Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Job Description:

Please send resume to melanie.iacovino@sunlife.com

*** 6 Month Contract Opportunity ***

The Employee Relations team advises managers, employees, and Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) on a wide range of complex employee relations issues, as well as contributing to designated HR practices across the organization.  

The Senior Employee Relations Consultant (ERC) works in partnership with all levels of employees and leaders in addressing specific, individual employment-related matters, including performance and attendance issues, harassment and discrimination complaints, accommodation requests, status changes, work-site relocations, and the termination of employment.  

This function also partners with other members of the broader Human Resources team and related functions to deliver timely solutions that support the business and ensure employees are treated fairly and in accordance with both Company practices and policies, as well as external employment legislation.

What will you do?

• Provide timely, practical Employee Relations advice to leaders, balancing business objectives with legal and policy considerations
• Coach leaders and HRBPs on managing complex employee matters, including performance, attendance, accommodation, investigations, and terminations
• Lead workplace investigations end‑to‑end and support implementation of outcomes
• Assess risk and recommend strategies in relation to sensitive or high‑impact employment matters, including external complaints and potential litigation
• Manage communications with external counsel, tribunals, and other third parties, in partnership with Legal
• Support organizational changes (e.g., restructurings, workforce adjustments) by advising on employment implications and risk mitigation
• Identify trends and recommend improvements to Employee Relations programs, policies, and processes
• Contribute to the development and rollout of ER policies, tools, and training materials
• Participate in or lead cross‑functional projects as assigned

What do you need to succeed?

• Post‑secondary education in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field
• 3+ years of progressive experience in employee relations, employment law, or a related field, including managing complex or high‑risk matters
• Strong knowledge of Canadian employment and human rights legislation and its practical application
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations files
• Proven ability to influence and coach senior leaders on sensitive matters
• Strong judgment and ability to assess and mitigate legal and reputational risk
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly collaborative, with a client‑focused and solutions‑oriented approach
• Ability to manage competing priorities independently in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for Quebec only for the frequent interactions with English and French-speaking colleagues or internal partners across Canada or worldwide

What’s in it for you?

• Being a member of the Sun Life family, a group of people united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives
• A friendly, collaborative and inclusive culture
• Wellness programs that support the three pillars of your health – mental, physical and financial

*LI-NB1

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.  

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary Range:

80,000/80 000 - 128,000/128 000

Job Category:

Human Resources

Posting End Date:

20/06/2026