The Position:
Summit Search Group has been retained by the Manitoba Teachers’ Society on the recruitment of their next Director, Labour Relations. Founded in 1919, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) is the provincial union and professional organization for more than 16,000 public‑school educators. Guided by its mission to “advance and safeguard the welfare of teachers, the status of the teaching profession, and the cause of public education,” the Society works through 40 Local Associations and a dedicated staff of 80 to champion strong public schools and equitable working conditions for teachers across Manitoba.
Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a key member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Labour Relations plays a pivotal role in advancing the collective interests of public-school teachers across Manitoba. This position is responsible for the strategic direction and operational oversight of all labour relations activities, including collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration processes, and internal policy development. The Director collaborates closely with the MTS President, senior leaders, and Local Associations to uphold and enhance the rights and working conditions of members. In addition to managing a highly skilled team of labour relations professionals, the Director acts as a key liaison with legal counsel, government officials, and educational stakeholders. This role requires a forward-thinking and principled leader who can navigate complex labour legislation, provide insightful and pragmatic advice, and support the Society’s mission to strengthen public education through effective labour advocacy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of MTS’s province‑wide collective bargaining strategy, ensuring negotiated agreements align with membership priorities and legislative requirements.
- Direct and oversee all grievance and arbitration files, including retaining and instructing legal counsel, to protect members’ contractual and statutory rights.
- Provide timely, evidence‑based advice to the Executive Director, President, and Senior Management Team on labour‑relations risks, trends, and legislative changes.
- Mentor, coach, and performance‑manage a multidisciplinary Labour Relations team, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and results‑oriented workplace culture.
- Develop, update, and interpret internal policies, bylaws, and governance frameworks that support transparent decision‑making and organizational accountability.
- Build constructive relationships with Local Associations, school divisions, government officials, and other education stakeholders to advance the professional rights of teachers.
- Monitor emerging labour‑market data and best practices, recommending proactive strategies to strengthen MTS’s advocacy and member services.
Qualifications:
- A post‑secondary degree in Education (or a related discipline); formal training in dispute resolution or labour/employment law is an asset.
- Minimum seven (7) years of progressive labour‑relations leadership in a unionized environment.
- Demonstrated success negotiating collective agreements and resolving complex grievances/arbitrations.
- Proven track record managing, mentoring, and supporting staff teams.
- Experience advising elected boards and working within robust governance structures.
For more information, or to submit your resume, please reach out to Jessica Willis, Partner and Senior Recruitment Consultant at Summit Search Group, Jessica.Willis@summitsearchgroup.com
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