Human Resources Business Partner

City of Kitchener; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 94,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner to provide expert HR advice and support to various departments. This role involves guiding recruitment processes, fostering positive employee relations, and ensuring compliance with HR legislation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in labour relations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage performance and conflict resolution. Join a compassionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to the community and make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in labour relations and employee management.
• Knowledge of Human Resources legislation and policies.

Responsibilities

• Guide management on HR programs like recruitment and employee relations.
• Assist with compliance and handle labour relations issues.

Skills

Labour Relations

Employee Management

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

3-year degree or diploma in a related field

CHRP/CHRL designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Applicant Tracking Systems

Human Resources Management Systems

Job description

Human Resources Business Partner

Job Status: Permanent Full-Time

Pay & Grade: $94,917 to $118,646 Annually, Grade: 10

Hours of Work: 35 Hours per week

Initial location: Kitchener City Hall/Kitchener Operations Facility

Posting period: May 8, 2025 to May 9, 2025 (at 6:00pm)

Overview

Through our compassion and supportive team, we collaborate to provide professional, comprehensive expert advice and reliable service to Team Kitchener, our partners, and the community.

Reporting to the Manager Employee Relations and Recruitment, a Human Resources Business Partner is the go-to person for your assigned departments, offering advice and guidance to develop effective Human Resources solutions tailored to their needs.

Your role will include planning and supporting recruitment and selection processes, nurturing positive relationships between employees, management, and labour unions, and advising on labour relations matters, policy compliance, and collective agreement administration. You'll also provide guidance on performance management issues and support workforce planning initiatives. In collaboration with Human Resource division experts, you'll offer advice on job requirements, work organization, compensation, benefits, and learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Guiding and advising management and staff on Human Resources programs like recruitment, collective agreements, benefits, salary administration, occupational health and safety, employee relations, discipline, termination, and training.
• Assisting line managers and staff to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and corporate policies.
• Handling labour/employee relations issues and making informed, legally defensible decisions.
• Participating in negotiations, grievances/arbitration, discipline, conflict resolutions, and addressing Human Rights, Employment Standards, and Health and Safety issues.
• Recruiting qualified candidates for vacant positions and assisting with hiring managers with interviews, testing criteria, and reference checks.
• Investigating complaints of workplace harassment, bullying, violence, or human rights, either independently or with external specialists.
• Advising on settlement strategies and participating in or conducting termination meetings.
• Researching and evaluating information to recommend strategies for addressing work-related issues or achieving business goals.
• Delivering Human Resources programs and executing related strategies.
• Coordinating corporate Human Resources services, conducting needs assessments, and providing communication and training to management and staff.
• Participating in project teams and committees, both within Human Resources and for client initiatives.
• Assisting in the development and maintenance of Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• CHRP/CHRL designation or currently pursuing it.
• Minimum 3-year degree or diploma in a related field with a minimum of 4 years of related experience.
• Proven experience in labour relations and employee management, including collective bargaining, advising on grievance resolution, participating in mediations/arbitrations, and managing performance and conflict resolution.
• Applied knowledge of recruitment, compensation, benefits administration, labour relations, employee relations, safety, training, and development.
• Familiarity with Human Resources legislation including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Pay Equity Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Pension Benefits Act, Municipal Act, Revenue Canada Act, Building Code, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Highway Traffic Act, Human Resources Policy and Procedures Manual, and Collective Agreements.
• Ability to support and reflect the organization's values.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiating, consulting, interviewing, counselling, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), applicant tracking systems, and Human Resources management systems.
• A self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and stay calm under pressure.
• Proficient in interpreting, explaining, and developing policies and procedures.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships within the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of personnel records.
• Valid MTO G class driver's license in good standing.
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel to various work locations across the city.

Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

Department/Division:

Corporate Services, Human Resources

Group:

Non-Union/Management

Competition Number:

2025-179

Job Code:

0895

Number of positions:

1

Why work at the City of Kitchener