HR Manager Job Description
Primary Responsibility:
The HR Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Human Resources, people operations, and organizational culture. This includes managing a team of approximately 50, providing strategic HR support, guiding people development efforts, and working closely with leadership to maintain and enhance Central Vet's values-driven workplace. The role ensures that HR practices are aligned with our core values and strategic objectives, promoting a positive and productive work environment for both employees and clients.
Specific Responsibilities:
Team Management:
- Leads HR initiatives and provides direct support to all team members to ensure a positive, effective, and collaborative work environment
- Works closely with leadership to manage employee relations, performance management, and team culture
- Supports employee engagement, retention, and development strategies to drive a positive organizational culture
- Acts as a trusted advisor to team leads and managers, offering guidance on people management and conflict resolution
- Ensures HR policies are being followed consistently and provides coaching and feedback to managers
- Collaborates with leadership to ensure that the organization remains aligned with its values and people-first mission
- Assists with staffing and talent acquisition to ensure the team remains strong and aligned with organizational goals
People Operations:
- Oversees the HR administrative functions including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and performance reviews
- Ensures compliance with all relevant laws, policies, and internal guidelines related to labor and employment
- Manages payroll coordination, vacation tracking, and benefits administration
- Maintains employee records, ensuring that HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) are up to date and secure
- Oversees workplace safety and health regulations in collaboration with the coordinator.
- Leads benefits administration, including health insurance, RRSP contributions, and employee perks
Training & Development:
- Develops and delivers HR-related training programs to foster leadership, communication, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Creates internal mentorship programs and facilitates skill development across teams
- Works with managers to develop employee growth and development plans
- Supports ongoing training and development needs, including leadership and team-building programs
Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution:
- Facilitates conflict resolution processes and addresses employee concerns in a fair and timely manner
- Builds and maintains trust through transparent communication and support for both individual and team challenges
- Provides guidance to managers on employee development plans, performance improvement, and conflict de-escalation
- Ensures that HR policies and procedures are consistent and transparent to ensure fair treatment for all employees
People Strategy & Leadership:
- Works with the leadership team to shape the organization's long-term HR strategy, culture, and growth objectives
- Develops and implements people-focused initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction and improve retention
- Leads culture-building efforts that align with the organization’s core values, fostering a people-first mindset
- Provides strategic leadership on key HR projects such as wellness programs, leadership development, and internal communications
- Monitors and evaluates the success of people-related initiatives and provides regular updates to leadership
- Oversees the planning, management, and optimization of the HR budget, ensuring alignment with organizational values and financial goals.
- Regularly reports HR KPI and Metrics results to senior leadership and strategizes continuous improvement in HR practices.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary Range: CAD $65,000 – $90,000 (based on experience and part-/full-time status; flexible for the right candidate)
Paid Vacation: Accruing at 6% to start (3 weeks/year if full time)
Paid Personal Leave: Accruing at 2% (1 week/year if full-time)
Volunteer Leave: Paid time to support community involvement
Health Insurance + RRSP Contributions
Employee Pet Discounts + Annual Credit
Clothing Allowance + Uniforms Provided
Opportunities for Internal and External Role Growth
Requirements:
- Proven experience in a senior HR role, with a focus on people strategy, culture-building, and employee relations
- Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices
- Excellent communication skills—clear, empathetic, and actionable
- A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on management
- Experience in coaching and mentoring teams to support employee development
- Previous experience in a veterinary, healthcare, or care-based environment is a bonus
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with discretion
- Proficiency in HRIS systems, payroll coordination, and benefits management
- A passion for building an inclusive, supportive, and growth-focused culture
Personal Success Characteristics:
- Leadership & Initiative
- Emotional Intelligence & Empathy
- Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution
- Flexibility & Adaptability
- Strong Communication Skills
- Accountability & Responsibility
- Relationship-Building & Trustworthiness
- Passion for Employee Development
- Strategic Vision with Hands-on Execution
Apply Now:
It’s just as important for you to get to know us as it is for us to get to know you. Visit centralvet.ca to learn more about our team and our values.
Interested? Have questions?
generalmanager@centralvet.ca
Please include a CV and a cover letter—or just reach out for a conversation. We’re happy to provide references from current staff, and all applications are kept confidential.
At Central Vet, we believe that when our people thrive, our animals—and our community—do too. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in a warm, growth-minded environment, we’d love to hear from you.