Vice President, Human Resources

Summit Search Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading search firm in Canada is seeking a VP, HR who will play a crucial role as a strategic leader and key member of the senior executive team. This position involves developing and executing HR programs to foster a high-performing culture and overseeing the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to performance management. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of HR leadership experience, including at least 3 years at the VP level, and a strong background in compliance and operations. This position offers a competitive salary and is located in Toronto, Ontario.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including 3 years at the VP level.
• Experience leading HR functions and being a strategic business partner.
• Familiarity with large multinational CPG companies and small/mid-size businesses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute HR programs to create a high-performing culture.
• Oversee the full employee life cycle including recruitment and performance management.
• Monitor workforce analytics to drive improved business results.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership development

Employee engagement

Change management

HR compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Professional Designation in Human Resources (CHRP/CHRE/CHRL)

Job description

Ourclientisawell-knownplayerintheconsumergoodssector.

Position Scope:

The VP, HR is a Strategic Leader and a key member of the Senior Executive Team (SET) & Advisory Board, reporting directly to the President. This individual does not just execute policy; they are a business partner responsible for developing and executing the mid-to-long-term business strategy and the supporting People Plan.

Collaborating at all levels and with peers from all departments, this leader will develop, enhance, and execute HR programs designed to create a high-performing culture.

The VP, HR will lead a team of five functional professionals across all HR areas, including engagement, retention, talent acquisition, workforce planning, leadership development, health & safety, performance management and total rewards (including Payroll).

Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership & Culture

• Provide sound guidance to the SET on HR matters, compliance, and internal policies. Develop a multi-year HR agenda that aligns priorities with organizational goals.
• Act as a strong change agent to influence colleagues and lead the organization through new culture and people-related initiatives.
• Promote an environment that is inclusive, open, empowering, and safe. Lead social responsibility strategies to create business value while promoting positive social change.
• Design and execute a comprehensive employee engagement strategy that elevates organizational health, drives high performance, and fosters a culture of recognition.
• Serve as a lead strategic advisor and coach to departmental heads, leveraging deep expertise in organizational design and development to optimize structures; represent the HR function in Board-level discussions with a focus on influencing key stakeholders.

Talent Management & Operations

• Work collaboratively with departments to understand talent requirements and develop tools that help leaders build a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the full employee life cycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, career development, and total compensation/benefits.
• Create and execute against the Leadership Competency Framework, including elevating focus on development planning to drive high performance.
• Monitor workforce analytics to provide thought leadership on key HR metrics that drive improved business results.
• Develop and manage the HR department’s annual operating budget, focusing on risk mitigation and cost savings.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Support and develop programs in relation to the health & safety agenda; own and continue to drive improvements in compensation & benefits.
• Act as a steward of compliance in all areas, including the Company Code of Conduct.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional Designation in Human Resources (CHRP/CHRE/CHRL).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 3 years at the VP level.
• Experience leading the HR function or holding responsibility for the majority of HR functions.
• Prior experience as a strategic business partner with proven ability to create functional relationships, including with Operations and Finance.
• Background with large multinational CPG companies, combined with familiarity with small/mid-size entrepreneurial businesses, is ideal.
• Exposure to unionized environments is considered an asset.

Personal and Leadership Attributes:

• Ability to “flex up and down”—comfortable rolling up your sleeves for hands-on work while also capable of high-level strategic thinking.
• High empathy and self-awareness, with the ability to relate to people at all levels of the organization.
• Strong written and verbal communicator who is accessible and approachable.

This position is exempt from Ontario’s 2026 pay transparency requirements under Regulation 476/24.

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.