Director, Human Resources and Health and Safety

The Director, Human Resources (HR) and Health & Safety (H&S) will plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies and activities of the Human Resources (HR) and Health and Safety (H&S) functions, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organization's mission and talent strategy.

The Director, HR and H&S will play a key role in shaping OE’s overall company culture, developing our workforce, and driving key HR initiatives. This role will collaborate with the management team to enhance employee engagement, performance, and overall employee well-being.

• Post Secondary Education (Bachelor or Higher Preferred) in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• CHRL designation.

• Minimum of 10 years experience in progressive HR roles. Prior experience within the construction or utilities sector would be preferred.

• Experience working in unionized environments.

• Familiar with HRIS systems (ADP, Ceridian, Workday, etc.)

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

• Sound knowledge of employment laws

• Thorough understanding of legislated health and safety guidelines

• Excellent organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize important projects.

• Ability to influence strategy and collaborate with company leadership.

• Comfortable multi-tasking, working under pressure, and managing tight timelines.

• Strong phone, email, and in-person communication skills

• Perform tasks with good judgment, diplomacy, and discretion.

• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills

• Ability to interact with employees at all levels of the organization.

• Customer service and client-focused

• Down-to-earth approach; comfortable in a variety of situations and work environments

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.

• Partner with the management team to engage the organization in achieving business and people objectives.

• Act as a resource regarding the interpretation and application of policies and procedures and government legislation in connection with Human Resources matters including but not limited to promotions, transfers, contract negotiation, job classification, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.

• Develop plans for training, compensation, benefits, health and safety, etc.

• Serve as the point of contact for employment relations and communication with labor unions.

• Assist leaders across the company resolve complex employee relations issues with a fair and consistent approach.

• Collaborate with the leadership team on organizational design, talent development, and succession planning.

• Monitor social media activity and employee engagement processes to ensure legal and corporate compliance. Coordination and deployment of communication tools including but not limited to town hall meetings, social media, and social committee organization.

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of company operations.

Employee/Labour Relations

- Act as the subject matter expert to interpret and apply Collective Agreement policy and procedure. Deal with grievances and violations invoking disciplinary action when required.

- Anticipate and resolve litigation risks.

- Be a representative of the organization in labour negotiations, lawsuits, and complaints in conjunction with the CEO and COO.

- Respond to general employee queries about HR and H&S related issues.

Human Resources Management

- Develop, implement, and monitor the company’s HR strategies, policies and procedures in compliance with applicable workplace legislation and alignment with the Company’s Core Values, Vision, and Principles.

- Review existing and pending legislation to determine its impact on the organization and advise the Executive Team.

- Facilitate change management and initiate projects where the need exists.

- Manage the company’s HRIS (ADP Workforce Now).

- Represent the Company in matters before the Human Rights Tribunal, recommend paths for dealing with claims, act on selected directions including engagement of advisors and legal counsel, and be the primary advocate of the Company position.

- Prepare and manage the department budget.

- Maintain and regularly report on HR & H&S metrics.

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date human resource files, records, and documentation including their integrity and confidentiality.

- Perform periodic audits of HR files and records to ensure that all required documents are collected and filed appropriately.

Learning and Development

- As required, coordinate/provide technical and non-technical training activities and programs. Ensure company-wide training gap analyses are completed and are properly linked/prioritized with training programs and budgets.

- Develop and facilitate employee training such as new hire orientation, etc.

- Promote continuous improvement, including personal and organizational goals to develop leadership capacity.

- Coach and mentor more junior HR and H&S personnel

Recruitment and Staffing

- Full-cycle recruitment and onboarding support: Job postings, interviews, recommendations, offer letters, candidate responses, organizational announcements, compensation plan, etc.

- Support management in addressing workforce and retention needs and issues.

- New hire orientation and follow-up of new employees through a probationary period (coaching, training, assessment).

- Facilitate and process terminations, exit interviews, and reporting.

Compensation & Benefits:

- Maintain and update company compensation structure and pay grades.

- Ensure compliance with Pay Equity and all application legislation.

- Facilitate benefit administration.