Human Resources Business Partner

Portage la Prairie Mutual Insurance Company; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 94,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Pension plan

Paid time off

Flexible work options

Job summary

Portage Mutual Insurance Company is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner to serve as a trusted resource for leaders and employees. You’ll blend generalist expertise with a business partner mindset, managing employee relations, performance, and HR programs across the business.

You’ll coach leaders, interpret policies, support staffing and engagement, and ensure compliance with multi‑jurisdictional requirements, while driving data‑driven HR initiatives and a focus on Put People First.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience coaching and influencing leaders at all levels.
• Working knowledge of HR and employment legislation across multiple provinces.
• Sound judgment and the ability to advise and challenge when needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR contact for leaders and employees with timely, practical advice.
• Guide leaders on staffing plans, employee engagement and performance matters.
• Advise on internal HR policies, leave and accommodation requirements.
• Manage labour relations activities with leadership accountability.
• Prepare and analyze HR data to identify trends and risks.
• Coordinate onboarding and support offboarding processes; lead year-end reviews.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Coaching leaders

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Policy compliance

Risk management

Decision making

Data storytelling

Education

Diploma or degree in HR or related field

CHRP/CHRL/CPHR designation asset

Job description

About Portage Mutual:

Imagine a workplace where your contributions are not only valued but also directly impact the lives of Canadians. At Portage Mutual Insurance, we’re more than just a trusted national property and casualty insurer—we’re a community of passionate individuals dedicated to serving our policyholders since 1884. Owned by our policyholders, we proudly offer competitive home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance products 100% through our broker network across Canada. Join a company rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and powered by a people-first culture.

Why Portage Mutual?

At Portage Mutual, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. Here, you’ll find:

Total Rewards: We care about your well-being and financial security. That’s why we offer a competitive salary, incentive plan, comprehensive health benefits, a pension plan and generous paid time off, including personal days.

Career Growth & Development: Propel your career forward with access to diverse learning resources, tuition reimbursement for relevant programs, and bonuses recognizing your achievements in pursuing insurance designations.

Flexibility: We support work-life integration by offering a flexible environment where you can choose to live wherever you prefer in Canada. Enjoy the freedom to select remote, in-office, and hybrid work arrangements that best suit your lifestyle.

Inclusivity and Belonging: Be a part of a supportive and diverse team that embraces your unique perspective and empowers you to succeed. We’re dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued and respected.

Making a Difference: Find purpose in your career by aligning with an organization that shares your values and is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.

The Opportunity:

Human Resources Business Partner The Human Resources (HR) Business Partner serves as a trusted, go-to resource for leaders and employees on day-to-day people matters, blending hands‑on generalist expertise with a business partner mindset. This role provides practical, sound advice; manages employee relations issues and performance management processes; and drives the execution of HR programs and initiatives across the business. By owning this work with care, consistency, and a strong operational foundation, this role builds leadership capability and mitigates people-related risk.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as the primary HR contact for leaders and employees, responding promptly and with a strong business mindset, providing timely, practical and trusted advice.
• Guide leaders through employee relations and performance matters, including coaching through difficult conversations, goal setting, documentation and follow‑up.
• Provide advice and counsel to people leaders on staffing plans and employee engagement.
• Help leaders interpret and adhere to internal HR policies and practices.
• Support labour relations activities, with leadership retaining overall decision‑making accountability.
• Research and be an internal resource on employment‑related legislation across multiple jurisdictions in Canada, recommending legal counsel when necessary.
• Manage leave of absence programs (medical, personal, statutory and other leave types), ensuring compliance and a supportive experience for employees and leaders.
• Manage accommodation requests with care and consistency, ensuring every employee feels supported and heard while meeting legislative requirements; reflecting our commitment to Put People First.
• Coordinate onboarding activities in partnership with the Talent Acquisition team, and support offboarding, including terminations, exit interviews and employee exits.
• Execute HR programs and initiatives, including wellbeing and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) efforts, and speak confidently and inclusively with leaders and employees on these topics.
• Support compensation, job evaluation and department‑level organizational design, including year‑end reviews and pay adjustments.
• Manage annual performance review and goal setting cycles, ensuring participation, completion and appropriate documentation is achieved; train people leaders and staff on related processes.
• Prepare and analyze HR data and reporting to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Take on additional responsibilities as priorities evolve; this role is expected to grow alongside the team and the business.

What You’ll Bring:

• Demonstrated ability to build and improve HR processes in an evolving environment, bringing thoughtful options and paths forward to discuss and decide on together.
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education, including experience independently managing complex or sensitive employee relations matters.
• Experience coaching and influencing leaders at all levels, including those newer to people leadership.
• Working knowledge of HR and employment‑related legislation across multiple provinces, including leave and accommodation requirements.
• Sound judgment and the confidence to advise and, when needed, respectfully challenge leaders.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into practical, evidence‑based recommendations.
• Clear, warm and professional communication style, with the ability to build trust quickly.
• CHRP, CHRL or CPHR designation is an asset.
• A diploma or degree, or a combination of work experience and education, in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• Insurance or financial services industry experience is an asset.

Job Title: Human Resources Business Partner

Reports To: Director, Human Resources

Location: Remote (Canada)

Salary Range: $94,400 – $105,000 (commensurate with experience)

Portage Mutual uses artificial intelligence and automations in its recruitment practices for activities that may include searching for qualified candidates, screening applications, preparing interview questions, recording interviews, drafting transcripts and other administrative tasks. AI is never used for decision making purposes.

Ready to Make an Impact?

We value diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives because the communities we serve are diverse. Rooted in a long-standing commitment to trust, community, and mutual support, Portage Mutual Insurance is proud to foster an inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to collaborate, learn from one another, and grow together. We value shared success, open dialogue, and looking out for one another, creating an environment where employees feel welcomed, included, and proud of the impact they make together. Here, you’re not just joining an organization; you’re becoming part of a community.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in Canada. Any employment offer will be conditional upon the successful completion of applicable pre‑employment screening requirements.

Life at Portage Mutual is built on connection - to our work, the communities we serve, and each other. Our people work among collaborative teams where trust, respect, and support guide how we show up every day. We value shared success, open dialogue, and looking out for one another, creating an environment where employees feel welcomed, included, and proud of the impact they make together. Here, you’re not just joining an organization; you’re becoming part of a community.