Director of Human Resources

Summary

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Human Resources (Director) to lead and manage all aspects of our HR function.  The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping our organizational culture, supporting employee engagement, and ensuring that HR strategies align with the Institute’s overall goals.  The ideal person will be a hands-on leader who enjoys working closely with their team in the details and has the experience and confidence to operate at a Director level. This individual will report to the CFO, lead our HR team and work closely with senior leadership to develop and execute talent acquisition, development, retention and organizational effectiveness strategies across three (3) separate legal entities (UOHI, Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation and UOHI Foundation), collectively referred to as the “Institute”.

Key responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy – lead, mentor and develop a high-performing HR team, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s vision and values.  Develop and implement HR strategies that support Institute objectives and drive organizational performance.  Collaborate with senior leadership to shape the Institute’s culture, focusing on employee engagement, inclusivity, and organizational development. Collaborative communication and engagement with communications department to share information in an engaging and timely manner.
• Talent Management & Development – Oversee recruitment, retention, and onboarding processes to ensure the Institute attracts and retains top talent.  Implement and manage employee development programs, including training, performance management, career development and succession planning. Establish and evaluate employee performance programs that support both individual growth and organizational success; one that includes all required mandatory training, training that enhances job duties and will improve service delivery and practices as well as facilitate the implementation of the strategic plan.
• Employee and Labour Relations – Foster a positive and productive work environment, addressing employee concerns, mediating conflicts, and ensuring compliance with Institute policies. Implement and maintain employee engagement programs to enhance morale, satisfaction and retention.  Advise management on labour relations, employee benefits, compensation and performance management issues.

Liaise with strategic partner (The Ottawa Hospital) and provide expert advice and guidance on the interpretation and implementation of collective agreements, as well as employee and labour legislation.  Provide centralized oversight for key labour relations activities.  Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders on employee relations and conflict resolution as required, balancing risk mitigation and employee experience.

• Health & Safety – Lead health & safety programs to ensure a safe and secure work environment through best practices to foster physical and psychological health, effective disability claims management, strong working relationships with key stakeholders, and knowledge of legislative requirements throughout the organization.
• WSIB – Lead WSIB claim management, return to work agreements, accommodation requests and leave requests with employees.  Provide support and leadership to management in managing employees, WSIB claim adjudicators and physicians.
• Compensation & Benefits – Oversee compensation and benefits programs, ensuring competitiveness, equity and compliance with legal standards. Manage the Institute’s benefits offerings, ensuring the programs meet employee needs while being cost-effective for the organization.
• Compliance & Legal – Ensure compliance with federal and provincial laws and regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures. Maintain and update employee handbooks and HR policies to reflect changes in legal requirements and best practices.
• HR Metrics & Reporting – Analyze HR data and metrics to assess the effectiveness of HR programs and initiatives.  Provide regular reports to senior leadership on HR performance, employee engagement, turnover, and other key metrics.
• Perform other duties and projects, as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) / Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) designation or in progress; preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5 years in a senior HR leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, compensation, benefits and labour relations.
• Proven experience in talent management, organizational development, and employee relations.
• Experience with a hospital, or not-for-profit organization; desired.
• Proven experience in labour relations in a unionized environment; preferred.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior management and employees at all levels.
• Proficient with MS Office.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems and workflows.
• Bilingual (French and English); preferred.

Key attributes:

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive approach to driving change and innovation.
• High emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.

To apply

Please send your cover letter and CV to jobpostings@ottawaheart.ca.

Applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ⁺ community, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities are strongly encouraged.

According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is committed to ensuring barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process relating to any specialty requirements. Please notify us of any accommodations that you require – any information you provide will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The successful candidate will be required, prior to the start of employment, to complete mandatory organizational training available online, and provide the following: an official piece of photo identification and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and proof of COVID-19 vaccine.