Head of HR

Eupraxia Pharma, Inc.; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Victoria is seeking a Head of HR to manage all aspects of Human Resources, ensuring compliance with Canadian and US laws while supporting talent acquisition and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. The ideal candidate has 8-10 years of HR experience, with at least 3 years in leadership, preferably in biotech or pharmaceutical industries. Competitive salary of CAD 190,000 - 230,000 offered, along with a bonus based on performance and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of progressive HR experience with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sector.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and provincial employment law.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with company goals.
• Ensure compliance with Federal and Provincial employment laws.
• Lead recruitment strategies to attract high-quality talent.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Certificate or diploma in Human Resources (CHRP preferred)

Tools

Peoplesoft

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Eupraxia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing locally delivered, extended-release products that have the potential to address therapeutic areas with high unmet medical need. DiffuSphere, a proprietary, polymer-based micro-sphere technology, is designed to facilitate targeted drug delivery of both existing and novel drugs. The technology is designed to support an extended duration of effect and delivery of drugs in a hyper-localized fashion, targeting only the tissues that physicians want to treat. We believe the potential for fewer adverse events may be achieved through the precision targeting and the stable and flat delivery of the active ingredient when using the DiffuSphere technology, versus the peaks and troughs seen with more traditional drug delivery methods. The precision of Eupraxia's DiffuSphere technology platform has the potential to augment and transform existing FDA-approved drugs to improve their safety, tolerability, efficacy and duration of effect. The potential uses in therapeutic areas may go beyond pain and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, where Eupraxia currently is developing advanced treatments, also to be applicable in oncology, infectious disease and other critical disease areas.

Eupraxia's EP-104GI is currently in a Phase 1b / 2a trial, the RESOLVE trial, for the treatment of EoE. EP-104GI is administered as an injection into the esophageal wall, providing local delivery of drug. This is a unique treatment approach for EoE. Eupraxia also recently completed a Phase 2b clinical trial (SPRINGBOARD) of EP-104IAR for the treatment of pain due to knee osteoarthritis. The trial met its primary endpoint and three of the four secondary endpoints. In addition, Eupraxia is developing a pipeline of later and earlier-stage long-acting formulations. Potential pipeline indications include candidates for other inflammatory joint indications and oncology, each designed to improve on the activity and tolerability of currently approved drugs. For further details about Eupraxia, please visit the Company's website at : www.eupraxiapharma.com .

This role is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned professional to take on a varied and challenging role providing an unusually diverse scope, from HR strategy to delivery, spanning both Canadian and US aspects. In a highly innovative, dynamic and rapidly evolving company, you will work closely with a globally experienced executive team to build and shape the company from a research and clinical developmentally based focus into a commercially successful and sustainable venture.

We are looking for someone who would like to work for a fast-paced, growing company that fosters a creative spirit and integrated teamwork and who is eligible to work in Canada.

Job Description :

The Head of HR plays a strategic and hands-on role in identification, development, implementation and management of all aspects of Human Resources in a small but dynamic, biopharmaceutical business, bridging both Canadian and US environments. This position is responsible for shaping HR strategy, ensuring compliance with Canadian (including provincial) and US labour laws, supporting talent acquisition and development, driving employee engagement, and fostering a compliant and inclusive workplace culture that supports innovation, clinical, quality, and regulatory excellence. With multiple relationships internally and externally, this is a complex role requiring professional excellence combined with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Reports to : COO

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies and practices aligned with the company’s goals and regulatory obligations.
• Identifies plans, directs & implements all aspects of the organization's human resources policies, objectives, and initiatives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team on organizational design, talent planning, and workforce development.
• Lead and facilitate change initiatives.

Compliance & Policy Management

Ensure compliance with Federal, Provincial and State employment laws (US and Canada including Quebec), health and safety regulations, and pharmaceutical industry standards.

Develop, maintain, and enforce HR policies, including those related to employment, discipline, anti-harassment, equity, and privacy (e.g., PIPEDA compliance).

Talent Acquisition & Management

Lead recruitment strategies to attract high-quality talent for scientific, technical, and corporate roles.

Manage onboarding, retention initiatives, and succession planning.

Develop, implement , evaluate and modify performance management processes to support the business strategic goals.

Employee Relations & Culture

Promote a positive work environment aligned with company values and Canadian workplace norms.

Responsible for establishing appropriate Employee Relations practices and standards to support management in handling any employee related issue.

Utilize knowledge and Human Resources experience to coach and provide counsel on employee relations issues to management.

Address employee concerns, conduct investigations, and resolve conflicts professionally and fairly.

Training & Development

Lead and champion good, consistent management practices amongst leaders.

Implement training programs focused on compliance, leadership, and professional development.

Foster a continuous learning culture.

Develops, implements and maintains the compensation strategy for the business and its regional operations, using appropriate salary survey data and job evaluation processes to build compensation packages for all staff that promote internal equity as well as market competitiveness.

Oversee salary reviews, bonus programs, and employee benefits, ensuring market competitiveness and internal equity.

Manage vendor relationships and benefits renewals.

HR Operations & Reporting

Oversee payroll interface, HRIS administration, and HR metrics tracking.

Prepare reports for senior management and regulatory audits when necessary.

Qualifications :

Proven ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels in a small business environment.

A bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field

Post-secondary education in Human Resources, preferably a certificate or diploma in Human Resources or related field of study. (CHRP designation preferred)

8–10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sector is highly desirable - Must be comfortable working in a highly regulated industry with strict quality and compliance requirements.

Ideally experience of operating across multiple countries.

Experienced in a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.

Must have the ability to work as part of a team, and communicate effectively with peers, management and 3rd parties.

Sound commercial awareness.

Strong knowledge of Canadian and provincial employment law, US employment law an advantage.

Hybrid work environment may be available, depending on business needs.

Travel between sites or to regulatory meetings may be required.

Additional Attributes :

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly

Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams

Experience with computer software applications Peoplesoft, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Professional presentation with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational and planning skills

Flexible within a constantly changing environment

Motivated and adaptable team player with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Proven ability to manage confidential information

Bilingual (English / French) is an asset.

Salary Range : CAD$ 190,000 – 230,000 annually

Within the posted range, individual pay is determined by job-related skills, relevant experience, education and / or training. Please note that the range details above reflect the base pay only. A bonus will be available based upon performance and remaining in post for the agreed contract duration. We also have a competitive benefits package on offer.

This is an opportunity to work in a small, entrepreneurial, and highly motivating environment, with a strong emphasis on work / life balance and a supportive company culture.

While only short-listed candidates will be notified, we thank each applicant for their submission.

Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals 201-2067 Cadboro Bay Rd. Victoria BC, Canada, V8R 5G4

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