Skilled in labour relations and passionate about people?
A big-picture thinker who can roll up your sleeves to get things done?
Excited about making an impact in a growing and evolving organization?
Cochrane is looking for a Human Resources Business Partner with a Labour Relations Focus to join our team!
We’re looking for an HR professional with solid labour relations experience. Someone who thrives in a unionized environment and understands the complexities of working with multiple bargaining units. You’ll be the go-to expert for interpreting collective agreements, managing grievances, and fostering collaborative relationships with union representatives. As a trusted resource for managers navigating sensitive workplace issues, you’ll help ensure fair outcomes while maintaining transparency, trust, and respect across all parties. Your ability to lead with empathy, balanced by accountability and neutrality, will be essential in cultivating a productive and inclusive organizational culture.
Why Cochrane?
We’re building a workplace where people thrive—where innovation meets tradition, empathy is paired with accountability, and collaboration drives meaningful action. As a growing municipality with a close-knit, forward-thinking team, we understand the importance of interpreting policy and legislation with precision. But we also embrace the nuance, navigating the gray areas with sound judgment, compassion, and a people-first approach.
In HR, that means being deeply embedded in the business—ready to roll up our sleeves and support leaders and employees through growth, change, and challenge.
What You’ll Do
- Provide expert guidance to leaders on interpreting collective agreements, legislation, and policy.
- Lead or support the resolution of grievances, manage discipline matters, and prepare for arbitration where needed.
- Build trusted relationships with employees and leaders, serving as a valued advisor and problem solver.
- Build strong relationships with union representatives and support positive labour-management interactions.
- Coach and advise leaders through performance management, conflict resolution, and sensitive people issues.
- Conduct workplace investigations and culture reviews, supporting fairness and accountability.
- Contribute to intentional talent acquisition activities that align with the organization we are building.
- Identify gaps in process or policy and recommend improvements.
- A seasoned labour relations professional who thrives in complex, unionized environments and brings sound judgment to high-stakes workplace matters and a solid understanding of the nuances involved.
- A people-first HR professional who brings both empathy and accountability.
- A strong communicator who doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. You approach tough situations with confidence, fairness, and sound judgment.
- Able to quickly build trust with employees and leaders. You guide, support, and challenge leaders to bring out their best.
- Curious, practical, and always looking for ways to make things better.
- Degree in Human Resources Management or a related field.
- 3-5 years of HR experience in a unionized environment (public sector experience preferred).
- Strong knowledge of Alberta Employment Standards, Human Rights, and Labour Relations legislation and associated case law.
- CPHR designation.
- Experience with workplace investigations, HRIS, and talent management software.
Apply now at cochrane.ca/jobs and help us shape a thriving workplace.
We strongly encourage you to include a cover letter that tells us why you’re passionate about joining our team and how your experience aligns with this role.
This position offers a 35-hour work week and an hourly rate between $52.98 and $56.60.
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is selected.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
Report job
