Senior Manager Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness

Accountabilities: Lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring effective governance, stakeholder engagement, and integration into operational service delivery. Provide strategic direction and operational oversight to Occupational Health & Safety Specialists, ensuring consistent management of workers’ compensation claims, return-to-work appeals, attendance reviews, and complex ability management cases. Develop and oversee workplace accommodation, disability management, attendance support, and return-to-work programs that promote employee recovery, sustainable reintegration, and compliance with applicable legislation. Advise senior leadership on complex, high-risk employee cases and escalated matters, providing subject matter expertise, risk mitigation strategies, and recommendations for effective resolution. Standardize and audit ability management practices, ensuring consistent application of policies, procedures, reporting requirements, and industry best practices. Collaborate with senior leadership to establish occupational health and safety priorities, develop and update policies, and deliver education and training initiatives that support compliance and continuous improvement. Oversee responses to regulatory orders and directives, workplace incident and violence investigations, corrective action plans, safety audits, and risk escalation processes. Support effective Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees and related governance groups, ensuring they operate in accordance with legislative and organizational requirements. Lead the development and implementation of injury prevention, employee wellness, and health promotion strategies aligned with organizational priorities. Partner with Human Resources, Operations, Labour Relations, Quality, Risk, and other internal teams to develop safe work plans, coordinate training, and maintain effective employee support processes. Build and maintain relationships with union representatives, workers’ compensation organizations, regulatory agencies, healthcare professionals, and third-party wellness providers. Develop departmental budgets in collaboration with senior leadership, manage approved expenditures, monitor key performance indicators, and assess program effectiveness and cost management. Conduct research, analyze workforce safety and wellness data, identify emerging trends, and recommend improvements supported by industry practices and measurable outcomes. Coach, motivate, and develop team members while fostering accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and a positive workplace culture. Promote employee engagement, work-life balance, confidentiality, accessibility, and a safe and inclusive working environment. Support organizational strategy, performance development, knowledge sharing, and the effective use of technology to improve service delivery and operational outcomes. Requirements A university degree in Human Resources Management, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related discipline; alternatively, a relevant diploma or certificate in occupational health and safety, ability management, or an equivalent field of study and experience. At least five years of experience in occupational health and safety, human resources with a focus on workplace safety or ability management, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience managing employees, providing leadership, and supporting team development. Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation, workplace hazards, risk controls, disability management, workplace accommodations, return-to-work practices, and relevant regulatory requirements. Demonstrated experience managing complex employee cases, workers’ compensation claims, attendance support, and workplace reintegration processes. Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior management, functional leaders, internal clients, and external stakeholders while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines. Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills. Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with a high level of attention to detail and the capacity to prioritize multiple initiatives in a dynamic environment. Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive employee matters, confidential documentation, and personal information. Ability to work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and develop practical, innovative solutions to organizational challenges. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, virtual meeting tools, and technology-enabled learning platforms. Professional registration as a healthcare practitioner, such as an Occupational Health Nurse, Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist, or Occupational Therapist, is considered an asset. Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or Canadian Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) designation is considered an asset. A satisfactory, current criminal record check is required. A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may also be required. French-language proficiency is an asset in designated French-speaking areas. Flexibility to work variable hours and travel when required. Willingness and ability to meet the physical demands of the role, which may include walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, kneeling, lifting, and carrying items using appropriate techniques. Personal protective equipment may be required. Commitment to confidentiality, accessibility, equity, diversity, inclusion, employee well-being, and the creation of a safe and respectful workplace. Benefits Competitive annual salary: CAD $92,432–$100,211, with the salary range for Nova Scotia available upon request. Employment stability: Regular, permanent, full-time position with a 1.0 FTE commitment. Structured work schedule: 75 hours biweekly, primarily daytime hours. Leadership opportunity: Shape organization-wide occupational health, safety, wellness, and ability management strategies. Meaningful impact: Contribute to employee health, workplace safety, successful return-to-work outcomes, and the delivery of community-based services. Collaborative environment: Work with senior leaders, multidisciplinary teams, employee representatives, and external healthcare and regulatory partners. Professional development: Opportunities to apply and strengthen leadership expertise, improve organizational practices, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Inclusive workplace: A commitment to accessibility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect for people from diverse backgrounds. Location flexibility: Opportunities associated with several locations in Ontario and Nova Scotia, including remote work arrangements as indicated in the position listing. Specific arrangements should be confirmed during the recruitment process.