Manager of Policy

About Us

At the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), we are responsible for delivering effective and efficient regulatory management for the protection of the public and workers’ safety through education, outreach, inspection and enforcement, equipment registration, permits, and licenses.  Our staff of over 115 employees, located throughout Nova Scotia, do this by using the Pathways to Compliance to enhance compliance of provincially regulated employees, employers and contractors through setting, promoting, verifying and enforcing requirements under various pieces of legislation.

LSI 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 safety, labour standards, apprenticeship, immigration and population growth, and many other facets of everyday life.

About Our Opportunity

Are you interested in leading a dynamic team, and providing strategic direction for policy analysis and development?

As the Manager of Policy, you will be leading policy work of the Safety branch that will contribute to shaping and enhancing safety outcomes in Nova Scotia. You will develop policy options and recommendations on safety related matters for Occupational Health & Safety, Technical Safety and the workers’ compensation system.

As the Manager of Policy, you will work closely with the Operational Managers and Directors in the Safety Branch and lead, promote, and support effective policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation. You will lead the integration of policy into business planning and establishing priorities in consultation with branch leadership. You will be involved in engagements related to safety related policy initiatives.

The Manager of Policy reports to the Executive Director, Strategic Planning and Accountability.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Manager of Policy, you can expect to: 
 

• Develop and ensure the effective management of a team of professional staff responsible for providing information, policy options, analysis and evidence.
• Manage a broad range of research, policy and program initiatives that are at a high level of complexity and involves all aspects of project management.
• Lead the planning and development of briefing materials, cabinet submissions, corporate documents, and presentations.
• Provide functional leadership and strategic advice across various teams within the Branch and to engage in relevant research/identification of best practices, and evidence-based analyses.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this role you have a post-secondary degree in a related discipline with several years of experience in senior policy roles, as well as possessing experience in supervision or management, an acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

You are a demonstrated team player and collaborative leader with exceptional planning and relationship competencies, capable of prioritizing and delegating high level work under tight timelines and you possess sound judgement under pressure. You are known to be organized and flexible, with the ability to motivate and manage resources.

You have exceptional facilitation skills. You also have experience in effectively and efficiently delivering on corporate change initiatives and projects. You are a proven leader in introducing and implementing change.

Assets considered for this role include:

• Experience in project management
• Experience working in a government policy environment   
  
  

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using on or more of the following tools: oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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

Your typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days. Work is primarily office-based in a comfortable professional environment. The role requires sustained concentration and analysis as well as the ability to manage competing priorities, tight timelines, and high-impact decision-making. Occasional overtime work may be required.

Additional Information

This is a term employment opportunity, located in Halifax, NS, with an anticipated end date of September 10, 2027. 

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.