HR Operations Consultant JO 79170

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The HR Operations Consultant at McMaster University works independently and with Centres of Expertise and embedded HR teams to deliver a full range of HR services across the University, guided by institutional policies, procedures, and collective agreements affecting 16 employee groups.

You will provide consultative support on HR policies, recruitment, compensation, life cycle changes, onboarding, and performance management; partner with hiring managers, CoEs, and HR Partners to streamline

Qualifications

• University degree in HR or related field; CHRP designation preferred.
• 4–5 years HRBP/generalist experience in a large unionized environment; academic setting is a plus.
• Broad knowledge of HR policies, practices, processes, and employment legislation.
• Strong client relationships and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with HRIS/Payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultative support on HR policies, programs, and processes for assigned client groups, including recruitment, compensation, employee life cycle changes, benefits and retirement plans, training and development, onboarding, and performance management.
• Partner with hiring managers, CoEs, and HR Embedded Partners to support recruitment, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and collective agreements.
• Support and advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) processes and practices.
• Advise employees and managers on leaves of absence and administer related benefit, salary, and pension/RRSP options in accordance with agreements, pension plan texts, and the Employment Standards Act.
• Provide operational consultation to CoEs during collective agreement negotiations, policy updates, and program launches to streamline core HR processes and promote best practices.
• Serve as a change champion, acting as a subject matter expert or project lead for new HR initiatives and system enhancements while supporting client groups through change.
• Collaborate with departmental administrators, managers, and embedded HR teams to identify core HR process gaps; provide ongoing feedback to HR Leaders and CoEs to inform continuous improvement and resource development.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver general and customized HR operations training to faculty and staff in collaboration with HR Embedded Partners, the HR Project Team, and CoEs.
• Contribute to the central HR knowledge base to ensure consistent advice and solutions across the university.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Client relationship management

Change management

Education

University degree in HR or related field

CHRP designation preferred

Tools

HRIS/Payroll systems

Job description

The HR Operations Consultant works independently and collaboratively with Centres of Expertise (CoEs) and embedded HR teams to deliver a full range of HR services across the University. Reporting to the Program Manager, HR Client Services, this role combines broad HR knowledge with a deep understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and collective agreements impacting 16 employee groups (unionized and non-unionized) throughout the employee lifecycle. The Consultant ensures efficient HR program delivery and a seamless client experience for employees, managers, and administrators.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide consultative support on HR policies, programs, and processes for assigned client groups, including recruitment, compensation, employee life cycle changes, benefits and retirement plans, training and development, organizational change, onboarding, and performance management.
• Partner with hiring managers, CoEs, and HR Embedded Partners to support recruitment, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and collective agreements.
• Support and advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) processes and practices.
• Advise employees and managers on leaves of absence and administer related benefit, salary, and pension/RRSP options in accordance with agreements, pension plan texts, and the Employment Standards Act.
• Provide operational consultation to CoEs during collective agreement negotiations, policy updates, and program launches to streamline core HR processes and promote best practices.
• Serve as a change champion, acting as a subject matter expert or project lead for new HR initiatives and system enhancements while supporting client groups through change.
• Collaborate with departmental administrators, managers, and embedded HR teams to identify core HR process gaps; provide ongoing feedback to HR Leaders and CoEs to inform continuous improvement and resource development.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver general and customized HR operations training to faculty and staff in collaboration with HR Embedded Partners, the HR Project Team, and CoEs.
• Contribute to the central HR knowledge base to ensure consistent advice and solutions across the university.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent experience.
• CHRP designation strongly preferred.
• 4–5 years of HRBP/HR generalist experience, ideally in a large, unionized environment; experience in an academic setting is an asset.
• Broad functional knowledge of HR policies, practices, processes, and employment legislation.
• Ability to build strong client relationships and manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to analyze complex employee and policy issues and exercise sound judgment in providing advice and guidance.
• Early adopter of process enhancements and demonstrated agility in service delivery of programs
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with HRIS/Payroll systems.