We’re Hiring: Manager, Labour Relations Southern Alberta Regional Office (Calgary)

United Nurses of Alberta (https://www.una.ca/) is the union for more than 35,000 Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses and allied workers in Alberta.  We are dedicated to advocating for our dues payers, members, the nursing profession, and our public health care system, ensuring our dues payers are represented in bargaining, in their profession, and in disputes with employers and professional licensing bodies.

UNA is seeking an experienced, values driven professional to join our team as Manager, Labour Relations — a position suited for a strategic thinker who thrives in complexity, builds trust through action, and advocates with both integrity and resolve. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a seasoned labour relations expert who brings both strategic insight and practical experience to complex workplace issues.

The Manager will support frontline staff, resolve complex and often high-conflict issues, and mentor a team of Labour Relations Officers — all while representing the UNA in high-stakes negotiations, grievances, and labour strategy across the province.

The ideal candidate brings substantial experience in labour relations and a deep understanding of unionized environments, and the ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence. This role requires resilience, emotional intelligence, and a steady hand under pressure.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Is passionate about workplace justice and collaboration.
• Brings in-depth knowledge of labour relations, collective agreements, and employment law.
• Excels at conflict resolution, strategic problem-solving, and clear communication.
• Leads with purpose, coaches with compassion, and acts decisively in complex situations.
• Believes that effective labour relations are built on trust, accountability, and thoughtful strategy.

Key responsibilities

This position involves regular travel across Alberta to meetings, hearings, negotiations, and on-site engagements across the province. In addition to supporting member advocacy and conflict resolution, the role contributes to organizational strategy, education development, and departmental leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of Labour Relations Officers (LRO) across a variety of files.
• Build a collaborative, innovative, and engaged team to maximize productivity and staff engagement.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to the LRO team.
• Provide expert guidance on grievance handling, arbitration, investigations, and collective bargaining.
• Serve as a senior advisor on matters such as grievances, arbitration, health and safety, essential services, and workplace conflict. 
• Represent UNA in meetings with union locals, legal counsel, regulators, and employer representatives.
• Oversee labour relations strategies and ensure a consistent approach that is compliant with collective agreements and legislation.
• Represent UNA in negotiations, arbitrations, and key stakeholder meetings.
• Support development of educational materials and deliver training to members and staff.
• Monitor and interpret changes in legislation and policy relevant to labour relations and workplace health.
• Provide oversight and leadership to all staff in the Calgary office.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Extensive experience in labour relations within unionized or regulated sectors; healthcare sector experience is an asset.
• Strong working knowledge of collective agreements, grievance procedures, arbitration, employment legislation, and OH&S standards.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict, lead teams, and manage complex, time-sensitive issues with sound judgment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, both verbal and written.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and reliable access to a vehicle; provincial travel is required.

Preferred:

• Experience supervising or mentoring staff in a union or professional setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory bodies, nursing unions, or public sector negotiations.
• Background in training development or delivery, particularly in labour or employment law.

Core Skills & Attributes

• Leadership & Mentorship – Empowers others, provides clear guidance, and fosters team growth.
• Strategic Thinking – Analyzes trends, anticipates challenges, and offers practical, informed solutions.
• Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving – Ability to de-escalate high-conflict situations, think strategically, and find workable solutions.
• Critical Thinking & Decision-Making – Independently assesses situations, applies common sense, and knows when to seek support.
• Labour Relations Expertise – Deep knowledge of collective agreements, grievance handling, and employment law.
• Communication & Advocacy – Skilled in negotiation, written advocacy, and representing the organization with confidence.
• Time Management & Organization – Juggles multiple priorities with professionalism and a sense of calm.
• Empathy & Professionalism – Builds trust, maintains boundaries, and supports members with care and discretion.
• OH&S and Employment Legislation Expertise – Working knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) laws, the Health Professions Act, and their application in healthcare and union settings.
• Empathy & Professionalism – Maintains confidentiality, sets boundaries, and balances stakeholder needs with resilience and patience.

Work Conditions & Travel

• The work involves difficult conversations, competing priorities and frequent travel across Alberta. 
• The manager must be able to attend meetings in person.
• Occasionally requires irregular working hours.
• Use of own vehicle for work-related travel.

WHAT WE OFFER

UNA is a purpose-drive workplace where efforts directly support workers and public health.  You will be supported by a values-driven organization that believes in fairness, professionalism, and the power of collective action. The team is collaborative, and the work environment supportive.  Experience the exceptional benefits of working with us, including:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental and disability insurance.
• Generous RRSP employer matching.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Supplemented vacation and leave entitlements.

UNA is committed to promoting equity and diversity, and to creating a work environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free from barriers.

HOW TO APPLY

If the role is a fit, please apply to dharrigan@una.ca to join UNA and help us make an impact supporting our membership, the nursing profession and our public health system. This competition will remain open until July 31^st. 

UNA thanks all candidates for their interest. We value the time and efforts candidates put into their application and we commit to responding to all candidates and letting know the status of their application.