Director Labour Standards

About Us

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) is responsible to help grow the province’s population, develop our current and future workforce, and foster inclusive, safe and fair workplaces. We do this by working as a trusted partner across government, with employers and community, and with and on behalf of the citizens of Nova Scotia in an environment where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and valued.  We don’t just accept difference – we are committed to a supportive culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging. We work together to create a future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

The Labour Services Branch administers the province’s labour and employment legislation and helps ensure Nova Scotia’s labour and employment laws are fair and balanced for both employers and employees. It carries out this work through four divisions: Labour Standards, Conciliation and Mediation Services, Workers’ Advisers Program, and the Labour Board. 

About Our Opportunity

Are you passionate about shaping fair and equitable workplaces? Do you care deeply about leading a team to provide the best quality services to the public? As the Director of the Labour Standards Division, you will play a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction and overseeing the operations that impact Nova Scotia's workplaces. Your leadership will ensure the effective administration and enforcement of the Labour Standards Code, which sets the minimum employment standards for primarily non-unionized employees in provincially-regulated workplaces.

In this role, you will also manage the Foreign Worker Program and oversee the recruiter licensing and employer registration requirements. Your strategic advisory skills will be essential as you guide senior executives and lead complex initiatives that affect both employees and employers across the province.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Director of the Labour Standards Division, you will play a crucial role in ensuring fair and timely resolution of workplace disputes. You will oversee the process of receiving, investigating, and adjudicating complaints under the Labour Standards Code, including responsibilities under the Remembrance Day Act. Your leadership will extend to managing the Foreign Worker Program and ensuring compliance with related legislative and regulatory provisions.

You will also spearhead an effective enforcement program to ensure employees receive the wages they are owed, utilizing various tools and exploring prosecution as a compliance strategy. Your role will include managing inspection-based compliance activities, such as employer self-audits and site audits.

In addition, you will ensure the efficient operation of the divisional inquiry service, providing accurate and consistent information to stakeholders. You will lead a strategic program of awareness activities, including educational sessions, website development, and stakeholder communication.

Your strategic advisory skills will be vital as you provide recommendations on changes to the Labour Standards Code, respond to Private Members Bills, and coordinate periodic reviews of the legislation. You will support the Minimum Wage Review Committee and facilitate public and stakeholder consultations on proposed changes.

Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with colleagues, key stakeholders, and other government levels will be essential. You will influence senior staff to ensure departmental goals are met and conflicts are resolved effectively.

Finally, you will manage human and financial resources, overseeing hiring, training, and staff support while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. You will ensure adherence to corporate HR practices, foster teamwork, and maintain internal communications, all while managing budgets and expenditures in line with procurement guidelines.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel as the Director of the Labour Standards Division, you should possess a bachelor's degree in labour relations, employment law, or a related field. A deep understanding of the Labour Standards Code and its application is essential. You should have several years of experience in dispute resolution, enforcement, and compliance activities, ideally within a government or regulatory environment.

Leadership experience is crucial, as you will be guiding complex initiatives and providing strategic advice to senior executives. You should be adept at managing human and financial resources, promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Strong communication skills are necessary to effectively interact with stakeholders and lead awareness programs.

Additionally, experience in managing the Foreign Worker Program and related legislative provisions will be beneficial. Your ability to build and maintain formal partnerships and collaborative relationships across various sectors will be key to achieving departmental goals and resolving conflicts effectively.

A commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to adapt to changing legislative and regulatory landscapes will ensure your success in this role.

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.

Working Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.
 

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.