Vice President Human Resources

About the Role

We are seeking a Vice President of Human Resources to head the people strategy at a well-established Canadian company during a dynamic phase of growth and expansion. Reporting directly to the CEO and participating as a member of the executive leadership team, you will guide a talented HR team of 20-24 professionals, overseeing all aspects of the people agenda including strategic planning, organizational design, culture, talent acquisition, total rewards, and HR operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term people strategy aligned with the organization's growth objectives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on workforce planning, organizational structure, leadership development, and change management.
• Engage with the board on matters such as executive compensation, succession, organizational culture, and people-related risks.
• Translate business objectives into actionable people priorities with clear metrics and accountability.
• Lead, motivate, and mentor a high-performing HR team across various functional areas including business partnering, talent acquisition, total rewards, HR operations, and learning and development.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance the HR operating model to ensure it scales effectively with business growth.
• Guide organizational design efforts to support expansion initiatives and new business lines.
• Oversee talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier candidates at all levels, strengthening the employer brand in a competitive market.
• Design and administer leadership development and succession planning programs to cultivate management capabilities and ensure talent pipeline readiness.
• Manage compensation, benefits, pension, and recognition programs, ensuring competitiveness, equity, and legal compliance.
• Champion organizational values and culture, fostering inclusion, employee engagement, and a positive work experience.
• Provide senior-level oversight of employee relations, complex investigations, compliance with Ontario employment legislation, and labor relations where applicable.
• Ensure effective HR operations by optimizing HRIS, payroll systems, data integrity, and technology adoption.
• Develop people analytics capabilities to support data-driven decision making and regularly report key metrics to leadership and the board.

Qualifications and Experience

• 15-20+ years of progressive experience in human resources, with 7-10+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven success managing a comprehensive HR function and a sizeable team.
• Experience driving HR strategies through phases of growth, transformation, or significant organizational change.
• Strong strategic vision combined with hands-on operational execution skills.
• Ability to influence and build trust with C-suite executives and board members.
• In-depth knowledge of HR best practices across talent management, organizational design, rewards, culture, and employee relations.
• Familiarity with Ontario employment laws and compliance standards.
• Expertise in executive compensation models and incentive plans.
• Competency in using analytics and data to inform HR strategies.
• Excellent communication skills adaptable to diverse audiences.
• University degree in human resources, business or related fields; advanced degrees like MBA are advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• People-oriented leader focused on building strong teams and cultivating future leaders.
• Business-savvy with a clear understanding of how HR strategies impact commercial success.
• Big-picture thinker who remains engaged in operational details as needed.
• Calm and sound in judgment during complex or sensitive situations.
• Curious, forward-looking, and open to innovative approaches.
• Person of integrity who builds trust through honesty, discretion, and consistent follow-through.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range of $230,000 to $280,000 CAD.
• Total compensation package between $300,000 and $370,000 CAD including short-term and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension/RRSP matching and vacation allowances.
• Executive leadership team membership, with significant influence on strategic direction.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an experienced HR team during an exciting period of organizational growth.

Additional Information

This search is conducted confidentially. Candidate inquiries and applications will be handled discreetly, with the employer's identity disclosed only at advanced stages. A third-party recruitment agency is assisting with screening and interviews. No AI tools are used in candidate evaluation. The interview process is expected to begin within 6 to 8 weeks after the vacancy announcement and will be thorough but initial candidate contact will be timely.