Reporting to the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer (AVP & CHRO), the Director, Labour Relations & HR Business Partnering (LR & HRBP) serves as Sheridan's senior subject matter expert in labour relations and strategic HR business partnering. This leadership role is responsible for shaping Sheridan's labour relations strategy, fostering positive and collaborative union relationships, and leading a team of HR professionals who partner closely with leaders across the College to create an equitable, high-performing and engaging workplace.
We are seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is energized by both the strategic and human dimensions of labour relations, thrives in complex environments, and excels at building trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders. As a key member of the Human Resources Leadership Team, you will help shape the strategic direction of HR by contributing to the continued evolution and transformation of our function at Sheridan.
What You'll Be Doing
Labour Relations Leadership
- Serve as Sheridan's senior lead on all labour relations matters, setting the strategic direction and long-term roadmap to foster positive and productive labour relations across the College.
- Build and maintain strong, constructive partnerships with union leadership through effective collective agreement administration, grievance resolution, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Enhance labour relations expertise across the HR team, building capability and creating a more integrated Labour Relations and HR Business Partnering function.
- Lead and represent the College in grievances, mediation, arbitration, and other labour relations proceedings.
- Provide expert advice and counsel to senior leaders on labour relations matters, ensuring effective risk management and sound decision-making; coach and support people leaders in the consistent interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation, and workplace policies.
- Lead the resolution of complex workplace and employee relations matters in partnership with the Office of the General Counsel and other stakeholders.
- Identify emerging trends and risks, recommending proactive solutions, policies, and practices that strengthen organizational effectiveness.
Strategic Business Partnership
- Lead, mentor, and empower the HR Business Partner team to serve as trusted strategic advisors to leaders across the College.
- Establish and communicate expectations for consistent, high-quality HR partnership and service delivery across the organization.
- Partner with business leaders to align people strategies with organizational objectives while supporting employees through change with care, transparency, and consistency.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and exceptional client service within the HRBP team.
- Develop leadership capability and succession strength within the team through ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development
Leadership, Transformation & Collaboration
- Serve as an active member of the Human Resources Leadership Team, contributing to strategic priorities, organizational initiatives, and HR transformation efforts.
- Lead and champion initiatives that enhance equity, inclusion, employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
- Build strong partnerships across the College, influencing and collaborating with leaders to drive meaningful change.
- Oversee the operational and financial management of the portfolio, ensuring effective and responsible use of resources.
- Perform other related duties as required.
About You
You are a seasoned and respected labour relations leader who brings sound judgment, composure, and credibility to complex and high-stakes situations. You are passionate about helping organizations and people thrive and have a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, navigate ambiguity, and lead through change. You also bring:
- Deep expertise in labour relations within complex unionized environments, including collective agreement administration, grievance management, investigations, mediation, arbitration, and dispute resolution.
- A strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and creating psychologically safe workplaces where everyone can succeed.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to navigate competing priorities and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Proven success in leading and developing high-performing teams and transforming HR functions into strategic business partners.
- Strong change leadership capabilities, with experience driving organizational initiatives and engaging stakeholders through periods of transformation.
- A data-informed and analytical approach to decision-making, coupled with sound business judgment.
What You Bring
- A university degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 9 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including 5 or more years in a leadership capacity (equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered).
- Demonstrated success leading labour relations in a complex unionized environment, including experience supporting multiple bargaining units and/or collective agreements.
- Strong business acumen, strategic planning, and budget management experience.
- Experience in post-secondary education, broader public sector, or public sector environments is considered an asset.
- Training and/or certification in workplace investigations, conflict resolution, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution is considered an asset.
Who We Are
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the employee experience at one of Canada's leading post-secondary institutions. You will influence labour relations strategy, strengthen leadership capability, and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Human Resources function while helping create an inclusive, innovative, and people-centred workplace.
Learn more: Why Work at Sheridan
Other Details
Department: Human Resources
Primary Work / Campus Location: Trafalgar (may be assigned activities at any Sheridan campus)
Work Categorization: Hybrid Position - On-site at least 3 days/week
Reference #: J0726-0996
Employee Group: Administrative
Type of Vacancy: Replacement position
Payband: NO
Hiring Range: $128,624 – $176,857
Application Deadline: August 12, 2026
Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory.
Over two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Between 1781 to 1820, eight treaties were signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who opened their territory to settlement. Today, Sheridan campuses are located on Treaty 14, also known as the Head of the Lake Purchase of 1806 and Treaty 22 and 23 of 1820.
Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.
Sheridan values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. Sheridan regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. Sheridan seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including those who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Sheridan will provide job applicants with accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
You may be asked to provide copies of your educational credentials at the time of interview. Upon hire, we require official confirmation of educational credentials and Canadian equivalency assessments, if applicable.
