Chief Human Resources Officer

City of Saskatoon; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Canada is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead the strategic direction of the Human Resources function. The role involves serving as a principal advisor, championing diversity and inclusion, and managing HR strategies for workforce planning and cultural transformation. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, CPHR designation, and 15 years of leadership experience, particularly in a unionized environment. This is a key leadership position within a vibrant and growing community.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Diversity and equity initiatives

Supportive community environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience in a unionized environment is required.
• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership and cultural transformation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal advisor on HR matters.
• Lead development of HR strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage compensation, benefits, and HRIS systems.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Labour relations

Organizational development

Communication skills

Financial acumen

Equity and diversity commitment

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Job description

Position Overview

The City of Saskatoon is seeking a forward‑thinking, relationship‑driven Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of our Human Resources function. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will help shape the future of a vibrant, growing city by aligning people, processes, and culture with our organizational values and strategic priorities.

This is an opportunity to champion the City’s commitment to building a High Performing Organization (HPO)—one that embraces innovation, equity, reconciliation, and continuous improvement. You will inspire a diverse, unionized workforce and empower leaders across the organization to create a safe, inclusive, and high‑performing environment where employees can do their best work to serve the community.

Key Responsibilities

In this critical leadership role, you will:

• Serve as the principal advisor to the City Manager and City Council on all HR matters.
• Participate as a member of the Executive Leadership Team in organizational planning and decision‑making.
• Lead the development and execution of HR strategies that support workforce planning, cultural transformation, and long‑term organizational goals.
• Champion organizational design, change management, and strategic initiatives grounded in HPO principles.
• Use data, analytics, and performance metrics to drive informed decision‑making and evaluate HR effectiveness.
• Direct labour relations activities, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and union engagement.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, collective agreements, and corporate policies.
• Oversee talent acquisition, performance management, learning and development, and succession planning across the organization.
• Promote a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, psychological safety, and respectful workplace practices.
• Lead initiatives to elevate employee engagement, wellness, and retention.
• Manage compensation, job evaluation, benefits, pension plan oversight, and HRIS systems.
• Deliver efficient, responsive HR services to all City departments and Boards.
• Develop contemporary HR policies, programs, and procedures that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Prepare and manage the HR department’s budget and annual work plan.
• Foster transparent communication and build strong coalitions with internal and external partners, including government officials and union representatives.
• Create feedback loops and engagement pathways that amplify employee voices and support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation, or willingness to obtain.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience, including senior management experience in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership, labour relations, organizational development, and cultural transformation.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Proven commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
• Ability to apply innovative, creative solutions to complex organizational challenges.
• Ability to build respectful, effective relationships with staff at all levels, elected officials, unions, government agencies, media, and the public.

Behavioural Competencies

• Enhance Customer Experience: Service Orientation, Teamwork & Collaboration, Effective Communication, Embracing Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
• Empower People and Ideas: Empowering Others, Influencing, Innovative Thinking, Accountability & Commitment.
• Excel in Strategy and Operations: Planning & Organization, Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving, Strategic Orientation, Managing Change.

Why Saskatoon?

Saskatoon is a vibrant, friendly, and growing city with an exceptional quality of life, beautiful river valley, short commutes, thriving arts & food scene, and a strong sense of community.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

If you are interested in the position, but don’t have all these qualifications – apply anyway. All applicants will be considered with an emphasis on relevant experience, education, and applicable skills!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The City of Saskatoon offers an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds. As an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the City commits to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplaces. By having our workforce reflect the community we serve, we support the realization of miyo‑pimatisiwin, (me‑o‑pi‑ma‑ti‑si‑win) “the good life”, for all residents. To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the City, please visit Saskatoon.ca/diversity

Accommodation

The City of Saskatoon strives to provide an accessible and inclusive workplace for all, including throughout the application and selection process through reasonable access and accommodations. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please email [e-mail].

Our Recruitment Process

Application > Posting Closes > Resume Review > Pre‑screen/Interview > Offer > Pre‑Employment Conditions > Welcome to the City