Labour Relations/Employee Relations Specialist

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager ER/LR the Employee & Labour Relations Specialist is responsible for providing expert consultation and professional advice to members of management, assistance to hourly Team Members and is involved promoting a positive work environment by fostering trust, respect, and inclusivity between management and employees, while developing strategies to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. This position is also an integral member of the property’s Human Resources team, working closely with fellow Human Resources professionals in support of the property’s Human Resources’ goals. Additionally, this role collaborates directly with global Support Services teams to ensure alignment with brand standards, strategic objectives and innovative initiatives.

Essential Duties & Respnsibilities

• Provides direction, coaching, and advising to management in interpreting and communicating Employee & Labour Relations policies, procedures and practices as they relate to resolving Team Member issues. Must be able to speak confidently to upper management and corporate HR.  
• Maintain a working knowledge of industry best practices and be knowledgeable of changing laws pertaining to Human Resources.
• Partners with other HR professionals to develop high performance work teams.
• Conducts Team Member related investigations, especially highly sensitive issues.
• Supports managers on performance management of team members.
• Plans and executes a variety of Team Member events.
• Act as the Employer Representative for Appeals and Grievances.
• Prepare for and participate in Team Member Board of Reviews.
• Assists in the design and coordination of Team Member programs designed to improve or maintain morale and engagement.
• Acts as a change agent for Hard Rock Ottawa organization.
• Participate on corporate and business task teams as dictated by business needs.
• Administer the exit interview process and associated reporting.
• Maintain the Back of House (BOH) communication with up to date Team Member information and announcements.
• Assists in the coordination of the philanthropic efforts and events for Team Members.
• Maintains a clean, safe, hazard-free work environment within area of responsibility.
• Other assignments as directed.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge and skills in assigned areas through professional reading, research and other professional development opportunities, recommend process and procedure updates and improvements as necessary, and implement same.
• Handles difficult, sensitive situations that require discretionary thinking and decision-making.
• Handles various Team Member issues with confidentiality, using problem-solving skills as required.
• Organizes work, ensures timely data entry into various systems to include HRIS and other departmental tracking mechanisms.
• Ensures adherence to policies and procedures as governed by provincial & federal legislation, regulatory compliance, department and the company.
• Interacts with and assists Team Members in an upbeat, positive and professional manner.
• Acts as a role model to other Team Members.
• Takes an active role in support of company promotional programs.
• Actively participates in Internal Audit(s) as required.
• Lives the Brand.

• Minimum of 2+ years of dedicated Employee & Labour Relations experience and a Bachelor Degree. In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree, a candidate may have 4+ years of Employee Relations experience or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must be outgoing, with strong communications skills and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to think outside of the box and have strong problem-solving skills, understanding no two situations are exactly alike.
• Must be results driven and provide a high quality of work.
• Must be able to prioritize workload and multi-task assignments when facing a deadline. This is a high-pressure environment, which can be stressful for some and viewed as demanding to most. 
• Team-oriented and must enjoy working with and assisting people.
• Able to exercise judgment on an independent basis.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• CHRP designation or working towards achieving designation is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain a Cat 2 license with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Previous hospitality, hotel or casino experience highly preferred, particularly in human resources. 
• Ability to travel (10-15%) and work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays is required.
• Fluency in English: additional languages (French) preferred.

SKILLS

• Must possess strong communication and listening skills, excellent speaking, reading and writing.
• Comprehend and use technical or professional language, either written or spoken, to communicate complex ideas.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays as required.
• Ability to be punctual and meet deadlines.
• Ability to function independently in a multi-task environment, as well as a part of a team.
• Ability to deliver a service level which creates an atmosphere that makes our internal and external guests want to return, giving each guest a positive, memorable experience.
• Ability to present an image of excitement, enthusiasm and outgoing personality, while being able to present a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to develop and deliver programs which create a service level of excellence for all levels of management and Team Members.
• Ability to link training to the organization’s strategic goals.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment on an independent basis.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must possess excellent attention to detail and be extremely organized.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, i.e. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Duties and responsibilities are typically performed in a professional office setting, but there may be times where you will need to be on the Casino Floor or pass through this area. On the Casino Floor, you may be exposed to casino-related environmental factors including, but not limited to, excessive noise.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to make repeating movements of the arms, hands, and wrists.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas verbally and perceive sound by ear.
• Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to work with hand above shoulders.
• Ability to occasionally, regularly, frequently move objects (lift, push, pull, balance, carry) up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to heat, cold, and loud/noisy environment

Hard Rock International is an equal opportunity employer. We live our motto LOVE ALL – SERVE ALL, and strive to foster an inclusive workplace culture for every team member.

We are committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Please contact Human Resources at hrnotify@hrcottawa.com if you require accommodation at any time throughout the hire process.