Director, Human Resources

SMBC Group; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Human Resources to lead strategic HR initiatives and support business growth. This pivotal role requires a strong problem solver with extensive HR experience in a regulated financial environment. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior leadership, manage HR programs, and drive workforce planning while ensuring compliance with employment laws. If you are motivated, proactive, and ready to make a significant impact in a hybrid work environment, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive HR experience in a financial institution.
• Knowledge of Canadian HR legislation and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with business lines to influence HR priorities.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and manage risks.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Employee Relations

Talent Planning

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

CHRP Designation

Job description

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Role Description

Reporting to the Executive Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services, the Director of Human Resources will provide leadership, advice, and subject matter expertise to business leaders in areas such as employee relations, engagement, talent planning, and development. This role is vital for enabling business growth through strategic HR initiatives.

This position supports SMBC Canada Branch’s growth, focusing on policy development, control, and strategy execution. The incumbent will have the authority, independence, and support necessary to manage all HR programs effectively, working across various HR functions, managing multiple deadlines, and engaging with stakeholders.

Role Objectives: Delivery

The candidate must be a strong problem solver with leadership experience in a financial institution, motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently or in teams within a fast-paced environment. An entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Build deep relationships with business lines to influence HR priorities and co-drive initiatives, partnering with senior leadership and HR teams across divisions and geographies.
• Leverage credentials (e.g., CHRP), education, and HR expertise to maintain credibility, represent HR, and drive workforce planning, org design, and talent initiatives.
• Stay informed on industry trends and benchmarks to advise internal clients and maintain competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and internal security standards, managing legal and regulatory risks.
• Provide timely resolution of HR operational inquiries, collaborating across HR functions to improve processes and meet service levels.

Competencies and Responsibilities

Demonstrate value through business acumen, guiding leadership with commercial HR solutions, and delivering the HR strategy for the Americas division. Collaborate across functions to resolve operational challenges and contribute to strategic initiatives.

Supervision and Decision Making

Manage a team of 2-3 members, maintain proper documentation, and make collaborative decisions on operational effectiveness, exercising judgment and independence daily.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; CHRP designation required.
• 10-15 years of progressive HR experience within a federally regulated financial institution.
• Knowledge of Canadian HR legislation and regulations, and experience with Schedule III foreign bank branches.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects.

Working Conditions

High pressure with deadlines, attention to detail, hybrid work environment (3-4 days onsite per week), with reasonable commuting distance required.

About SMBC

SMBC Group, headquartered in Tokyo with a 400-year history, offers diverse financial services worldwide, with over 130 offices and 80,000 employees. It is part of SMFG, one of Japan’s largest banking groups, with a significant presence in the Americas and globally.