HR Business Partner

Wakefield Canada Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian distributor of lubricants is seeking an HR Business Partner who will act as a strategic advisor across various teams. This position involves aligning HR strategies with business objectives while ensuring compliance and driving performance among employees. The candidate should have significant HR experience, strong leadership skills, and experience in employee relations. Competitive compensation and executive benefits are offered, with a future office relocation planned.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Executive benefits

Opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience supporting operations and corporate teams.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and workplace health & safety requirements.
• Experience with unionized workplaces is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leadership to deliver HR strategies aligned with business goals.
• Manage full-cycle recruitment and onboarding for new employees.
• Provide guidance on employee relations matters and grievance resolution.

Skills

Leadership skills

Coaching

Employee relations

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources

CHRP/CHRL designation (in progress)

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Lead. Grow. Make an impact.
Join a purpose-driven, Canadian-owned company—The exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Castrol branded lubricants in Canada, one of the world’s most recognized brands.
Step into a high-impact leadership role where innovation, integrity, and people come first.
We’re growing fast—and so will you. Join an empowered high-performance team where our greatest asset is our people and ability to move fast.
Competitive comp. Executive benefits. Real influence.
Let’s build something great—together

ABOUT WAKEFIELD CANADA
Wakefield Canada is the exclusive marketer and distributor of Castrol premium lubricants, the #1 selling motor oil brand in Canada. We are proud to be a trusted partner to automotive service providers, retailers, and industrial customers nationwide. Our commitment to growth, innovation, and customer success makes Wakefield a dynamic and rewarding place to build a career.

Position Summary
Wakefield Canada is seeking a dynamic and strategic HR Business Partner. This role acts as a trusted advisor across plant, warehouse, and corporate teams, aligning people strategies with business objectives to drive performance, engagement, and compliance. This role partners closely with leadership and employees in both operations and office functions, providing hands-on support in employee relations, talent management, workforce planning, payroll, and organizational development. The HRBP ensures consistency of HR practices while adapting to the unique needs of each environment.

ON-SITE 5 days a week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Partnership
• Partner with leadership at the plant, warehouse, and corporate levels to deliver HR strategies that support operational and business goals.
• Act as a consultant and coach to managers on performance management, employee relations, and organizational effectiveness.
• Analyze HR metrics (turnover, absenteeism, engagement, etc.) across business areas to identify trends and recommend solutions.

Talent Management, Onboarding & Training

• Manage full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and orientation to ensure a positive start for both hourly and salaried employees.
• Coordinate and deliver training programs to support compliance, leadership development, and technical skill-building.
• Support succession planning and career development initiatives across all areas of the business.

Payroll & Financial Support

• Serve as a payroll backup, ensuring accurate and timely processing in compliance with legislation and company policy.
• Support financial forecasting, workforce planning, and cost/benefit administration related to headcount, overtime, and HR initiatives.
• Partner with Finance to analyze HR-related costs and provide insights for decision-making.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, ensuring consistent and fair practices.
• Partner with union representatives and management (if applicable) on grievance resolution and collective bargaining.
• Promote open communication, trust, and collaboration between employees and leadership.

Compliance & Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, workplace policies, and health and safety regulations in plant, warehouse, and corporate environments.
• Partner with Health & Safety to monitor workplace conditions, address concerns, and support WSIB/OHSA requirements.
• Maintain accurate HR documentation and support audits as required.

HR Operations

• Support HRIS processes, reporting, and data integrity.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes, policies, and programs.
• Participate in special HR projects and initiatives that impact the broader business.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. CHRP/CHRL designation (or in progress) strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience supporting operations and corporate teams.
• Strong leadership skills. Previous people management experience preferred
• Experience with payroll processes, workforce cost analysis, and financial reporting.
• Experience managing projects independently and efficiently collaborating with various teams
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and workplace health & safety requirements.
• Experience with unionized workplaces is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced settings.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, payroll software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Highly organized individual who is adept at managing multiple priorities.
• Detail oriented with strong planning skills.
• Highly resourceful with strong initiative.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to build strong relationships.
• Sound judgement and ability to act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Wakefield Canada will be relocating our office to Mississauga by the end of 2025. Successful candidates should be open to the upcoming relocation and the opportunities it will bring.

Why Join Wakefield Canada?

As the exclusive distributor of Castrol in Canada, Wakefield offers a unique opportunity to lead marketing for a globally iconic brand while working in an agile, entrepreneurial Canadian company. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s #1 motor oil brand and contributing to Wakefield’s continued growth and success.

Join a purpose-driven, Canadian-owned company where you’ll lead with a team that moves fast, and makes a real impact—backed by a global brand and competitive executive rewards