Human Resources Partner

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo seeks an experienced Human Resources Partner to provide strategic HR guidance to senior leaders and manage employee relations in a complex environment.

You will influence workforce planning, ensure compliance with employment laws, and support recruitment, salary administration, and training initiatives across departments. A CHRL designation and 5+ years of experience are required. The role is permanent and full-time with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with CHRL designation
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience
• Experience advising on employee relations and human rights issues
• Knowledge of Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and OHSA
• Strong partnering, diplomacy and analytical skills

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to deliver strategic employment solutions
• Provide HR guidance to ensure compliance with legislation and policies
• Advise on performance management, investigations, and workplace relations
• Support workforce planning and implementation of changes and future of work initiatives
• Engage with stakeholders to drive employee engagement and service delivery improvements

Skills

Strategic HR

Employee relations

Coaching

Communication

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

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: 2026-02819 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

• 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

• HR 101
• Pre/onboarding program for all employee groups (Union, Staff and Faculty)
• Manager Training and Development

Required Qualifications

• Education University undergraduate degree or equivalent experience, combined with Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) designation
• Experience 5+ years of progressive HR experience
• Experience working in an advising role with exposure to employee relations concerns and human rights issues
• Experience with the interpretation and application of current employment legislation including the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Demonstrated skills in partnering with clients to support ongoing strategic initiatives
• Success in managing difficult issues and situations and facilitating sensitive discussions and meetings
• Demonstrated experience building consensus and influencing others in a diverse and multi-disciplinary environment with diplomacy
• Experience in Labour Relations including grievance and arbitration processes are assets
• Experience with University policies and procedures is an asset
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Outstanding interpersonal skills, relationship building and employee/manager coaching skills Superior communication (oral and written), presentation and organization skills with proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion Proven ability to provide solution-focused problem solving and decision-making skills Strong business acumen Ability to interpret analytics and communicate data

Equity Statement

The 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 [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.