Interim Vice President Human Resources – Integration project

LHH Knightsbridge; Toronto; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 230,000; Part time

Job summary

Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge Corp. seeks an experienced HR executive to lead a critical integration period as Interim Vice President, HR.

The role reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer and sits in Toronto for a 3-month engagement starting immediately, guiding people, processes, and culture through a high-visibility acquisition integration. The ideal candidate combines senior HR leadership with hands-on change management, process standardization, and a pragmatic, execution-focused

Qualifications

• Senior HR leadership experience, including mergers or integrations.
• Proven ability to manage change and communications at executive level.
• Strong organizational design, workforce planning, and talent management background.
• Experience coordinating HR systems, processes, and technology during integration.
• Ability to operate with ambiguity and deliver in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide interim leadership to the HR function during integration.
• Oversee people and process integration, including policies and culture.
• Partner with CHRO and executives to drive execution.
• Lead change management and stakeholder communications.

Job description

Interim Vice President Human Resources - Integration project

Reports to: Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Location: Toronto

Duration: 3 Months

Start Date: Immediate

Our client is seeking an experienced HR professional to provide immediate leadership and execution support during a critical period of organizational growth and change.

The organization is in the final stages of acquiring and integrating two high-profile organizations, creating significant demands on both the HR function and the broader integration team. Reporting directly to the CHRO, the Interim VP, HR will serve as a trusted partner and senior leader, helping ensure the successful integration of people, processes, technology, and culture while providing additional leadership capacity to an already stretched HR organization.

This role requires a seasoned HR executive who can quickly assess priorities, establish structure, drive execution, and work effectively within a fast-paced and highly visible environment.

Key Mandate

The Interim Vice President, HR will provide critical leadership and hands-on support across all people-related aspects of the acquisitions, helping to ensure a seamless integration experience for employees, leaders, and stakeholders.

Key areas of focus include:

People Integration

• Support the integration of employees from both acquired organizations into the existing structure.
• Partner with leadership teams to identify organizational impacts, workforce considerations, and change requirements.
• Ensure consistency in employee experience, policies, programs, and practices.
• Provide guidance on talent retention, organizational alignment, and leadership integration.

Process Integration

• Review and assess existing HR processes across all organizations.
• Identify gaps, duplication, inefficiencies, and opportunities for standardization.
• Lead workflow mapping and process harmonization efforts.
• Develop practical implementation plans to support integration objectives.
• Support the assessment and integration of HR systems, platforms, and technologies.
• Collaborate with HRIS, IT, and operational stakeholders to identify system dependencies and risks.
• Assist in planning and executing migration and transition activities.
• Ensure people-related processes remain operational throughout the integration period.

Change Management and Communications

• Partner with the integration team and executive leadership to develop and execute employee communication strategies.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities across all levels of the organization.
• Identify organizational risks and employee concerns, recommending mitigation strategies.
• Act as a visible and credible senior leader throughout the transition.

Leadership Support and Capacity Enhancement

• Provide day-to-day leadership support to the HR team during a period of exceptionally high workload.
• Help prioritize competing demands and critical deliverables.
• Provide coaching and guidance to HR leaders and managers.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CHRO.

By the conclusion of the assignment, the Interim VP, HR will have:

• Supported the successful integration of acquired organizations into the existing HR structure and operating model.
• Developed and executed key people integration activities and milestones.
• Completed workflow mapping and process integration recommendations.
• Supported HR technology integration planning and execution.
• Enhanced communication and change management effectiveness throughout the integration period.
• Provided stability, leadership, and additional capacity to the HR function during a critical business transition.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a highly accomplished HR executive with a demonstrated track record of leading complex mergers, acquisitions, and organizational integrations.

Experience should include:

• Progressive HR leadership experience at the Vice President, Director of HR, or equivalent senior executive level.
• Significant experience leading HR integration activities associated with mergers, acquisitions, or consolidations.
• Strong background in organizational design, workforce planning, talent management, and employee relations.
• Experience integrating HR processes, operating models, and technology platforms.
• Demonstrated success leading change management and communications initiatives.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility with executive leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Strong execution orientation with a hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, facilitation, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Healthcare sector experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working in unionized environments would be considered an asset.
• Previous interim experience is highly desirable.
• Pragmatic, action-oriented, and focused on execution.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experienced in balancing strategic considerations with operational realities.

Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge Corp. is committed to providing equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure a barrier-free recruitment process. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and our AODA policy, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the hiring process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please provide your accommodation needs in advance to the Recruitment Lead for this opportunity.

We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.