Strategic HR Business Partner

Simon Fraser University; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Strategic Human Resources Business Partner to help build a new medical school. This role involves collaborating with academic leaders to align HR strategies with institutional goals in a complex, unionized environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR experience, particularly in post-secondary education, and will excel in building relationships and driving employee engagement. This opportunity offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking institution dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence. Join a team committed to creating positive HR solutions and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

8% vacation pay

Employer paid extended health & dental plans

Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Qualifications

• 8+ years of HR experience, ideally in a unionized setting.
• Expertise in organizational design and employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Build partnerships with leadership to align HR strategies.
• Support recruitment, retention, and employee engagement efforts.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Decision-Making Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Analytical Reasoning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources

Tools

HR Metrics Tracking

Project Management Tools

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The Strategic Business Partner Services team provides proactive HR support, working closely with leaders and their units to deeply understand their unique needs. As the primary point of contact for leaders across SFU, they offer a broad range of HR guidance and support, exercising sound judgment in recognizing when to engage specialized expertise from various HR Centers of Excellence.

About the Role

Help build B.C.’s new medical school from the ground up! We are seeking an experienced Strategic Human Resources Business Partner (SBP) to provide expert guidance and proactive support to our School of Medicine. The SBP will partner with academic and administrative leaders within the School of Medicine to develop people plans that support our institution's goals within a complex, unionized environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build effective relationships and partnerships with Leadership within the School of Medicine to strategically align the HR strategy with the individual needs of the unit and the broader needs of the University.
• Proactively support organizational design and people practices, providing Human Resources expertise on the resources required to meet business goals and objectives.
• Support the School of Medicine in efforts to recruit and retain staff and drive employee engagement, integrating and encouraging best practices in HR.
• Lead the planning, advising, and facilitation of the delivery of HR programs and services to help meet the operational needs of business units and provide support to Leaders in the resolution of complex issues.
• Develop, monitor, and track key 'people' metrics to gain valuable insights and support strategic decision making.

If you excel at building trusted relationships and are passionate about creating positive HR solutions, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or HR, at least eight years of generalist HR experience, and a proven track record in a unionized setting, ideally in post-secondary education. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills are essential.

• Expert knowledge of best practices in Human Resources.
• Excellent knowledge of multiple Human Resource disciplines, including organizational design, compensation practices, employee and union relations, equity, diversity and inclusion, and performance management.
• Excellent knowledge of B.C Employment Standards Act and other applicable federal and provincial legislation.
• Excellent organizational, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, analytical reasoning skills, and judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative Professional Excluded Staff group (APEX):

• 8% vacation pay
• Employer paid extended health & dental plans
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information

The assignment end date is March 31, 2026.

The pay range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for the position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred, or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].