Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Saskatchewan is hiring a Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor (SBA) to partner with colleges and units, supporting strategic people initiatives under the University Plan 2025. You will collaborate with leadership and HR specialists to deliver talent, engagement and change management programs.

The role requires a university HR degree and several years in HR, with preference for CPBHR designation and union experience.

Qualifications

• A relevant university degree, preferably in a human resources or related field, along with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in human resources.
• A Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• We support the implementation and delivery of integrated human resource strategies that assist colleges and units in achieving their goals, priorities, and operational objectives.
• We support leaders by providing strategic guidance, and creative solutions in talent acquisition, career engagement, problem solving, labour relations, organizational development and change management.
• We work with leaders to identify areas of focus to provide specific HR support and development.
• We establish relationships with campus constituents to ensure success in meeting strategic goals.

Skills

HR disciplines

Influence outcomes

Facilitation

Communication

EDI awareness

Collaboration

MS Office

SharePoint

OneNote

Education

Bachelor in HR

CPHR designation (asset)

Union experience (preferred)

Tools

SharePoint

OneNote

Job description

Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor

PRIMARY PURPOSE

As Human Resources Strategic Business Advisors (HR SBA), we partnerwith colleges and units across campus to support strategic people initiatives focusedon in the University Plan 2025 in being the universitythe world needs (nīkānītān manācihitowinihk; ni manachīhitoonaan).

NATURE OF WORK

Our Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor (SBA) group is partof the Human Resources portfolio. Within our team structure, HR SBAs and HRCoordinators report directly to one of our five Senior HR SBAs, while the teamcollectively reports to the Manager, HR Advisory services. HR SBAs work closelywith leadership, faculty and staff in our assigned colleges or units.

Our success depends on our ability to demonstrate a combination ofstrong university acumen, HR functional knowledge and a strategic mindset toparticipate in the development and implementation of people strategies for thecolleges and units.

SBAs are assigned to support specific colleges and units. Withinthethese assigned areas, we partner with college and unit leaders by understandingtheir values, culture, challenges and operational needs. We workcollaboratively with our specialist groups in the Human Resources portfolio,which includes employee & labour relations, total rewards and talentmanagement, to help achieve people strategies and outcomes both institutionallyand across the different colleges and units.

Relationships are at the heart of what we do and its critical thatour SBAs are comfortable and effective in working across multiple, diverse and,at times, challenging stakeholder groups. From academics to administration, research to operations, we work withall groups in identifying, planning and implementing people practices toadvance the mission of the university.

As SBAs, we regularly address complexities in the delivery ofservices and are required to manage emerging and unpredictable events in a sensitiveand timely manner. We regularly work with leaders when implementing difficult andchallenging decisions, often during periods of change. As a result, we must havewell developed organizational and project management skills and may be requiredto work outside of the university’s regular operating hours, which we balancewith professional flexibility. The HR SBA role comes with opportunities tocollaborate with leadership, faculty, staff and colleagues across a variety ofplatforms, work in support of operational and academic initiatives and further ourcareers through professional development and continuing education.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

College/Unit Support

We support the implementation and delivery of integrated human resource strategies that assist colleges and units in achieving their goals, priorities, and operational objectives;

We support leaders by providing strategic guidance, and creative solutions which assist in the development of initiatives in areas such as talent acquisition, career engagement, problem solving, labour relations, organizational development and change management, to assist the college and unit in meeting its strategic goals;

We work with leaders to identify areas of specific focus in which to provide specific HR support and development.

Functional Expertise & Collaboration

We establish and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of constituents across campus, including college staff, central office colleagues, and service centre partners to ensure success in meeting the college’s and university’s strategic and operational goals;

We contribute to the development of the Human Resources portfolio through leading and/or participating in projects to advance the tools and supports delivered by HR to colleges and units across campus;

We partner with our colleagues in functional specialist groups to develop a depth of university specific skill and knowledge in areas such as labour relations, talent management, career engagement, wellness, organizational design and diversity and inclusion;

We ensure that exposure to risk and liability is mitigated by ensuring compliance with and providing strategic guidance related to collective agreements, labour legislation, employment law, and university and college/unit policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

A relevant university degree, preferably in a human resources or related field, along with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in human resources;

A Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is considered an asset;

Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.

SKILLS

A strong understanding and knowledge of several human resource disciplines through progressively responsible positions including labour relations, performance management, diversity and talent acquisition;

The ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance to operational decisions unique to a college or unit;

Strong facilitation, conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills are required to provide strategic supports and guidance across portfolios and functional areas of HR;

Knowledge and understanding of issues (including cultural, socio-economic and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples, in support of Indigenous engagement as a strategic priority at the university;

Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and the ability to identify where greater EDI and anti-racism efforts are required, connecting with institutional EDI strategies and supports;

The ability to work collaboratively, build relationships with internal and external partners, and manage multiple demands to meet deadlines;

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.Experience and skills in working within SharePoint and OneNote is considered an asset.

Additional Job Information

Department: SBA Human Resources

Status: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: Exempt

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $72,511.00 - 119,943.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 3

Posted Date: 10/26/2026

Closing Date: 11/9/2026 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

About Us

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, contact us for assistance.