The Kettle Society is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse. By providing advocacy, housing, employment, and community services, our work fosters recovery, promotes mental health and inclusion, and creates opportunities for individuals to connect, find support, and fully participate in society.
Our organizational culture is rooted in compassion, accountability, and social justice. We strive to employ team members who are passionate about making a difference, thrive in collaborative environments, and bring both heart and professionalism to their work.
Employee Relations Manager
If you are a People & Culture professional with labour relations experience, some management experience training or experience, and an interest in serving our community, this could be the role for you! The Kettle Society is seeking an Employee Relations Manager, in a newly-created position. Your focus will be on updating and creating P&C practices that will help our organization grow and thrive. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this is your chance to build agile and innovative people practices in a positive workplace culture. As our employees are represented by the Health Sciences Association through HEABC, experience delivering HR support in a unionized workplace is a must. While leadership / management experience is desirable, some training or interest in this area would suffice.
The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for P&C team and functional leadership, managing day-to-day P&C operations, implementing initiatives, and supervising staff. The Manager collaborates and builds relationships across departments to foster a positive and productive workplace culture. Delivers labour relations guidance and support. As a trusted advisor, gives strategic P&C expertise to leadership, guiding them in talent management, employee engagement, and organization development. Champions The Kettle’s values, mission, and vision while ensuring the effective implementation of strategies that align with organizational goals.
This position is Hybrid remote, with the expectation to be in the office 3 days per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and a third day of your choice).
Your responsibilities will include:
Acts as an HR business partner: provides direction and support to leadership on performance management and other complex employee issues; offers guidance on interpreting the Collective Agreement, policies, and best practices; and supports organizational change efforts, ensuring smooth transitions and where possible minimal disruption to employee morale and performance. Supports all employee lifecycle activities (recruiting, onboarding, development, performance management, retention, and separation) through subordinate staff.
Acts as an LR consultant: collaborates with Union reps to create a respectful and productive LR environment while handling grievances and labour-management committee business.
Manages members of the P&C team, including performance management, work assignment and instruction, and coaching.
Seeks and implements efficiencies and process improvements.
Works with Health, Safety and Wellness to encourage a positive and psychologically safe working environment and promote the EAP. Assists disability management referrals and facilitates RTW including accommodations.
Oversees practicum student recruiting, through relationships with post-secondary institutions.
Oversees training and certification process through subordinate staff, ensuring all employees' required certifications are valid and current.
Participates in review and update of Policies and Procedures.
Supports HRIS implementation, workflows, and reporting.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
Undergraduate degree in Human Resources plus 5 years of People & Culture experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CPHR designation or candidacy a strong asset.
HR and/or LR experience in a unionized environment is required.
Healthcare or not-for-profit industry experience is an asset.
Experience implementing or using an HRIS is an asset.
Skills and Abilities
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Expert organizational and project management abilities.
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and use discretion; strongly ethical approach.
Ability to work in a team environment, and foster effective working relationships with managers, employees, union representatives and other external and internal contacts.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
What We Offer
A meaningful opportunity to support a mission-driven organization making a real difference in the lives of people living with mental illness
A collaborative environment with a passionate, committed team of professionals
Flexible hybrid work model, with the option to work from home two days per week
Centrally located office in Vancouver, easily accessible by transit
Compensation
The successful candidate will start at a rate between $78,149 - $97,687 per annum, based on a 37.5-hour work week. This will be individually tailored to reflect your unique experience and qualifications as they relate to the role, along with internal equity.
Comprehensive benefits package, including extended health and dental coverage, participation in the Municipal Pension Plan, and generous paid time off (vacation and compensatory leave).
The Kettle Society is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, or disability. We welcome qualified applicants with lived experience(s).
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; review of applications will start on October 13, 2026.