Talent.com
Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

Empire LifeOntario, Canada, Canada
17 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Senior Employee Relations Specialist / Human Resources Generalist

Location : Hybrid - Kingston / Toronto

Empire Life is looking to hire an Employee Relations Specialist / Human Resources Generalist to join our Talent Management team!

The Senior Human Resources Generalist plays a critical role in supporting Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) and acts as a key advisor to line and mid-level managers on all HR-related matters. This position emphasizes employee relations, serving as a subject matter expert (SME) on terminations, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution. The Senior HR Generalist works directly with managers to provide guidance on people management activities and ensures alignment with HR policies, procedures, and best practices. This is a developmental role with a clear path to advancing into a Human Resources Business Partner position

Why pursue this opportunity

Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.

Have your voice heard - with a fresh perspective, we welcome those that can highlight opportunities for improvement. We encourage creative and innovative thinking and welcome candidates who are not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion - we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and welcome candidates who share this commitment.

What you’ll be working on

  • Provides consultation, guidance, and coaching to line managers on employee relations matters, including terminations, leveraging HR frameworks, processes, and policies to support people management activities in alignment with direction from Human Resources Business Partners.
  • Serves as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations matters, including handling sensitive issues, conducting investigations, and providing guidance in compliance with company policies and legal requirements
  • Ensures HR compliance by staying up-to-date with local labor regulations and updating policies as needed.
  • Drawing upon past HR experience, educates client groups on corporate perspective and possible impacts their actions might have in the short term, longer term, and at different levels of the organization
  • Ensures that all HR programs, policies and processes are implemented in a manner that supports the organization’s values
  • Liaises with Shared Services to ensure accurate processing of employee changes and promptly addresses inquiries from employees and managers.
  • Manages promotions, transfers, and salary adjustments by collaborating with leaders and preparing necessary documentation, while maintaining tools, templates, and forms for accuracy.
  • Supports the performance management process including working with leaders on action plans for low performance situations
  • Provides a first point of contact for the business on salary review needs, making recommendations and coordinating, as needed, with the Compensation team relative to market information and job evaluations
  • Actively solicits feedback from the organization and employees including conducting exit and stay interviews
  • Supports training and talent programs by coordinating content and organizing events, with the potential to develop, customize, and facilitate the delivery of training
  • Analyzes data, conducts research and develops reports using multiple systems and sources
  • Develops and maintains strong relationships with business client groups and HR team members, including providing mentorship and guidance to junior team members, students and new graduates
  • Contributes to projects as needed

What we’re looking for you to have

  • Min. 3-5 years of human resources experience; at least 2 years experience specifically in employee relations and investigations
  • CHRL Designation preferred
  • Undergraduate degree in Business, Commerce with a focus in Human Resources Management preferred
  • Bilingualism (English / French) preferred
  • Financial Service industry experience would be considered an asset
  • Strong knowledge and application of relevant legislation and compliance requirements
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work effectively and influence a wide variety of people at all levels within the organization
  • Strong interpersonal skills; listen effectively, demonstrate sensitivity, exercise tact, give support, disagree and be able to maintain a relationship, leveraging diversity, networking and partnering
  • Ability to work independently within a highly complex, dynamic environment
  • Knowledge of formal and informal dispute resolution methodology, procedures, techniques (i.e. mediation); investigative, problem solving and negotiation skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Excellent research and analytical skills
  • Proficiency in software and systems including Google, Excel / spreadsheets and HR information systems
  • Strong desire to learn and develop new skills
  • If you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.

    • Beyond the salary

    For regular full-time positions, Empire Life offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes :

  • Competitive salaries with annual pay increases
  • Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non sales positions
  • Competitive uncapped commission, for sales positions
  • A comprehensive employer-funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account
  • Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
  • Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
  • A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
  • Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
  • Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs
  • A cash employee referral program

    • To learn more about working at Empire Life, visit .

    Get to know us

    Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

    Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process. If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact .