The Position:

Summit Search Grouphas been retained by theManitoba Teachers Societyon 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 publicschool 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 Societys mission to strengthen public education through effective labour advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of MTSs provincewide 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, evidencebased advice to the Executive Director, President, and Senior Management Team on labourrelations risks, trends, and legislative changes.
• Mentor, coach, and performancemanage a multidisciplinary Labour Relations team, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and resultsoriented workplace culture.
• Develop, update, and interpret internal policies, bylaws, and governance frameworks that support transparent decisionmaking 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 labourmarket data and best practices, recommending proactive strategies to strengthen MTSs advocacy and member services.

Qualifications:

• A postsecondary 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 labourrelations 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 toJessica Willis, Partner and Senior Recruitment Consultant at Summit Search Group,[email protected]

Summit Search Group has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling, inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias throughout our process.