Human Resources Director

Company Background :

Our client (the Company ) is one of North America's leading providers of pet health services, operating in multiple markets across the US and Canada.

Role Overview :

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Health and Safety, the Director, People and Culture is a strategic HR leader based in Guelph (Ontario), Canada responsible for overseeing the HR Operations function across both the US and Canada.

The role involves directing a team of 3 Regional HR Business Partners and providing leadership to an extended team of 10 US-based HR Generalists and Talent Acquisition Specialists.

The Director will align HR practices with the company's overall mission and goals, driving a people-first culture, enhancing employee engagement, and ensuring compliance with local employment laws across regions.

Key Responsibilities :

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Regional HR Business Partners and provide indirect oversight to HR Generalists and Talent Acquisition Specialists.
• Ensure consistent HR support across both Canadian and US operations.
• Develops and implements People & Culture strategies that are aligned with the company’s overall business goals, collaborating closely with the wider Operational management team as a business partner.

HR strategy execution

• Develop and implement HR strategies that align with the company’s overall business goals and operational priorities.
• Lead initiatives to promote a positive workplace culture focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
• Drive workforce planning, performance management, and talent development programs to meet operational and strategic goals.

Employee relations and compliance

• Ensure HR policies and practices comply with employment laws and regulations in both Canada and the US.
• Oversee resolution of employee relations issues, working with General Counsel as needed.
• Implement standardized HR policies, ensuring consistency across regions while respecting local labor laws and cultural differences.
• Ensures HR practices are compliant with legal requirements and organizational values, managing the risk of litigation and conflict.

Talent Acquisition and retention

• Partner with Talent Acquisition Specialists to drive recruitment strategies and attract top talent across the US and Canada.
• Lead initiatives to improve employee retention, fostering engagement, and supporting career development within the organization.
• Oversee onboarding and orientation programs that ensure smooth transitions for new hires and consistency in company culture.

HR Operations and continuous improvement

• Ensure efficient HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, and HR systems.
• Use data and analytics to measure HR effectiveness, identify trends, and drive continuous improvements across HR processes and employee engagement.
• Implement HR technology and systems to streamline processes and improve reporting and decision-making capabilities.

Organizational development and culture

• Promote initiatives that align with the company’s values and culture, fostering a positive, productive work environment.
• Lead company-wide efforts to drive employee engagement, recognition, and organizational development initiatives.
• Act as a culture ambassador, leading by example and embodying the company’s mission, vision, and values.

Education, Training & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing multi-regional teams.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and US employment laws and HR best practices.
• Working knowledge of California employment laws would be considered advantageous.
• Experience in talent management, employee relations, HR operations, and organizational development.
• Proven ability to develop and execute HR strategies that align with business goals.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage and inspire diverse teams across different geographies.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to lead and inspire remote teams, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
• Strong capability in developing team members through guidance, feedback, and coaching.
• Proficiency in driving organizational change, culture transformation, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Understanding of how HR impacts business outcomes, aligning HR strategies with the company’s mission and goals.
• Strong analytical skills to use HR metrics and data for informed decision-making.
• Ability to foster a company culture that emphasizes employee well-being, inclusion, and alignment with organizational values.
• Developing and executing programs that increase employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Strong talent acquisition and workforce planning skills to attract and retain top talent.
• Ability to identify high-potential talent and develop leadership pipelines.
• Understanding of core HR functions such as payroll, benefits, and HRIS systems.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and compliance in different jurisdictions (local, state, national).The ideal candidate will act as an employee champion and a leader of change.

You will plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the organization's human resource function and performance.

• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to influence and drive HR strategies.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to resolve complex people-related challenges.
• Understanding and addressing employee needs while balancing organizational goals People First!
• Engaging with employees, understanding their concerns, and taking appropriate action.
• Sensitivity and adaptability to manage across different cultures and promote a respectful workplace.
• Coming up with creative solutions to HR challenges and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
16 hours ago