Manager, Human Resources - The City of Sarnia

County of Lambton; Sarnia; On-site; CAD 124,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

A mid-sized Canadian municipality is seeking an experienced Manager of Human Resources to lead their HR team. The role involves developing strategic HR initiatives, ensuring compliance with HR best practices, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Candidates should have a degree in Business Administration, CHRL designation, and at least 7 years of HR leadership experience, ideally in a public sector environment. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Dental benefits

OMERS pension plan

Employee & Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)

Work-life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally in municipal government or the broader public sector.
• Experience mentoring staff, promoting professional growth, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the HR team in delivering high-quality responsive services across the organization.
• Develop and implement strategic HR plans and initiatives aligned with corporate priorities.
• Champion a healthy, safe and respectful workplace culture and effective labour relations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Conflict resolution

Ability to influence change

Education

Degree in Business Administration or related field

CHRL designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR management software

Job description

Please note: This position is not with the County of Lambton. It is with our Community Partner, the City of Sarnia. Application instructions are included in the posting.

APPLY HERE: Career Centre Recruitment

Manager of Human Resources

Full-time Permanent

Sarnia, ON, CA

Salary Range: $124,688.20 - $157,830.40 annually

The City of Sarnia is seeking a forward-thinking and collaborative Manager of Human Resources to lead our HR team and help shape a workplace culture that reflects our values of respect, integrity and service. This strategic leadership role will oversee a broad range of HR functions including employee and labour relations, health and safety, recruitment, compensation and benefits, accessibility and more. Working closely with senior leadership you will ensure HR policies and practices support the City’s long-term goals and foster a positive, inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and engaged.

Job Status: Full-time Permanent

Division: Corporate Services

Department: Human Resources

Union: Non-Union

Salary: $124,688.20 - $157,830.40

Closing Date: October 19, 2025

About the City of Sarnia

Located at the mouth of the St. Clair River on the shores of Lake Huron, the community of Sarnia is known for its breathtaking waterfront, pristine beaches and beautiful park system. Situated on the American border just a short drive from London, Ontario, the community boasts a host of recreational opportunities, state-of-the-art healthcare, a vibrant cultural scene and excellent education paired with a high standard of living and a mild climate.

Ranked one of the most affordable medium-sized cities in Ontario, Sarnia with its 72,000 residents is home to over 1,000 acres of parkland and 40 km of trails in addition to 4 golf courses, 16 art galleries, 6 museums and 3 theatres across the county.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support the HR team in delivering high-quality responsive services across the organization.
• Develop and implement strategic HR plans and initiatives aligned with corporate priorities.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with staff, management, council and union representatives.
• Champion a healthy, safe and respectful workplace culture and effective labour relations.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Provide trusted guidance on complex HR matters with professionalism and discretion.

What You Bring

• Strategic leadership developing and implementing strategies to align the department with the City’s long-term goals.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence change and foster collaboration across all levels.
• Strong communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Deep understanding of employment law, labour relations and HR best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant tools.
• Experience mentoring staff, promoting professional growth and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• A degree in Business Administration or related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• CHRL designation.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally in municipal government or the broader public sector.

Why Work With Us

• Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic public sector environment.
• Be part of a leadership team that values innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Help shape a workplace where employees feel supported, engaged and empowered to succeed.

The City offers competitive salaries alongside extended health, dental and travel benefits, life insurance coverage, access to our Employee & Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) and enrollment in the OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) pension plan.

We are an organization focused on the health and well-being of our employees, including a priority on work–life balance delivered through a unique earned‑day‑off package in addition to vacation time offerings.

How to Apply

Please visit the City of Sarnia job board through the following link: Career Centre Recruitment