Human Resources Partner

Friendsofkerhonkson; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo is seeking an experienced HR Partner to provide strategic HR advice on employee and labour relations. You will partner with senior leaders to align workforce strategies with university priorities and policies.

You will coach managers, guide investigations, support workforce planning, recruitment, salary administration, and staff training. Develop and deliver HR workshops to strengthen service delivery and compliance with applicable laws.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with partners and staff.
• Ability to coach, advise, and influence in a diverse environment.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and data interpretation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic HR advice to senior leaders and clients.
• Counsel managers and staff on employee/labour relations, performance, and disciplinary matters.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, salary administration, and onboarding.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Coaching

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Discretion & confidentiality

Diplomacy

Education

University degree or equivalent

CHRL designation

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.Learn more about our recruitment process.Job Requisition ID:2026-02819Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:Human Resources AdvisoryEmployment Type:PermanentDepartment:Human Resources - Partner ServicesHiring Range:$80,248.28 - $100,310.35Posting Information:This posting is for an existing vacancy.The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, September October 1, 2026 at 11:59PM.Job Description:Primary PurposeHuman Resources Partners provide a full range of strategic HR related advice and guidance on employee and labour relations matters. The HR Partner develops and implements service-oriented employment strategies by providing solutions, recommendations and best practices in order to minimize risk and ensure compliance, in accordance with organizational policies, procedures and legislative requirements.Key AccountabilitiesProvide customer focused HR advice and guidance:Partners with senior leaders to provide strategic employment solutions in alignment with departmental and university objectivesProvides HR advice, guidance and education to minimize risk and ensure compliance with current and evolving legislation related to, but not limited to, the Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Pay Equity Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities ActProvides advice and guidance within the framework of University policies and procedures, practices and guidelines for non-union staff and with the collective agreements between the University and the Unions for unionized staffCounsel managers and staff in employee/labour relations matters including performance management, conflict resolution and workplace counselling, progressive discipline, terminations, attendance management, accommodations, and return to work situationsSupports departments/faculty leadership through workforce planning initiatives and provides direction on the delivery and implementation of structural changes and future of work processesMaintains knowledge of assigned areas, analyzes client data and provides data driven advice and information to Managers to assist with their departmental plans and ensure the delivery of their objectives and strategiesUnderstands the environment, the organization, the client, and their challengesImplements University wide strategic initiatives and makes recommendations for ongoing improvementProvides client support in the areas of recruitment, salary administration, job evaluation, manager and employee onboarding, and training and developmentDevelopment and maintenance of positive and constructive employee relations climate:Proactively manages all client relationships including developing the trust of leaders, managers and staff within client group• Committed to identifying and delivering on client focused solutions and continuous quality improvementSupports workplace investigations to drive leadership decisions relating to workplace conflict, harassment and workplace violence assessmentsAssists the University in responding to external bodies i.e., Human Rights, Employment StandardsSupports the development and implementation of employee engagement initiatives to leverage Client Service resourcesAssists client groups to develop and implement plans that support the mission, values, philosophy, and culture of the University of WaterlooDevelops and maintains partnerships that assist with the promotion and development of HR servicesRepresents the University of Waterloo on Human Resources matters:Liaises externally with legal, professional, community and government organizations, and agenciesAnticipates, develops strategies and exercises due diligence to ensure University avoids unnecessary legal challenges regarding employment issuesWorks with stakeholders and legal counsel to develop recommended strategy for Human Rights defense and works with legal counsel, ministry officers and others to produce successful outcomesSupports the grievance, arbitration and collective bargaining processDevelops effective working relationships with client groups, senior management, UWSA, FAUW and union representativesParticipation in policy and guideline development leading to process improvements and consistent processes and practicesParticipation in special projects as requiredDevelopment and Delivery of HR Workshops/ProgramsDevelops, customizes and delivers HR specific workshops and information sessions for managers and staff, including but not limited to:o HR 101o Pre/onboarding program for all employee groups (Union, Staff and Faculty)o Manager Training and DevelopmentProvides training on various HR resourcesRequired QualificationsEducationUniversity undergraduate degree or equivalent experience, combined with Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) designationExperience5+ years of progressive HR experienceExperience working in an advising role with exposure to employee relations concerns and human rights issuesExperience with the interpretation and application of current employment legislation including the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Occupational Health and Safety ActDemonstrated skills in partnering with clients to support ongoing strategic initiativesSuccess in managing difficult issues and situations and facilitating sensitive discussions and meetingsDemonstrated experience building consensus and influencing others in a diverse and multi-disciplinary environment with diplomacyExperience in Labour Relations including grievance and arbitration processes are assetsExperience with University policies and procedures is an assetKnowledge/Skills/AbilitiesOutstanding interpersonal skills, relationship building and employee/manager coaching skillsSuperior communication (oral and written), presentation and organization skills with proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretionProven ability to provide solution-focused problem solving and decision-making skillsStrong business acumenAbility to interpret analytics and communicate dataEquity StatementThe University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.