Business Partner – Employee and Labour Relations

Okanagan College

. Serve as strategic advisor and primary People Services contact for an assigned client portfolio .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeKelowna • CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 CA$81,724 - CA$119,862 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in labour relations, including collective agreement interpretation, grievance investigation, and conflict resolution. Proficient in developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with organizational objectives while fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Labour Relations KnowledgeGrievance InvestigationCollective BargainingConflict Resolution SkillsCoaching and Facilitation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Collective Agreement InterpretationGrievance HandlingProgressive DisciplineEmployment Legislation KnowledgePerformance ManagementWorkplace InvestigationsData SynthesisTraining DevelopmentChange ManagementHR Policies Development

Soft Skills

Effective Presentation SkillsGroup Facilitation SkillsCommitment to Equity and InclusionFlexibilityConfidentiality

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteHRIS

Certifications & Qualifications

CHRP Designation

Industry Keywords

Human ResourcesUnionized EnvironmentWorkforce AdjustmentMediationArbitration

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as strategic advisor and primary People Services contact for an assigned client portfolio
Provide advice, coaching, problem resolution, and support on employee, labour, and human resources matters
Assess workforce needs and develop people strategies aligned with operational and organizational objectives
Advise on performance management, discipline, conflict resolution, misconduct, human rights, employment standards, workplace issues, collective agreements, legislation, policies, and procedures
Build relationships with union representatives and represent the employer in resolving grievances and issues
Investigate grievances, disputes, misconduct allegations, and workplace concerns; document findings and recommendations
Prepare labour relations reports and materials for arbitration and dispute resolution
Represent the College in mediation, arbitration, settlement discussions, and related proceedings
Participate in collective bargaining teams and develop bargaining strategies and proposals
Coordinate implementation of new collective agreements
Represent the College on union-employer and sectoral committees
Support workforce adjustment processes, restructuring, and layoffs
Manage non-disability-related human rights accommodation requests
Contribute to College-wide HR policies, procedures, programs, and practices
Develop and deliver training on performance management, labour relations, workplace investigations, bullying and harassment, and people management

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Minimum of five years of recent, related experience in HR in a complex unionized environment
Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Strong labour relations knowledge, including collective agreement interpretation, grievance investigation and handling, progressive discipline, and collective bargaining
Sound knowledge of applicable employment legislation and regulations
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice
Advanced conflict resolution skills
Demonstrated coaching and facilitation skills
Ability to act as a change agent
Effective presentation and group facilitation skills
Excellent research skills with ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations
Flexibility to manage high work volume, conflicting priorities, frequent interruptions, and urgent matters while meeting deadlines
Capacity to maintain strict confidentiality
Excellent computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS
CHRP designation preferred