Chief Executive Officer

About Us

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration works to provide fairness, safety and prosperity for all Nova Scotians by helping them live, learn and work to their highest potential.  We have a staff of more than 500 employees working from offices throughout Nova Scotia.  Together we are responsible for labour services, workplace safety, apprenticeship, adult education, and many other facets of everyday life. 

The Nova Scotia Labour Board has a legislated mandate to adjudicate matters under the Trade Union Act, Labour Standards Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as other labour relations and employment statutes.  

In carrying out its mandate, the Board’s objective is to ensure a stable and harmonious labour and employee relations climate in Nova Scotia.  It is critical that all employees and members of the Board carry out their duties in an unbiased manner, ensuring neutrality and supporting the highest level of institutional independence required for adjudicative boards.  
 

About Our Opportunity

As the Chief Executive Officer, you are responsible for effectively and efficiently directing and managing the overall operation and administration of the Board.  You are the senior staff person who, in partnership with the Chair of the Board, is accountable for setting the strategic direction of the Board and leading its execution. 

The position reports to the Senior Executive Director, Labour Services Branch. 
 

Primary Accountabilities

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for leading, directing and managing a team of officers and administrative employees, including promoting a safe, inclusive, anti-racist and welcoming workplace that fosters employee recognition and encourages employee engagement.

The incumbent oversees the case management process of the Labour Board, ensuring cases are processed in a timely manner, compliant with the legislation and the relevant principles of procedural fairness, administrative law, natural justice, Board policies, procedures and jurisprudence.

In partnership with the Chair, the incumbent leads the development and implementation of the Board’s strategic and operational planning.  And, as a member of the Labour Services Branch leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer also participates in the strategic and business planning for the Branch.  

The Chief Executive Officer reviews and analyzes metrics on Board performance standards/measures, evaluates community partner satisfaction, and reports on the Board’s performance.  In consultation with the Chair, the incumbent oversees the quality control process for Board decisions.

The incumbent is also responsible for leading the development and implementation of new administrative policies and procedures for the Board, overseeing the review of existing legislation and developing recommendations for legislative change. 

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing mediation and other alternative resolution services to facilitate the resolution of disputes before the Board.  And the Chief Executive Officer renders decisions relating to some duty of fair representation complaints; this involves considering evidence, legal submissions, legal authorities and administrative principles, as well as writing clear, concise legal decisions explaining why a duty of fair representation complaint is being dismissed. 

The incumbent conducts legal research and monitors legal and social trends in labour relations, labour standards, occupational health and safety, pensions, and other legislative areas that fall under the Board’s mandate.
 

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must possess a law degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline plus five years of relevant work experience, or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.  

As the successful candidate, you have labour and employee relations experience, including experience with legal research, the interpretation of labour and employment legislation, analysis, evidence and legal writing.  

You have demonstrated effective leadership and team building skills. You have experience effectively managing the delivery of services to the public, including identifying creative opportunities for continuously improving the efficacy of programs and services, as well as possessing strong strategic and operational planning skills.

You have experience in alternative dispute resolution processes.  You are a problem solver with superior verbal and written communication skills, and exceptional attention to detail.  

You can create and maintain credibility with community partners by demonstrating the highest level of integrity and an unbiased approach. You have strong relationship building skills, approach conflict objectively, and are able to gain the trust of the parties as a neutral third party.   

A proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel is necessary.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and capabilities using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
 

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
 

Benefits

The Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Additional Information

You must be able to work flexible hours.  

You must have a driver’s license and be able to travel throughout Nova Scotia.
 

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.