Senior Director, Human Resources

The Institute for Performance and Learning; Brampton; On-site; CAD 177,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

RRSP matching

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The Institute for Performance and Learning in Canada is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to partner with leadership, aligning HR strategy with our mission to advance healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation. This role oversees talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, engagement, and compliance within a highly regulated life sciences context.

The ideal candidate will bring 15+ years of HR leadership, with at least 5 years in pharma or life sciences, strong regulatory knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree or HR certification preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in pharmaceutical or life sciences.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements impacting the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and change management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute HR strategies that align with business objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership to drive organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and change management.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to lead strategies to attract top-tier scientific, technical/operations, and commercial talent.
• Oversee talent management, succession planning, leadership development, and performance management programs.
• Implement competitive and compliant compensation structures and benefit programs.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic planning

Executive influence

HR analytics

Communication

Change management

Employee relations

Education

Bachelor's in HR/Business

Master's or HR certification

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

Job purpose

The Senior Director of Human Resources will serve as a strategic partner to leadership, driving HR initiatives that align with the company’s mission to advance healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation. This role oversees all aspects of HR strategy, including talent acquisition, organizational development, employee engagement, compensation, benefits, and compliance, ensuring a high-performing and inclusive workplace culture. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry and a proven ability to lead HR functions in a highly regulated environment.

Duties and responsibilities

• Develop and execute HR strategies that align with business objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership to drive organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and change management.
• Partner with the Talent Acquisition COE to lead talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier scientific, technical/operations, and commercial talent.
• Build and promote the company’s employer brand and employee value proposition (EVP) to strengthen market presence and attract high-quality candidates.
• Oversee talent management, succession planning, leadership development, workforce capability building, and performance management programs.
• Ensure alignment of reward and recognition strategies with organizational goals and market trends.
• Collaborate with the Total Rewards COE to implement competitive and compliant compensation structures.
• Oversee benefit programs that are competitive and support employee well-being.
• Implement programs that enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with human rights, employment standards legislation and pharmaceutical industry regulations.
• Manage HR audits and ensure adherence to ethical standards.
• Participate in and/or lead Non-Conformance Investigations.
• Execute Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA’s).
• Initiate, and follow through with actions required to close Change Controls.
• Optimize HR processes and leverage technology for efficiency, and lead HR analytics to inform data-driven decision-making.
• Manage and mentor HR team members, promoting professional growth and high performance.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree or HR certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements impacting the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and change management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Canada/Provincial employment, human rights and health and safety legislation.
• Core Competencies include strategic thinking, business acumen, leadership & influence, talent development and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate and follow-up to ensure timely and quality completion of projects.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with MS Office products and Human Resource Information Systems.

Working Conditions

This role is 5 days on site and may need travelling as required. Typical manufacturing/office environment. Tight deadlines, ad hoc requirements and unusual circumstances create an atmosphere of urgency, which can produce stress. Regularly respond to non-routine and complex problems relating to people management and employee relations to provide guidance and recommendations in compliance with legal and human right legislation in a rapidly changing atmosphere.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The presently-anticipated base compensation pay range for this position is $176,500 to $215,500. Actual base compensation may vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to geographical location and experience. In addition, this position is part of the Annual Performance Bonus Plan.

Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs which include:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• RRSP savings plan
• Employee assistance program

Employees also receive various paid time off benefits, including vacation time and sick time.

The compensation and benefits described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility. If hired, the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company, or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees as assigned to this job. Nothing herein shall preclude the employer from changing these duties from time to time and assigning comparable duties or other duties commensurate with the experience and background of the incumbent(s).

We provide equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender identity, gender expression or any other ground protected by applicable human rights legislation.

The Company does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.