Senior Manager, People and Culture

Durham District School Board; Whitby; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Senior Manager of People and Culture to guide HR functions and ensure alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive knowledge of HR practices and educational legislation, with a minimum of five years' experience in HR management within a complex, unionized environment. This role involves overseeing HR operations, developing training programs, and facilitating employee relations initiatives, all while fostering an inclusive workplace culture in Whitby, Ontario.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of employment legislation.
• Ability to manage and lead diverse teams.
• Experience with HR information systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee functional areas within People and Culture.
• Develop training programs for professional development.
• Support collective bargaining and grievance resolution.
• Manage workplace investigations as required.

Skills

HR practices knowledge

Leadership skills

Conflict resolution skills

Data analytics

Proficient in MS Office

Education

Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

CHRL designation

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Job description

Job Details

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co‑created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Reporting to the Superintendent, People and Culture, the Senior Manager will provide leadership and guidance to all functional teams within the People and Culture department, ensuring alignment with board policies and procedures, legislative requirements, and organizational goals. As a key leader in the organization, you will provide strategic HR guidance to senior leaders across the system. Through collaboration, you will focus on connection building and maintaining relationships with employees at all levels, and promoting and supporting the development of safe, positive, and respectful working environments at all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership

• Oversee all functional areas within People and Culture including Recruitment, Ability Management, HR Information Management, Compensation, and Employee and Labour Relations.
• Support and guide People and Culture leaders in leading and developing their teams as they support day to day operations across the system and the implementation of projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of a department strategy and action plans supporting the Multi-Year Strategic Plan and regularly report on progress and impact.
• Ensure departmental programs and initiatives align with human rights, equity, and anti-oppression frameworks.

Organizational Development

• Develop and deliver training and development programs that support professional development, performance management strategies, and cultivate respectful, collaborative work environments.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training and development programs, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

Employee and Labour Relations

• Support collective bargaining, grievance resolution and Union/Federation relationships.
• Under the direction of the Superintendent, People and Culture, manage workplace investigations including completing full cycle investigations and reports where required.
• Provide strategic Employee Relations advice to the team and to senior leaders on complex and system level matters.
• Support the development, implementation, and management of the Attendance Support Program.

Talent Acquisition and HR Information Management

• Develop and support onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Support the promotion of DDSB as a workplace of choice through community events, post-secondary partnerships and employee engagement strategies and initiatives.
• Support and optimize HR systems and leverage technology solutions that enhance processes and deliver an improved, seamless employee experience.

Ability Management and Employee Well-Being

• Contribute to the development of an Employee Well-Being strategy.
• Provide guidance and direction on strategies related to attendance support, sick pay benefits, workplace injury management and accommodations.

Compensation

• Oversee the administration and maintenance of compensation systems, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with collective agreements, job evaluation systems, and pay equity legislation.

Qualifications and Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of HR practices, including employment legislation, and labour and employment law.
• Experience with HR information systems and data analytics.
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage and lead diverse teams.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving expertise.
• Strong writing and presentation skills to large groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team engaged in innovative thinking.
• Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint), experience with Oracle Fusion would be a plus

Education

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Masters degree preferred
• CHRL designation preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of comprehensive HR management experience leading at the department level in a complex, unionized environment. Public sector HR management experience preferred.
• Minimum 5 years labour relations experience, including leading negotiations, and managing grievances and arbitrations.
• Experience in conducting complex workplace investigations related to harassment and discrimination, including assessment of evidence and report writing.

Additional Requirements

• Provide a current Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening upon hire.

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well‑being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.