About this role
Senior People & Culture Business Partner - Canada
Lead People. Shape Culture. Influence Business.
Are you the kind of HR leader who loves both the boardroom conversation and rolling up your sleeves to solve real employee challenges?
We're partnering with a growing, purpose-driven organization seeking a Senior People & Culture Business Partner to serve as the primary People & Culture leader for Canada. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced HR professional who thrives operating across the full spectrum of HR-from strategic workforce planning and leadership coaching to employee relations, investigations, accommodations, and day-to-day employee support.
This is not a traditional HRBP role.
You'll be the trusted advisor to leaders, the go-to resource for employees, and the Canadian employment law expert helping drive business success while creating an exceptional employee experience.
What Makes This Opportunity Different?
You'll have the autonomy and visibility typically found in a Country HR Lead role while partnering with established North American Centers of Excellence across:
• Talent Acquisition
• Compensation & Benefits
• Learning & Development
• Payroll
• HR Operations
You'll influence business decisions, guide leaders through complex employee matters, support organizational growth, and make a tangible impact across a distributed workforce.
What You'll Be Doing
Strategic Business Partnership
• Advise leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, employee engagement, succession planning, and change management
• Translate business goals into practical people strategies
• Identify workforce trends, risks, and opportunities
• Support business transformation and growth initiatives
Employee Relations & Investigations
• Lead complex employee relations matters from start to resolution
• Conduct workplace investigations involving policy concerns, harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and workplace conflict
• Coach leaders on performance management, corrective action, and difficult employment decisions
• Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant practices
Canadian Employment Law Expertise
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Canadian employment and labor legislation
• Advise on employment standards, human rights, workplace accommodations, terminations, restructures, and compliance matters
• Partner with legal stakeholders on complex employment issues
• Monitor legislative changes and recommend best practices
Leaves, Accommodations & Return-to-Work
• Manage complex leave programs and employee accommodations
• Oversee disability management and return-to-work planning
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation across multiple provinces
• Support leaders and employees through sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
HR Operations & Employee Experience
• Be the trusted first point of contact for employees and managers
• Prepare employment documentation and support employee lifecycle processes
• Coordinate personnel changes including hires, promotions, transfers, leaves, and exits
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and employee experience
What We're Looking For
You Bring:
• 7+ years of progressive HR / People & Culture experience
• Significant experience supporting employees across multiple Canadian provinces
• Deep knowledge of Canadian employment and labor legislation
• Strong employee relations and workplace investigation experience
• Expertise in disability management, accommodations, workers' compensation, and return-to-work programs
• Experience coaching leaders through challenging employee situations
• Strong business acumen and executive presence
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience working in a Center of Excellence HR model
• Advanced proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, ADP, SAP SuccessFactors, or similar systems
Bonus Points For:
• CPHR designation
• Experience supporting field-based, construction, renewable energy, manufacturing, or other distributed workforces
• Bilingual English/French capabilities
• Additional certifications in employment law, investigations, labor relations, or disability management
The Ideal Person
We're looking for someone who:
• Can think strategically while executing operationally
• Is comfortable working independently and making sound decisions
• Loves solving problems and improving processes
• Builds credibility quickly with both leaders and employees
• Isn't afraid to dive into the details when needed
• Brings strong judgment, empathy, and leadership presence
If you're someone who enjoys being the face of People & Culture, influencing business outcomes, and creating a positive employee experience while navigating complex HR challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
📍 Location & Travel
• Based in Canada
• Travel throughout Canada as needed
• Occasional travel to the United States
• Valid driver's license required
Compensation
Overall Range: CAD $115,000-$140,000
Compensation will be commensurate with experience, expertise, and overall fit for this highly visible role.
Ready to make an impact?
If you're a seasoned HR professional ready to take ownership, influence leaders, and help shape the future of a growing organization, apply today. This is your opportunity to be more than an HRBP-this is your chance to be a true People & Culture leader.
EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
In addition to base pay, direct-hire employees may be eligible for client offered benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.
To find out more about Progressive please visit www.progressiverecruitment.com