Labour Relations Advisor in Surrey

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is Surrey’s new municipal police agency. On November 29, 2024, SPS became the police of jurisdiction, and assumed responsibility and command for policing and law enforcement in Surrey. SPS is working to redefine policing with innovative new approaches and community-based solutions. It’s an exciting time as SPS continues to expand our team with talented people who want to help shape the future of policing in Surrey.

Position Overview: SPS has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Labour Relations Advisor to join the Human Resources team within the HR and Support Division. Reporting to the HR Advisory Services Manager, this role serves as a trusted advisor to management on a broad range of labour and employee relations matters within a complex, unionized environment. The Labour Relations Advisor is responsible for leading workplace investigations, managing grievances, interpreting and applying collective agreements, providing strategic labour relations advice, and supporting performance, attendance, accommodation, and disciplinary processes.

Schedule / Hours of Work: This is an on-site position with an anticipated schedule of Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (PST). SPS supports flexibility where operationally feasible, and hours may vary based on operational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain an effective working relationship with union representatives to support a collaborative approach to labour relations.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation, labour law principles, and organizational policies.
• Conduct workplace investigations from start to finish, including preparing findings and recommendations reports and issuing discipline where appropriate.
• Lead the grievance process from initial review through resolution, including conducting investigations, assessing risk, developing strategy, representing the employer's interests, and drafting settlement agreements where appropriate.
• Act as an investigator for Respectful Workplace complaints.
• Lead and support managers through performance management and attendance management processes.
• Participate in regular labour management meetings with the respective Union(s).
• Support collective bargaining activities through research, proposal development, costing, issue analysis, and participation in negotiations as required.
• Maintain accurate records of labour relations files and activities to ensure compliance and consistency across the organization.
• Monitor legislative changes and ensure HR practices and policies remain compliant with labour laws.
• Support and work collaboratively with the Abilities Management team on employee medical files related to fitness for duty and workplace accommodations.
• Support other HR functions as required by the broader HR team, including leading key recruitments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: As the successful incumbent, you are highly organized and solutions-focused with an ability to think critically and efficiently. You will thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment with an ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, team members, the union and key stakeholders. You have a proven talent for researching, analyzing, and synthesizing data with great attention to detail. You are someone who enjoys taking initiative, working independently, and applying sound judgment to deliver results.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in Human Resources or a related field.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive labour relations experience in a highly unionized public-sector, municipal, Crown corporation, police, or similar environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading workplace investigations, grievance administration, collective agreement interpretation, and complex labour relations matters.
• Experience supporting collective bargaining, arbitration preparation, and labour-management partnerships is considered a strong asset.
• A CPHR designation is preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

All applicants must obtain and maintain the required police security clearance throughout their employment with SPS, which includes a mandatory polygraph examination.

Benefits & Compensation: Surrey Police Service offers a comprehensive benefits package, including extended health and dental coverage, a defined benefit pension through the Municipal Pension Plan, RRSP/TFSA matching, generous vacation entitlements, and ongoing professional development. Employees benefit from short-term and long-term disability coverage, and travel and life insurance. SPS also provides an annual Lifestyle Spending Account (covering a broad range of eligible health, wellness, fitness, family, and professional development expenses etc.), and discounted access to City of Surrey recreation facilities. With a strong focus on well-being, career growth, and work-life balance, SPS is committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Note – The aforementioned benefits only apply to eligible full-time positions within SPS. This is an exempt position. The salary range is $115,640 to 136,047 per year (pay grade P2).