Job ID #32341: Human Resources Business Partner

City of Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hamilton is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner to provide client-focused HR support to our business units and become a trusted partner on people strategy and workforce initiatives.

Reporting to the Director, Talent and Diversity, you will collaborate with HR teams, participate in leadership team meetings, advise on organizational design, employee development, and compliance, and help foster a positive workplace culture across the organization.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related discipline normally acquired through a completed University degree or related education, or the equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Extensive and diverse Human Resources experience required, preferably in a unionized environment. Previous experience as a HRBP and CHRL preferred.
• Strong business acumen and an ability to learn a client’s business needs and anticipate required HR support.
• Ability to persuade and influence key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated proficiency with client service, change management, and Human Resources program deployment.
• Strong understanding of a variety of Human Resources functional areas.
• Ability to demonstrate highly effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Considerable knowledge of relevant collective agreements, employment legislation (ESA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, corporate policies and procedures and other relevant statutes.
• Superior communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Utilizes sound judgement to provide advice, coaching and consultation to client groups.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Outlook). Previous experience using an HRIS system (PeopleSoft is an asset).

Responsibilities

• Develops a deep understanding of the departments’ business operation to support the development & execution of people strategies.
• Acts as the key liaison between all areas of HR and the client groups ensuring the client group needs are identified and addressed in HR program development.
• Provides leadership advice and guidance on organizational issues in support of strategic and operational objectives, and promotes a positive workplace culture.
• Regularly attends HR business unit onsite meetings.
• Serves as strategic partner and support to assigned DLT.
• Develops rapport with HR and client groups and provides departmental feedback to HR.
• Proactively recommends changes to practices to increase value for clients.
• Delivers consultation on organizational design, change management, team effectiveness, and employee development & engagement.
• Provides input to HR programs/initiatives including workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, labour strategy, compensation and benefits.
• Ensures compliance with HR policies and procedures.
• Shows initiative to improve processes.
• Works in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and City policies.

Skills

HRBP experience

Stakeholder influence

HR policy deployment

Analytical problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

HRIS experience

Education

University degree or related education

Tools

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Office

Job description

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #32341: Human Resources Business Partner
• Union: Non-Union
• Job Description ID #: 7132
• Close date: by 4:00 p.m. on November 25, 2026.
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Director, Talent and Diversity, the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) is accountable for providing client focused consultative services, support and strategic client partnership for all human resource matters to the Business Units. It is expected that the HRBP will become a member of each of the respective Department Leadership Teams (DLT). HR Business Partners will work collaboratively with the HR functional areas to ensure that the business unit needs are met. This role will serve as the primary HR contact for the business unit.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Develops a deep understanding of the departments’ business operation to support the development & execution of people strategies.
• Acts as the key liaison between all areas of Human Resources (HR) and the client groups ensuring the client group needs are identified and addressed in HR program development.
• Provides leadership advice and guidance on organizational issues in support of strategic and operational objectives, an advocate for a positive workplace culture and environment including staffing/hiring, employee/labour relations, performance management, talent management, succession planning, compensation, culture and change management.
• Regularly attends at scheduled HR business unit onsite meetings
• Strives to serve as a trusted member of the DLT.
• Serves as strategic partner, counsel and support to assigned DLT.
• Develops rapport and constructive relationships with members of the larger HR team and operational client group and provides departmental feedback to the broader HR organization.
• Proactively recommends creative and effective changes to existing/historical practices to increase value-add to the client groups and simplify ways of working.
• Expertly delivers consultation on organizational design, change management, team effectiveness, and employee development & engagement initiatives within the functions and across the organization, aligned with corporate programs and strategies.
• Provides input to the development and assists in the implementation of HR programs/initiatives including (for example) workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, labour strategy, compensation and benefit strategy.
• Ensures compliance in accordance with HR policies and procedures.
• Appropriately and respectfully challenges status quo in an effort to develop continuous improvement mind set.
• Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Post- secondary education in a related discipline normally acquired through a completed University degree or related education, or the equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
2. Extensive and diverse Human Resources experience required, preferably in a unionized environment. Previous experience as a HRBP and CHRL preferred.
3. Strong business acumen and an ability to learn a client’s business needs and anticipate required HR support.
4. Ability to persuade and influence key stakeholders.
5. Demonstrated proficiency with client service, change management, and Human Resources program deployment.
6. Strong understanding of a variety of Human Resources functional areas.
7. Ability to demonstrate highly effective written and verbal communication skills.
8. Considerable knowledge of relevant collective agreements, employment legislation (ESA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, corporate policies and procedures and other relevant statutes.
9. Superior communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
10. Utilizes sound judgement to provide advice, coaching and consultation to client groups. The ability to make recommendations and provide appropriate follow up.
11. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Outlook). Previous experience using an HRIS system (PeopleSoft is an asset).

HOURS

35 per week

Disclaimer

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy.Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes.Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.