Human Resources Partner

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

Job summary

The University of Waterloo seeks an HR Partner within Human Resources - Partner Services to provide strategic HR guidance on employee and labour relations, workforce planning, salary administration, and policy interpretation. You will work with senior leaders to deliver solutions that align with university objectives and legislative requirements.

You will support non‑union and unionized staff, counsel managers on performance and discipline, assist with workforce planning and change initiatives,

Responsibilities

• Provide customer focused HR advice and guidance to leaders
• Counsel managers and staff on employee/labour relations matters
• Support departments with workforce planning and organizational change
• Advise on recruitment, salary administration, job evaluation, onboarding, and training
• Maintain positive employee relations and drive continuous improvement
• Support workplace investigations and compliance with legislation
• Represent the University on HR matters with external bodies

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: 2026-02819

Time Type: Full time

Employee Group: Staff

Job Category: Human Resources Advisory

Employment Type: Permanent

Department: Human Resources - Partner Services

Hiring Range: $80,248.28 - $100,310.35

Posting 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 Purpose

Human 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 Accountabilities

Provide customer focused HR advice and guidance:

Partners with senior leaders to provide strategic employment solutions in alignment with departmental and university objectives

Provides 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 Act

Provides 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 staff

Counsel 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 situations

Supports departments/faculty leadership through workforce planning initiatives and provides direction on the delivery and implementation of structural changes and future of work processes

Maintains 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 strategies

Understands the environment, the organization, the client, and their challenges

Implements University wide strategic initiatives and makes recommendations for ongoing improvement

Provides client support in the areas of recruitment, salary administration, job evaluation, manager and employee onboarding, and training and development

Development 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 improvement

Supports workplace investigations to drive leadership decisions relating to workplace conflict, harassment and workplace violence assessments

Assists the University in responding to external bodies i.e., Human Rights, Employment Standards

Supports the development and implementation of employee engagement initiatives to leverage Client Service resources

Assists client groups to develop and implement plans that support the mission, values, philosophy, and culture of the University of Waterloo

Develops and maintains partnerships that assist with the promotion and development of HR services

Represents the University of Waterloo on Human Resources matters:

Liaises externally with legal, professional, community and government organizations, and agencies

Anticipates, develops strategies and exercises due diligence to ensure University avoids unnecessary legal challenges regarding employment issues

Works 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 outcomes

Supports the grievance, arbitration and collective bargaining process

Develops effective working relationships with client groups, senior management, UWSA, FAUW and union representatives

Participation in policy and guideline development leading to process improvements and consistent processes and practices

Participation in special projects as required

Development and Delivery of HR Workshops/Programs

• o HR 101
• o Pre/o