HR Manager / HR Generalist
Location: Ottawa, ON – West End
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site
Salary: $75,000–$110,000, depending on experience
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Language: English Essential
Employees: Approximately 100
About the Opportunity
Our client, a well-established construction company with approximately 100 employees, is seeking an experienced HR Manager / HR Generalist to take ownership of the company's day-to-day Human Resources function.
This is a hands-on role supporting employees and management across the organization. The successful candidate will oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll and benefits coordination, compliance, performance management, policies and HR administration.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR Generalist or HR Manager who enjoys being the primary HR resource within a growing construction environment and wants the opportunity to build and manage a comprehensive HR function.
The position is located in Ottawa's West End, making it particularly convenient for candidates living in Kanata, Stittsville, Nepean or surrounding West End communities.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Employee Support
- Act as the primary point of contact for employees and managers on day-to-day HR matters.
- Manage the full employee lifecycle from hiring through onboarding, development, performance management and offboarding.
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel files and HR records.
- Respond to employee questions regarding policies, benefits, vacation, leaves, payroll and other HR-related matters.
- Provide guidance to management on HR practices, policies and employee-related issues.
- Identify HR issues proactively and recommend practical solutions.
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Manage end-to-end recruitment for a variety of construction, office, administrative, skilled trade and professional positions.
- Work with managers to develop job descriptions, determine hiring requirements and coordinate recruitment strategies.
- Screen candidates, conduct interviews and coordinate the interview and selection process.
- Prepare offers, employment agreements and new hire documentation.
- Coordinate and oversee onboarding, orientation, training and required documentation.
- Ensure new employees are properly set up in HR and payroll systems.
Employee Relations
- Support managers with employee relations matters, including attendance, performance, workplace concerns and conflict resolution.
- Conduct and document employee meetings and investigations when required.
- Assist management with performance improvement plans and disciplinary processes.
- Maintain appropriate documentation relating to employee relations matters.
- Help promote a positive, professional and respectful workplace culture.
Performance Management & Employee Development
- Develop and maintain performance review processes.
- Coordinate annual and ongoing employee performance reviews.
- Work with managers to identify performance issues, development needs and training opportunities.
- Assist with employee development and succession planning initiatives.
- Help establish consistent HR practices across departments.
Payroll, Benefits & Timekeeping
- Coordinate payroll processes and ensure accurate employee information and time records.
- Review and verify hours, vacation, overtime, leaves and other payroll-related information.
- Administer employee benefits and act as the primary contact for employee benefit questions.
- Coordinate benefit enrolments, changes and terminations.
- Work with payroll and benefit providers to resolve discrepancies or issues.
Policies, Compliance & Risk Management
- Maintain and update HR policies, procedures and employee documentation.
- Ensure HR practices comply with applicable Ontario employment legislation and regulations.
- Monitor legislative changes and recommend updates to policies and practices as required.
- Maintain employment agreements, forms and other HR documentation.
- Support workplace health and safety initiatives in coordination with management.
- Assist with WSIB-related administration and documentation where required.
- Ensure required employee certifications, training and documentation remain current.
HRIS & Reporting
- Manage and maintain the company's HRIS and employee database.
- Ensure employee information is accurate and up to date.
- Prepare HR reports and metrics including headcount, turnover, absenteeism, vacation and other workforce information.
- Track employee milestones, probationary periods, certifications and required training.
- Identify trends and provide management with useful HR information to support decision-making.
Security Clearances & Project Requirements
- Process, submit and track employee security clearances.
- Maintain records of employee clearances and ensure requirements remain current.
- Prepare and submit employee lists and documentation required for specific projects and client requirements.
HR Strategy & Process Improvement
- Take ownership of the company's overall HR processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
- Develop and implement HR processes that support the company's growth and operational needs.
- Review existing HR practices and recommend improvements.
- Help build a more structured and consistent HR function as the company continues to grow.
- Partner with leadership and managers on workforce planning and organizational needs.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive, hands-on HR experience, ideally in an HR Generalist or HR Manager capacity.
- Experience managing a broad range of HR functions rather than focusing solely on HR administration.
- Experience working in a construction, trades, engineering, manufacturing or other operational environment is an asset.
- Strong knowledge of Ontario employment legislation and HR best practices.
- Experience with employee relations, performance management and workplace investigations.
- Experience managing recruitment and onboarding from beginning to end.
- Working knowledge of payroll, benefits and HRIS systems.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
- Practical, hands-on approach with the confidence to address employee and management issues directly.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR software.
- CHRP/CHRL designation or working toward designation is considered an asset.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who is comfortable owning HR rather than simply supporting an HR department. You will be the go-to HR resource for employees and management and should be confident handling both routine HR administration and more complex employee-related matters.
This would be a strong opportunity for an experienced HR Generalist ready to step into an HR Manager role, or an established HR Manager looking for a hands-on position where they can make a meaningful impact.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits after 3 months
- Long-term disability insurance
- RRSP plan available after 3 months
- 2 weeks paid vacation to start
- 3 weeks paid vacation after 5 years of continuous employment
- Stable, full-time permanent opportunity
- Convenient Ottawa West End location