, legal, bargaining, and operational expenditures.
• Ensure effective stewardship of union resources.
• Assist elected leadership to develop and manage departmental budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive labour relations experience, with demonstrated knowledge of employment/labour law and practice, collective bargaining principles, and negotiation strategies.
• Previous experience as a union representative or spokesperson, with experience appearing before labour tribunals and arbitration boards is a strong asset.
• A minimum of 5+ years working in a leadership role in a unionized environment, directly supervising and working with a multidisciplinary team of professionals.
• College or University degree/diploma in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent project and budget management skills including time management, organizing, scheduling and working within financial parameters.
• Ability to multi-task, with a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated interest and/or participation in trade union activities are essential.
• Previous experience with UnionWare is an asset.

This position requires the successful candidate to be able to work on-site in our office located in Burnaby, BC for five days a week, Monday to Friday, during the probation period. This requirement may be extended based on operational requirements. Once the probation period is successfully completed, a minimum of three days in the office will be required, which is in line with our current hybrid work model policy. Some travel may be required with this role.

This is an opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a creative and vibrant office environment. We offer a competitive salary ranging between $173K-$186K annually, inclusive of all applicable premiums, and excellent benefits, including extended health care, enrolment in the Public Service Pension Plan and various time off provisions. This position will remain open until it is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest. Due to the large volume of applications we receive, only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. We value workforce diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.