Lead Negotiator - City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon

Position summary

The City of Saskatoon is seeking an experienced Lead Negotiator to lead collective bargaining in a complex, multi-union environment. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, you will develop and execute strategic negotiation plans, provide expert labour relations advice, and be part of a high-performing team to achieve sustainable, legally compliant outcomes aligned with the City’s priorities.

Key duties

The Lead Negotiator is responsible for leading overall negotiations in a multi-union environment, acting as an advisor to the Chief Human Resources Officer on all aspects of bargaining, labour relations, and related legal matters.

• Acts as the principal advisor to the Chief Human Resources Officer on negotiations and related labour relations matters.
• Serves as the lead spokesperson during contract negotiations and directs the work of professional and technical staff.
• Responsible for collective agreement costings in preparation for mandate development, bargaining, and proposal costing and confirmation.
• Develops and executes negotiation strategies aligned with organizational goals, including a multi-year bargaining strategy.
• Drafts, reviews, and edits collective bargaining proposals, offers for settlement, tentative agreements, and Council Reports.
• Analyzes and interprets legislation, and court and arbitration rulings applicable to negotiations and related legal matters.
• Plan goals and objectives related to the city’s collective bargaining activities and prioritizes and monitors workloads.
• Interprets labor contracts and advises on related legal matters.
• Responsible for the performance management process of assigned staff, coaching, mentoring, supporting, and motivating team members.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to develop and support best practices for the delivery of negotiation and labour relations.
• Ensures compliance with various laws, regulatory requirements, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Develop and monitor division key performance indicators (KPIs) and address service standard gaps.
• Manage, direct, coordinate, and oversee projects and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Candidates must meet specific core competencies, education, and experience standards to be considered for these administration jobs in Saskatoon.

• Degree in Labour or Industrial relations or a related field.
• Ten years of related experience in human resources with an emphasis in labour relations, including 5 years experience in a Lead Negotiator capacity.
• Experience as a successful negotiator, preferably in the municipal or public sector.
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated experience in costing collective agreements.
• Advanced knowledge of negotiation techniques, principles, strategies, and best practices.
• Considerable knowledge of municipal, provincial, and federal labor and employment laws.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of labour law and collective bargaining.
• Considerable knowledge of legal research methods, techniques, and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-stakes negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to apply contemporary, creative, and innovative solutions to labour relations issues.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with all levels of civic staff, elected officials, unions, government, and other external agencies.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

Benefits

The City of Saskatoon offers a comprehensive total rewards package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of employees, which will be negotiated with the successful candidate.