Principal Human Resources Business Partner

The Globe and Mail; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Telemedicine access

Extensive benefits package

Job summary

Omnitrans, a Fastfrate Group company, seeks a Principal HR Business Partner to lead HR strategy, total rewards, and employee relations for Canada and the U.S. offices.

You will partner with executives to drive organizational performance, oversee compensation and benefits, and develop leaders across jurisdictions, while coaching the HR team and ensuring consistent, compliant HR practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Active CRHA designation (desired).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience as generalist in Human Resources.
• Minimum 4–5 years of experience in compensation and benefits management.
• Experience across Canada and US employment practices is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of total rewards, job evaluation methodologies, market benchmarking, and internal equity.
• Experience leading performance management, talent development, and succession planning.
• Demonstrated experience coaching leaders and managing complex employee relations matters.
• Experience with HRIS platforms, HR analytics, reporting, and process improvement.
• Bilingualism in French and English is a must.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to align HR strategies with business objectives and employment laws.
• Lead compensation, benefits, PMP, job evaluations, and market benchmarking.
• Develop talent reviews, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Drive employee engagement programs and culture initiatives.
• Coach HR Advisor and HR Coordinator and manage performance of HR team.
• Oversee HR systems, data accuracy, reporting, and process improvement.
• Support HR programs across Canada and the United States.

Skills

Strategic HR partnership

Total rewards

Talent management

Employee relations

Team leadership

HRIS

HR analytics

Reporting

Process improvement

Bilingual French/English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/IR/Business

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Omnitrans, a Fastfrate Group company, is seeking a Principal Human Resources Business Partner to join our HR team and support our Canadian and U.S. operations.

Reporting to the Vice President, Human Resources, this senior-level role combines strategic HR business partnership, total rewards leadership, talent management, employee relations, and team leadership. The successful candidate will partner with leaders to align people strategies with business priorities, strengthen organizational performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement.

This role also provides direct leadership, coaching, and development to the HR Advisor and HR Coordinator, ensuring consistent HR practices, effective prioritization, and high-quality service delivery across the organization.

We are looking for a pragmatic, business-minded HR professional who can navigate complex employee matters, lead key HR programs, and translate organizational priorities into impactful people initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Business Partnership

• Partner with leaders to align HR strategies and practices with business objectives, organizational priorities, and applicable employment legislation.


• Provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, organizational effectiveness, engagement, and workplace challenges.


• Support leaders throughout the employee lifecycle, promoting accountability, timely performance management, and a positive employee experience.


• Advise on conflict resolution and organizational issues while fostering a respectful and productive work environment.


• Analyze HR metrics, workforce trends, and KPIs to support informed decision-making.


• Support organizational change, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Oversee the effective use and continuous improvement of HR systems, ensuring data accuracy, process consistency, and reliable reporting.

Total Rewards & Performance Management

• Lead the annual compensation review process and ensure salary decisions are aligned with performance outcomes, market competitiveness, and internal equity.


• Oversee the annual Performance Management Process (PMP), ensuring consistency and timely completion across Canada and the United States.


• Conduct job evaluations, market benchmarking, and internal equity analyses to support compensation decisions and organizational changes.


• Develop and recommend competitive, sustainable compensation and benefits strategies aligned with business needs.


• Lead annual group benefits renewals and manage relationships with benefits providers and other vendors.


• Provide guidance and functional oversight to the HR & Benefits Advisor on benefits administration and complex HR matters.


• Ensure compliance with Québec pay equity legislation and other applicable compensation and benefits requirements.


• Develop and maintain compensation and benefits policies, guidelines, and internal controls.


• Prepare executive-level analyses and recommendations on compensation trends and total rewards programs.


• Oversee health, wellness, and Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) initiatives.

Talent Development & Succession Planning

• Support the development and implementation of talent management and succession planning processes.


• Partner with leaders to facilitate talent reviews, succession discussions, and development planning.


• Coordinate leadership development and training initiatives based on organizational priorities and identified skill gaps.


• Monitor development plans and succession activities, tracking progress and follow-up actions.


• Continuously improve talent management practices in response to business needs and organizational feedback.


• Provide recruitment support during periods of high hiring volume.

Employee Engagement & Organizational Culture

• Analyze employee engagement survey results and partner with leaders to develop and implement action plans.


• Promote recognition initiatives aligned with organizational values.


• Support programs that strengthen employee retention, collaboration, and accountability.


• Contribute to a high-performance culture that balances operational excellence with employee well-being and respect.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the HR Advisor and HR Coordinator, establishing clear expectations and priorities.


• Manage the full performance cycle for direct reports, including SMART objectives, mid-year and year-end reviews, and individual development plans.


• Encourage autonomy, accountability, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving through regular feedback and coaching.


• Foster collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence within the HR team.


• Provide guidance and escalation support on complex HR cases, ensuring consistent and appropriate decisions.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.


• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.


• Active CRHA designation (desired).


• Minimum 10 years’ experience as generalist in Human Resources.


• Minimum 4–5 years of experience in compensation and benefits management.


• Significant progressive experience in HR, including strategic HR business partnership and responsibility for compensation, benefits, performance management, and employee relations.


• Experience supporting operations across multiple jurisdictions; knowledge of both Canadian and U.S. employment practices is strongly preferred.


• Strong knowledge of total rewards, job evaluation methodologies, market benchmarking, and internal equity analysis.


• Experience leading performance management, talent development, and succession planning initiatives.


• Demonstrated experience coaching leaders and managing complex employee relations matters.


• Previous experience leading, coaching, or developing HR team members.


• Experience with HRIS platforms, HR analytics, reporting, and process improvement.


• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.


• A pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach, sound judgment, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational requirements.


• Bilingualism in French and English is a must.

What We Offer

• Be part of a well-established international company, combining 45 years of experience in Customs Brokerage & Logistics services.


• Have an impact on the growth of the company.


• A solid compensation.


• A hybrid work environment.


• 24/7 telemedicine platform and an extra healthcare account expense.


• Have access to a complete insurance program of dental & medical services.


• Grow your career in a reputable company.


• Work in a flexible company with an agile mindset.

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