The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) welcomes you to apply to this unique and exciting opportunity to be the next
Director of Dispute Resolutions Services, where you will make a difference in Ontario's labour relations environment.
The Dispute Resolution Services Branch provides mediation services to the private, public, and broader public sectors. There are more than 16,000 collective bargaining relationships in Ontario covering approximately 1.8 million workers.
As the Director, you will have a significant province-wide impact working with both employers and labour organizations to foster labour harmony in Ontario. You will provide strategic leadership, overseeing a team of labour relations mediators in the provision of neutral dispute resolution assistance. Being a senior leader within the ministry, you will create and foster relations with various internal and external stakeholders and represent the Ministry in labour relations matters. You will be a champion of diversity and inclusion, constantly promoting ideals of anti-racism in all business and communications made, fostering an environment where all employees feel included and comfortable in the workplace.
Why work for the Ontario Public Service? The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Life and Disability insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• We provide on-the-job training to support your success in the role.
An effective leader in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is responsible, innovative and collaborative. A responsible leader is someone who demonstrates authenticity, accountability and courage in how they interact with others. An individual who models ethical behavior, and who is honest and capable of making difficult choices. An innovative leader is someone who leads with common purpose, embraces positive disruption, and has a future mindset. An individual who inspires others, values continuous learning and encourages development and integration. A collaborative leader focuses on helping others to grow, drives people-centered outcomes and promotes an environment of inclusivity. A leader who consistently works to confront bias and systemic barriers while understanding the importance of creating a more diverse and accessible workplace.
OPS commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racismThe OPS is an innovative, responsive, and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable. Diversifying leadership teams is a top OPS priority with the goal to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most underrepresented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) in leadership positions.
You are invited to complete the
voluntary survey and contribute to building a more diverse, anti-racist, inclusive and accessible OPS.
The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous and racialized individuals and persons with disabilities.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
The OPS offers employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, you will:
• Provide leadership in the strategic and operational planning of Dispute Resolution Services and Grievance Mediation for the province
• Provide strategic and innovative leadership in the provision of labour relations matters
• Leverage talent and build a high performing, inclusive, diverse and anti-racist environment
• Foster effective mutually respectful relationships with key stakeholders and partners
• Exercise delegated ministerial authority to appoint conciliators, mediators, and arbitrators, issue no board reports, make referrals to the Ontario Labour Relations Board and authorize final offer votes
• Chair the Labour Management Advisory Committee
• Provide advice and assistance to the Minister, Deputy Minister and other stakeholders in matters related to dispute resolution and labour relations policy
• Build and maintain jurisdictional relationships to develop mediator training including consistent application to dispute resolution between unions and employers that operate in multi-jurisdictions
How do I qualify?
Senior Inclusive Leadership
• You have demonstrated the ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team to achieve quality and timely results, incorporating the principles of inclusion, diversity, anti-racism and accessibility
• You are a courageous innovator who challenges the status quo and fosters an environment where new ideas are valued, and team members are empowered to be their best
• You have proven skills to manage and guide managers and staff in the delivery of exceptional labour relations services
• You have a track record of championing the adoption of innovative methods and technologies that drive true transformative business practices and solutions
Job Specific Knowledge and Experience
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
•Labour relations laws and related statutes including the Ontario Labour Relations Act, Hospital Labour Dispute Arbitration Act, Ambulance Services Collective Bargaining Act, School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act, Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act and Colleges Collective Bargaining Act to exercise delegated authority and to provide interpretation and advice to ministry executives and the Minister on sensitive issues of economic and political significance/sensitivity
•Administrative law and related concepts including procedural fairness and the role and responsibilities of the government in administering legislation to mitigate risks and respond to various labour relations issues impacting the province
• You have extensive knowledge and experience with the collective bargaining process and its complexities, and demonstrated understanding of the structure and organization of unions
• You have expertise and credibility in the field of labour relations and demonstrated knowledge of labour relations principles, practices and economics, current developments, trends and new/innovative approaches to dispute resolution
• You have demonstrated financial acumen, and knowledge of human resource policies, financial and administrative practices, and strategic and operational planning
Stakeholder Relations and Political Acuity
• You have demonstrated expertise in developing and sustaining effective partnerships with key stakeholders
• You have strong relationship management skills and demonstrated ability to influence collaborative behaviours amongst staff, peers and stakeholders
• You have strong negotiation and conflict management skills to navigate potential conflicts and facilitate solutions amongst stakeholders with divergent perspectives; build credibility with the labour relations community; provide advice, direction and support to mediators; and effectively influence others to find collaborative solutions to complex labour issues
• You have a high degree of political acuity to provide strategic advice to ministry executives and senior officials
