The Director of Indigenous Relations - Major Projects is a senior leadership role responsible for developing, leading, and executing labor relations and Indigenous engagement strategies that support Amico's Major Projects Division.
Working collaboratively with executive leadership, project teams, Human Resources, and external stakeholders, this role provides strategic guidance on labor relations, workforce planning, collective bargaining, and union partnerships across complex, unionized project environments. The position will also lead Amico's Indigenous Relations strategy, fostering meaningful and long-term partnerships with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations while supporting responsible project development and delivery.
Supporting major infrastructure programs in sectors including aviation, transit, transportation, and other large-scale capital projects, this role will help ensure projects are delivered in a manner that is collaborative, respectful, and aligned with Indigenous engagement best practices. The Director will identify and advance opportunities for Indigenous employment, training, procurement, and business participation while helping project teams achieve successful project outcomes.
The successful candidate will also guide and advance Amico's participation in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAIR) Program, building upon the company's current Committed Status.
Responsibilities
Reports to: Head of Human Resources
Indigenous Relations & Engagement
- Develop and lead a comprehensive Indigenous Relations strategy that supports Amico's growth within the aviation, transit, nuclear, and major infrastructure sectors.
- Establish, build, and maintain respectful, long-term relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, organizations, and economic development partners in regions where projects are pursued or executed.
- Support project pursuit and proposal teams by developing Indigenous participation strategies and engagement commitments.
- Collaborate with project teams to develop and implement Indigenous Engagement Plans (IEPs) throughout project lifecycles.
- Identify and advance opportunities for Indigenous employment, apprenticeships, training, mentorship, and long-term career development.
- Facilitate Indigenous business participation through procurement initiatives, subcontracting opportunities, supplier diversity programs, and strategic partnerships.
- Support the development of Community Benefit Agreements, partnership agreements, MOUs, and other project-specific commitments where applicable.
- Provide guidance and education to internal stakeholders on Indigenous rights, reconciliation, consultation expectations, cultural awareness, and engagement best practices.
- Lead and advance Amico's participation in the PAIR Program and support reporting related to Indigenous relations objectives and outcomes.
Labor Relations Leadership
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve labor relations strategies that support the Major Projects Division and its long-term growth objectives.
- Serve as the division's subject matter expert on collective agreements, labor legislation, workforce mobility, and union relationships across complex project environments.
- Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership and project teams on labor relations matters, including grievances, disputes, investigations, discipline, arbitration preparation, and workforce planning.
- Partner with Business Unit leaders and Human Resources to establish labor relations KPIs, dashboards, and tracking tools to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
- Support collective bargaining preparation and negotiations, including strategy development, labor costing, manpower planning, and risk analysis.
- Build and maintain productive working relationships with union representatives, labor organizations, and industry stakeholders.
- Monitor labor market trends, legislative developments, and workforce availability to support successful project execution and future growth.
Strategic & Advisory Role
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, project executives, operations teams, and pursuit teams on labor and Indigenous relations matters.
- Support major project pursuits by identifying labor relations and Indigenous engagement risks, opportunities, commitments, and mitigation strategies.
- Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Communications, Operations, and Project Management teams to ensure alignment and consistent implementation of corporate strategies.
- Assess and mitigate project-related risks associated with workforce availability, labor relations, Indigenous engagement, stakeholder commitments, and project delivery requirements.
- Support ESG, sustainability, reconciliation, and social responsibility initiatives through measurable Indigenous and workforce development programs.
- Represent Amico with Indigenous communities, unions, industry associations, clients, government agencies, and other key stakeholders as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Law, Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, or a related field. A Master's degree is considered an asset.
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in labor relations, Indigenous relations, stakeholder engagement, human resources, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience supporting large-scale infrastructure projects within sectors such as aviation, transit, nuclear, transportation, energy, or other major capital projects.
- Strong knowledge of labor legislation, collective bargaining, grievance administration, arbitration processes, and unionized work environments.
- Proven success developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, organizations, and economic development corporations.
- Experience leading Indigenous engagement initiatives, participation plans, community benefit commitments, and workforce development programs.
- Working knowledge of Indigenous consultation frameworks, reconciliation principles, and best practices for engagement within major infrastructure projects.
- Experience developing and implementing Indigenous Engagement Plans (IEPs), partnership agreements, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and procurement participation strategies.
- Familiarity with the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAIR) Program or similar Indigenous relations frameworks is considered a strong asset.
- Strong understanding of project delivery models, including Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, Alliance, Construction Management, and P3 projects.
- Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership, project teams, unions, Indigenous leaders, clients, and external stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to balance operational objectives with long-term partnership development.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to travel periodically to project sites, partner communities, and industry events across Ontario and Canada.
Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time
Vacancy Status: A current vacancy exists for this position
Artificial Intelligence: AMICO does not use Artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for this position
What Amico Can Offer You
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer Matching Retirement Program
Strictly no third-party resumes accepted.
Amico is a leading, Canadian-owned and operated construction company specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects. With a strong track record in general contracting, civil engineering and road building, we deliver complex infrastructure solutions that shape the communities of Ontario. Our expertise spans major infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, and critical public works that require meticulous planning, innovative engineering, and precise execution.
At Amico, we believe in fostering collaboration and empowering our team to tackle ambitious challenges head-on. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and proven project management practices, we consistently deliver high-quality infrastructure projects, regardless of their scale or complexity.
At Amico we don’t just build projects; we build careers, communities, and a lasting legacy. Being part of our team means playing a pivotal role in shaping Ontario’s most impactful infrastructure developments, while gaining hands-on experience. Join us and be part of something bigger.
At Amico, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants throughout the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
