People & Culture Director

Job Title

People & Culture Director

Location

Toronto - Toronto, ON M5C 1K9 CA (Primary)

Category

Leadership & Management

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Join us at SvN - a leading multidisciplinary design and planning firm dedicated to shaping vibrant, sustainable communities for the future.

With a rich history of innovation and a commitment to excellence, SvN is at the forefront of urban design, architecture, and landscape architecture.

SvN brings together a diverse team of passionate professionals, including architects, urban planners, designers, and strategists.

With offices in Toronto, Vancouver, and Mexico City, SvN is proud to serve clients across Canada and internationally.

Join us as we solve complex problems, create positive change, and shape cities around the world.

Position Summary

As the People & Culture Director, reporting directly to the Partners, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's human resources strategy and driving its execution to support business objectives.

You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the employee life cycle, from talent acquisition to employee development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and HR compliance;

you will orchestrate every aspect of our HR landscape. Leading the charge for a dynamic 180+ member strong integrated planning and design firm, you'll infuse our team with vitality, supporting our journey towards delivering kick-ass, equitable, post-carbon solutions(!) and fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and engaged.

Your role isn't just about HR; it's about igniting the spark that drives our collective success, providing strategic vision, and operational excellence to our leadership team and employees alike.

Role and Responsibilities :

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the company's business objectives, mission, and values.
• Provide strategic guidance and leadership on talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and HR compliance.
• Partner with senior leadership to drive organizational change initiatives and foster a culture of creativity, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Lead the HR team, providing mentorship, coaching, and development opportunities
• Oversee talent acquisition efforts, ensuring the recruitment and selection of high-caliber candidates who align with the company's culture and values.
• Design and implement employee development programs, including training, leadership development, and succession planning initiatives.
• Lead performance management processes, including performance evaluations, and feedback mechanisms, to drive employee engagement and accountability.
• Foster positive employee relations through effective communication, conflict resolution, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with HR-related laws and regulations.
• Monitor HR metrics and analytics to assess the effectiveness of HR programs and initiatives and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Engage with the JEDI group to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within SvN.
• Take a leadership role in the firm's efforts to pursue more formal ESG work, such as obtaining B Corp certification, aligning HR practices with sustainability and social responsibility goals.
• Champion special projects and assume additional responsibilities as needed to support HR initiatives.

What you bring :

We're seeking a seasoned HR professional who thrives in fast-paced, highly creative environments. Your toolbox should be equipped with a strategic mindset, exceptional leadership abilities, and a proven track record of igniting organizational success through innovative HR initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Previous experience within a professional services environment, ideally in the AEC industry or within another creative profession.
• National and / or global experience and familiarity with different provincial regulations.
• Professional certification such as SHRM, CHRP, CHRL, or SPHR is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Experience in driving organizational change initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• In-depth knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze HR metrics and data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Why Choose SvN?

SvN is one of Canada's premier integrated planning and design firms with a multidisciplinary team of architects, planners, urban designers and landscape architects engaged with the dynamic social, economic and environmental forces that define and govern where we live and work.

As an integrated full-service firm, we guide public- and private-sector projects from conception to implementation. We are unique in providing design-intensive services that resolve complex issues such as land-use regulations, regional infrastructure requirements, or community development.

SvN engages in applied research and advocacy in post-carbon design, social justice, housing and biodiversity.

Since our original inception over 40 years ago, we continue to shape the built environment in regions, cities, and towns across Canada and worldwide.

With offices in Toronto, Vancouver and in Mexico City (known as SvNMX), we've revitalized industrial waterfronts, developed many new forms of affordable housing, designed resilient neighbourhoods, and promoted rural and urban economic development.

What we have to offer you :

SvN offers a competitive salary and full health and dental benefits, including a Health & Wellness Spending Account and parental leave top-up, a generous Professional Development Allowance, as well as a Group Retirement Savings Plan with a matching component.

Now for the fun part! SvN holds many social events throughout the year. From community-building events, ski days and summer / holiday parties.

We also hold weekly forums and design workshops for all staff to learn, socialize and get involved. In addition to much-deserved vacation time, we offer flex time, a generous amount of sick time and personal days, parental leave top up, and extended weekends in the summer months.

If that wasn't enough, our studio closes during the holidays in December so that you can spend quality time with your family and friends!

How Do I Apply?

Candidates may apply through our HRIS platform linked via our careers page.

As an employer committed to employment equity, SvN encourages applications from members of equity-seeking communities, including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities / expressions.

We encourage members of equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the cover letter in their application.

If you require any form of accommodation during the application process, please reach out.