Human Resources Business Partner

UOW; Windsor; On-site; CAD 87,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Windsor is seeking an HR Business Partner for an approximately 16-month temporary vacancy in the Human Resources department. The role provides proactive HR services to assigned departments, partnering with Labour Relations and other campus teams to deliver timely and compliant HR support.

The successful candidate will have a postsecondary HR credential and at least three years' unionized experience, strong communication, EDID focus, and advanced MS Office & HRIS skills.

Qualifications

• Postsecondary diploma or degree in HR or related field.
• Experience in a unionized environment with collective agreements.
• Strong knowledge of HR policies, legislation, and EDID principles.
• Ability to analyze issues, provide sound recommendations, and communicate clearly.
• Advanced MS Office and HRIS skills; confidentiality is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive HR services to assigned departments and partner with campus HR units.
• Discuss and advise on collective agreements, employment law, and policies.
• Support leadership with job descriptions, organizational structure, and job evaluation.
• Assist Labour Relations managers on agreements and bargaining unit matters.
• Participate in meetings, grievance processes, and EDID initiatives.
• Contribute to workforce planning, employee engagement, and well-being projects.

Skills

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Client focus

Education

Postsecondary HR degree or diploma

Honours undergraduate degree

HR designation (CHRP/CHRL) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS

Job description

UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY VACANCY

(APPROXIMATELY 16 MONTHS)

MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL

POSITION TITLE: HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES

SALARY RANGE: $86,702.00-$98,525.00

The University of Windsor is situated on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations: the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations people in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex peninsula and the straits – les détroits – of Detroit.

WHO WE ARE:

The University of Windsor (the University or UWindsor) is a globally relevant, regionally focused University that welcomes over 16,000 students in a range of comprehensive and research-intensive graduate and undergraduate programs. The University consists of eight academic faculties, which include Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Science; Human Kinetics; Education; Law; Engineering; Nursing; and Business. The UWindsor campus is home to a medical program offered by Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. The University employs a passionate and dedicated faculty and staff, numbering approximately 2,500, of whom approximately 600 are tenured or tenure-track faculty.

The University’s unique position on an international border between Canada and the United States has contributed to its identity as a diverse university community providing rich cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for faculty and students. The University is a key player in a wide range of distinctive industrial, entrepreneurial, and cultural activities throughout the City of Windsor and Essex County, and in an evolving network of international academic and industrial partnerships, particularly with leading American universities in Michigan.

Why Join the University of Windsor?

We are committed to creating an exceptional employee experience grounded in well-being, professional growth, and work–life balance. As a valued member of our community, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Health & Dental Benefits: Extensive coverage to support preventative care and ongoing health needs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, family matters, financial planning, and overall well-being.
• Toldo Lancer Centre Membership: Complimentary access to state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facilities on campus.
• Employee Discounts: Exclusive savings across a variety of vendor and community programs.

Join an institution that values people, purpose, and lifelong learning — and build a career where you can thrive.

HUMAN RESOURCES AT THE UNIVERSITY:

The Human Resources department at the University of Windsor strives to attract, develop and inspire a talented and diverse workforce through strategic leadership, progressive practices, services and solutions.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The HR Business Partner provides proactive and client centric human resource (HR) services which enables assigned departments to anticipate, plan and manage their HR initiatives. This position plays a key role in facilitating the cohesiveness of the broader Human Resources department by engaging in frequent teamwork and cooperation with the various areas of accountability and expertise within Human Resources, Academic Labour Relations within the Office of the Provost, and other campus partners as required (e.g. Office of the VP-PEI, Finance/Payroll, IT Services, Legal Services, etc.) to deliver consistent, accurate and timely service delivery to their assigned departments.

The HR Business Partner champions change and provides proactive and client centric HR services and advice for all aspects of all University people and culture initiatives and provides a wide range of strategic and operational support for a range of projects and initiatives including those related to employee engagement, wellness, culture, and EDID (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization).

• Develop and foster strong relationships with assigned departments through various ongoing, proactive, and responsive communication channels, including regular participation in departmental meetings.
• Proactively discuss various HR matters, including collective agreement administration, employment legislation, total compensation, University of Windsor policies, performance management, and attendance matters.
• Provide innovative solutions and advice to departmental managers for effective leadership in complex HR issues, such as mitigating risk, fostering employee engagement and optimizing productivity.
• Work with assigned departments to prepare, maintain and review job descriptions for positions across campus. Advise supervisors/managers on the job evaluation process, organizational structure, job description content, style, etc.
• Provide ongoing support to the Labour Relations Managers on matters related to collective agreements and bargaining unit employees.
• Actively participate in labour management/grievance meetings and mediations, recommend resolutions, and follow up on action items as required.
• Actively participate in initiatives, committees, working groups as requested or directed.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a postsecondary diploma or degree in Human Resources (HR) or related field and at least three years’ recent and relevant work experience in a HR department within a unionized environment.
• Experience with the interpretation and application of collective agreements and HR related policies and principles with a demonstrated ability to analyze and investigate complex HR and labour relations issues to provide sound, reasoned, and reliable recommendations and advice.
• Knowledge and familiarity related to all aspects of the HR function including; employee/labour relations, recruitment and selection, employee retention, compensation and benefits administration, occupational health and safety, workforce and succession planning, performance management, training and development.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships and champion the University’s values related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID).
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to EDID.
• Demonstrated willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) with demonstrated experience in statistical analysis and report writing.
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability to reference and apply statutes related to employment, labour, occupational health & safety, and/or human rights in Ontario.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and deliver presentations and training to groups of varying sizes.
• Excellent problem solving, customer service, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge and expertise in process improvement frameworks.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy at all times.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to build, foster and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with a diverse group of individuals at various levels of an organization (e.g. senior leaders, administrators, staff, union representatives, etc.).
• Ability to work in a team environment using a collaborative approach as well as independently under minimal supervision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Honours undergraduate degree.
• HR designation or near completion (e.g., CHRP, CHRL).
• Experience related to job design and joint job evaluation.
• HR related work experience in the public sector.

Since 1963, the University of Windsor has been a forward-looking community that comes together to study, to learn, to teach, and to serve. Our symbol is the bridge; our vista is cross-border; our commitment is local; and our impact is global. We are a dynamic, inclusive community of higher learning with roots going back more than 160 years and with a future full of promise.

We are committed to equity and supports diversity in its teaching, learning, and work environments. In pursuit of the University's Employment Equity Plan, members from the designated groups (Women, Aboriginal Peoples, Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, and Sexual Minorities) are encouraged to apply and to self-identify.

If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Recruitment & Workforce Coordinator ([e-mail]). Should you require further information on accommodation, please visit the website of Office of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Mediation (OHRCRM).

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in the University of Windsor, however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Applications submitted through employment agencies will not be considered.