Employee Relations - Employee Relations Partner

We Bring Food to Your Family’s Table

Erb Group is one of North America’s largest privately owned refrigerated transportation providers. Erb Group specializes in the timely, protected distribution of temperature-controlled perishable goods across Canada and the U.S. Erb Group is a family-owned business and has been in the industry for over 65 years. Its head office is based in New Hamburg, Ontario, with additional Canadian terminals in Baden, Toronto, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Ottawa, Montreal, Trenton, and Winnipeg. In addition, we have been recognized as a Best Fleets to Drive For recipient for several years, a Top Fleet Employer, and continue to be a safety industry leader.

SUMMARY

The Employee Relations Partner serves as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders, providing guidance on workplace matters while fostering a respectful, engaged, and high-performing culture. Partnering with leaders across assigned terminals and departments, this role supports employee relations, performance, engagement, accommodations, and workplace concerns while ensuring the consistent application of company policies and employment legislation. Reporting to the Manager, Employee Relations, the Employee Relations Partner helps strengthen the employee experience by building positive working relationships, resolving workplace issues, and supporting an inclusive, productive, and engaging workplace.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Support & Workplace Relations

• Act as the primary Employee Relations contact for assigned business groups.
• Build strong relationships with employees and leaders to provide proactive workplace support.
• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, attendance, performance, conduct, and conflict resolution.
• Support the resolution of employee concerns using collaborative and solution-focused approaches.
• Assist leaders in navigating difficult workplace conversations while promoting consistency and fairness.
• Conduct or support workplace investigations, fact finding, and documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive employee matters.

Leader Partnership

• Coach and support supervisors and managers on employee-related matters.
• Provide advice on progressive discipline, performance management, attendance management, and policy interpretation.
• Support leaders through employee life-cycle activities including onboarding, promotions, transfers, leaves, accommodations, and separations.
• Help leaders build positive and engaged workplace cultures.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Support the delivery of employee engagement initiatives across the organization.
• Assist with recognition programs, employee events, communication initiatives, and culture-building activities.
• Support employee listening sessions and engagement surveys.
• Identify trends and recommend improvements that enhance the employee experience.
• Promote Erb values through day-to-day interactions.

Attendance, Disability & Accommodation Support

• Partner with the Wellness team to support workplace accommodations and return-to-work planning.
• Assist leaders with attendance management and documentation.
• Support the interactive accommodation process while maintaining employee confidentiality.
• Ensure accommodations are implemented effectively within operational requirements.

Performance Management

• Support performance improvement discussions and documentation.
• Coach leaders on goal setting, feedback, coaching, and employee development.
• Assist with probationary reviews and performance planning.
• Promote early intervention to resolve workplace issues before escalation.

Policy & Compliance

• Interpret and apply company policies consistently.
• Support compliance with the Canada Labour Code and applicable provincial legislation.
• Assist with policy education and communication.
• Identify opportunities to improve policies and procedures.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in Employee Relations, Engagement and Culture projects.
• Assist with implementation of initiatives.
• Support organizational change initiatives.
• Contribute ideas that improve employee experience and operational effectiveness.
• Assist with reporting and trend analysis related to employee relations activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• CHRP designation or working toward certification is considered an asset.

Experience

• 3–5 years of progressive Human Resources or Employee Relations experience.
• Experience supporting leaders in employee relations matters.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations is considered an asset.
• Experience in transportation, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, or another multi-site environment is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Knowledge of employment legislation and human rights requirements.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems (Dayforce experience is an asset).
• Proficiency in French is required. Proficiency in English is also required because this position must regularly communicate with employees and leaders located outside Quebec. The need for English has been assessed and is limited to the duties where it is necessary to perform the role effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is a full-time position based on a 40-hour work week, with flexibility required to meet business needs.
• Occasional travel to terminals across Canada is required.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support business operations.
• Ability to work in both office and operational environments, including terminals, warehouses, docks, and shops.

Your Cool Work Perks
Benefits available from day 1

We’re motivated by doing business with good people and hiring them too.

• Company-paid health insurance plans (health, prescription, dental, and vision)
• Company-paid group life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Enjoy $1,600 in massage therapy benefits
• TFSA and RRSP savings plans with company matching contributions (available after 3 months)
• Profit-sharing opportunity
• Referral bonus program
• Safety shoe voucher
• Uniform and annual tool allowance for apprentice and mechanic technicians
• Corporate discounts with Josslin Insurance and GoodLife Fitness
• Educational assistance of up to 50%, with specific training required by Erb Group paid in full
• Career advancement opportunities
• Community and philanthropy opportunities
• Employee engagement events (Good Cheer Club, summer BBQs, prizes, food trucks, employee recognition programs)

How to Make Your Next Cool Move – Apply online today!

Having trouble completing the application? Contact us at 1-800-461-5299 or [email protected].

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet almost every qualification. At Erb Group, we’re committed to continually improving our approach to building a diverse, inclusive, and value-driven workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experiences don’t align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You could just be the right candidate for this role or others!

Erb Group is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation, please contact [email protected] or call 1-800-461-5299. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Please note that this Erb Group job posting is intended to provide an overview of the position, including key responsibilities and qualifications, and does not represent a comprehensive job description.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.